Books About Starting School · 129 titles considered

The Best Starting School Books for Kids

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to School, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about starting school? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Starting School

Wonder
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Wonder

A boy with a unique face faces school for the first time, seeking acceptance.

316 pages· 73,102 words· Est. 10 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,225,086 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Auggie Pullman, born with a facial difference, starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep. As he navigates the challenges of being new and different, he yearns for acceptance. Will his classmates see beyond his extraordinary face? Through shifting perspectives, this story explores empathy, compassion, and the courage to stand out. Can kindness bridge the gap between appearances and true friendship?
How Not to Start Third Grade
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2007

How Not to Start Third Grade

A boy navigates the challenges of starting a new school year with his energetic and mischievous little brother by his side

48 pages· 1,715 words· Est. 20 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 464 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Will's excitement for third grade is overshadowed by his little brother Steve's kindergarten debut. Chaos ensues as Steve's antics bring unexpected challenges and embarrassing moments. Can Will survive the school year with his troublesome sibling in tow? Discover the hilarious trials of brotherhood and school life in this engaging tale for young readers.
Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 2010

Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade

A first grader faces her fears without her magical tutu. Can she find courage within?

96 pages· 2,627 words· Est. 30 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 847 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Posey dreads her first day of first grade, especially without her confidence-boosting tutu. Alone, she must brave the daunting Blue Hall. But when she inspires a parade where kids wear what comforts them, school suddenly seems less scary. Will Posey discover her inner strength and charm her way through this new adventure?
Lost and Found
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2008

Lost and Found

By Andrew Clements, Mark Elliott (Illustrator)

Twins exploit a school error, leading to unexpected discoveries.

192 pages· 28,038 words· Est. 4 hour read
5.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 4,711 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Identical twins Ray and Jay Grayson face a new school with a twist: only Jay is recognized. Seizing the opportunity, they decide to live as one person. As they navigate this deception, they uncover surprising truths about identity, friendship, and honesty. Will their clever ruse bring them closer or drive them apart?
The Un-Friendship Bracelet
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

The Un-Friendship Bracelet

A new student tests the bonds of friendship and creativity among young creators.

128 pages· 4,733 words· Est. 53 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 253 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Emily and Maddie, inseparable best friends, face a challenge when new student Bella arrives, sparking a shift in their friendship. As Maddie and Bella bond over crafts, Emily feels left out until she discovers a creative ally in her classmate. When Emily's friendship bracelet falls unnoticed, she questions the strength of her bond with Maddie. Can Emily navigate this new dynamic and find her place in the group? Join these young creators as they tackle friendship and creativity in their everyday adventures.
The Kissing Hand
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 1993

The Kissing Hand

By Audrey Penn, Ruth Harper (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Kissing Hand series

A young raccoon learns to cope with going to school for the first time.

30 pages· 457 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 73,978 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Chester Raccoon dreads his first day of school, but his mother has a special secret to share. With the Kissing Hand, Chester can carry her love wherever he goes. Will this magical gesture ease his fears and help him face the unknown? Discover how a simple touch can transform a daunting journey into a heartwarming adventure.
Maple & Willow Apart
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2015

Maple & Willow Apart

Sisters find a creative way to stay connected despite being apart.

32 pages· 501 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 614 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Maple and Willow, inseparable sisters, face a new challenge when Maple starts school, leaving Willow behind. As they embark on separate adventures, they discover the ache of missing each other. Can they find a way to bridge the distance and keep their bond strong? Join them on a heartwarming journey of creativity and connection, where the power of sibling love shines through even the toughest changes.
Albie Newton
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2018

Albie Newton

By Josh Funk, Ester Garay (Illustrator)

A child genius's plan to make friends turns into chaos. Can he fix it?

26 pages· 346 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 264 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Albie Newton, a child genius and inventive whiz, starts preschool with a plan to make friends. But his creative ideas lead to chaos, angering his classmates by dismantling toys and causing a mess. Can Albie's latest invention win back their friendship and make things right? Discover if his brilliance can mend the bonds he's broken in this charming tale of creativity and camaraderie.
The Truth About My Unbelievable School...
Sale price
$1248
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

The Truth About My Unbelievable School...

A school tour reveals bizarre secrets. Is it all true or a wild tale?

44 pages· 222 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 287 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Henry guides a new classmate through a school filled with strange inventions, ninja-worthy cafeterias, and possibly monstrous teachers. As the tour unfolds, the line between reality and fantasy blurs. Is this school as unbelievable as it seems, or is there an even bigger surprise waiting? Dive into a whimsical adventure where truth and imagination collide, leaving you questioning what's real and what's not.
We Don't Eat Our Classmates
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2018

We Don't Eat Our Classmates

A young T. rex named Penelope starts school and learns that it's not acceptable to eat her classmates.

40 pages· 429 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 12,322 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Penelope Rex is excited for her first day at school, but making friends is tricky when her classmates seem like tasty snacks. When the tables turn, Penelope learns a surprising lesson about friendship and food chains. Will she find her place among her peers, or will her appetite get the best of her?
Browse by age

Starting School Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about starting school for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price
$1299

S Is for School

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover school life from A to Z with vibrant illustrations.

My Preschool
Sale price
$799

My Preschool

Ages 2–5 · 2008

A preschool day full of fun, friends, and farewells.

All Welcome Here
Sale price
$1899

All Welcome Here

Ages 4–7 · 2020

First day of school: excitement, challenges, and anxieties unfold in poetic snapshots.

Buzzy Had a Little Lamb
Sale price
$995

Buzzy Had a Little Lamb

Ages 2–5 · 2005

A child faces school without their beloved toy. How will they cope?

Sale price
$599

School

Ages 2–5 · 2012

A boy navigates his first day at school, facing new questions and experiences.

Sale price
$599

First Time Nursery

Ages 2–5 · 2010

A child's first day at nursery school unfolds with new experiences and questions.

Browse by age

Starting School Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about starting school for preschool and elementary-age readers.

You Can Be a Good Friend
Sale price
$1999

You Can Be a Good Friend

Ages 4–8 · 2024

A girl faces teasing at school but finds friendship by embracing her uniqueness.

Steamboat School
Sale price
$1899

Steamboat School

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A boy and his teacher defy a law banning Black education by creating a floating school.

The Invisible Boy
Sale price
$1899

The Invisible Boy

Ages 6–9 · 2013

A boy struggles to be noticed by his classmates and teacher until a new student befriends him.

Chrysanthemum
Sale price
$1999

Chrysanthemum

Ages 4–8 · 1991

A young girl struggles to find self-acceptance in the face of teasing and criticism from her peers.

The Class
Sale price
$1799

The Class

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Twenty kids prepare for their first day of kindergarten, each with unique emotions.

A New School Year
Sale price
$1699

A New School Year

Ages 5–9 · 2017

Six kids face first-day school jitters and joys.

Broken Crayons Still Color
Sale price
$1899

Broken Crayons Still Color

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A child learns to transform broken crayons and emotions into beauty and joy.

School is Coming
Sale price
$1799

School is Coming

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A boy's school fears are eased as he learns what kindergarten holds.

Me and My Fear
Sale price
$1799

Me and My Fear

Ages 3–7 · 2018

A young immigrant girl battles her growing Fear in a new country and school.

Browse by age

Starting School Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about starting school for developing and independent readers.

Sale price
$699

Sunday Sundaes

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Can three friends keep their bond strong while managing an ice cream shop together?

Sale price
$1499

Isadora Moon Goes to School

Ages 6–9 · 2016

A young vampire-fairy girl navigates her mixed heritage and decides which school to attend, ultimately choosing a human school over a fairy or vampire school.

Locker Hero
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

Locker Hero

Ages 9–13 · 2016

Max faces a bully at his new school. Can he become the hero he dreams of being?

Sale price
$799

Kid Normal

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A boy discovers a mysterious school that trains students to control their superpowers and decides to stay despite having no powers himself

All's Faire in Middle School
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2299

All's Faire in Middle School

Ages 9–12 · 2017

Imogene faces middle school challenges and questions her identity as a knight or dragon.

Sale price
$499

First Grader (at Last!)

Ages 6–8 · 2002

A young girl navigates the challenges of first grade, including making friends, dealing with bullies, and learning to read and write.

Karma Khullar's Mustache
Sale price
$799

Karma Khullar's Mustache

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Middle school looms as Karma faces friendship shifts and an unexpected mustache.

Sale price
$799

Amina's Voice

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A girl navigates cultural identity and friendship amid community tragedy.

Two Roads
Sale price
$1799

Two Roads

Ages 10–14 · 2018

A boy uncovers his Native heritage at a harsh boarding school during the Great Depression.

Sale price
$599

The New Kid

Ages 6–8 · 2018

A new student joins a second-grade class and struggles to fit in with his peers, who find him strange and different