Children’s literature has many notable options when it comes to substitute teachers. To help you find the right books for you and your young reader, we’ve compiled a list of the best kids books about substitute teachers.
Our list includes picture books and chapter books. Picture books are generally great options for toddlers and for preschool and kindergarten age children. Picture books are especially enjoyable for adults to read aloud with young kids. The chapter books on our list are generally best for elementary through early middle school age tween kids. You can filter to sort by the best book type for your kid.
When it comes to children’s stories about substitute teachers, there are a variety of titles. This list covers everything, from classics like Miss Nelson is Missing! to popular sellers like Ms. Todd Is Odd!.
We hope this list of kids books about substitute teachers can be a helpful resource for parents, teachers, and others searching for a new book!
The kids in Room 207 were misbehaving again. Spitballs stuck to the ceiling. Paper planes whizzing through the air. They were the worst-behaved class in the whole school. So begins this quirky classic, first published in 1977 and still relevant today as a lighthearted reminder to show our appreciation to those we value. The students don’t proffer a shred of respect for their good-natured teacher Miss Nelson, but when the witchy substitute Miss Viola Swamp appears on the scene, they start to regret their own wicked ways. James Marshall’s scritchy, cartoonish full-color ink and wash illustrations are hilarious. A back-to-school perennial!
Ben likes things the same way every day at school—he sits at the same table, eats the same lunch, and likes the daily class routine. But when his teacher leaves to have her baby and a substitute teacher comes and changes everything, Ben gets upset. He liked everything the way it was before! But soon Ben starts to think differently about change and realizes that doing things another way can be fun.
With more than 23 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading! In this second book in the My Weirder-est School series, A.J. and his friends are getting a substitute. Miss Porter isn’t your average teacher, though. She’s a Personal Digital Assistant that literally knows everything. She can tell a million hundred weird jokes and get pizza delivered by drone in seconds! But what happens when Miss Porter’s system is no longer set to fun? Will anyone be able to shut her down before she takes over Ella Mentry? Perfect for reluctant readers and all kids hungry for funny school stories, Dan Gutman’s hugely popular My Weird School chapter book series has something for everyone. Don’t miss the hilarious adventures of A.J. and the gang!
My Weirder School weirder than ever!
Georgia's Greatness - As the Huit octuplets prepare for a St. Patrick’s Day parade, Georgia discovers her powers and uncovers the substitute teacher’s secret.
Ms. Todd Is Odd! - Something weird is going on! Ms. Todd is subbing, and A.J. and his friends are sure she kidnapped Miss Daisy so she could take over her job. They’re going to have to do the detective work to get the goods on her. But it won’t be easy! Ms. Todd is the weirdest substitute teacher in the history of the world!
Here Comes Teacher Cat - Cat is not pleased to be tapped as substitute teacher. Not only is it cutting into his nap time, but a roomful of kittens is a little, well, scary. At school, he’s faced with six adorable kittens and follows the lesson plan of music, building, and painting-only in pure, mischief-making Cat style. By the end, Cat has learned a thing or two about inspiring others by being himself. But even more heart-melting and humorous is what the kittens have learned from Cat.
Pout-Pout Fish: Back to School - Get ready to go back to school with the Pout-Pout Fish! Mr. Fish is going back to school to be a substitute teacher, and he’s nervous—until he meets a little guppy who can help him! At an affordable price point, and with two pages of stickers, this new format is fun and accessible for Mr. Fish’s fans and newcomers alike.
In this delightful Christmas picture book, Jack's substitute teacher, Mr. Clausen, looks a whole lot like Santa Claus--could he really be Santa?
There is an elegant substitute teacher in class today, but Katie’s attempts to impress her keep going wrong.
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