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10 Books to Ease Back to School Fears

Pick these up at your local library or neighborhood bookstore

By Jennifer Sheran, publisher Macaroni Kid McDonough, Stockbridge, Hampton, Locust Grove July 13, 2022

Does your child have first day of school jitters? Do you?

Well, you are not alone. It is natural to be uneasy about a change, whether that is the first day of Kindergarten or the first day of a new year. 

A book about the first day of school can help ease your child's fears, and open the door to a conversation with you about what is worrying them. We've compiled lists of back to school themed books for kids in elementary school, as well as a few titles to check out for students in middle school. You can find these at your local library or neighborhood bookstore. 

Ten great books about the first day of school for Elementary Students:

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

A nervous young raccoon's mom kisses the palm of his hand before his first day of school. If he feels scared at all, he can touch his hand to his cheek and feel her kiss. 

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlson 

Henry, a mouse, isn't sure he's ready for kindergarten. But on his first day of school, he discovers how much fun he will have.

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

Sarah Jane Hartwell knows her first day at her new school will be awful. But when she arrives, she finds help in smoothing her jittery transition. A surprise ending is sure to make you -- and your kids -- laugh.

School's First Day of School by Adam Rex

Even the school building is nervous about the first day of school in this sweet and charming book. 

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child

This book features the well-known characters of Charlie and Lola. The ever-patient Charlie persuades Lola that even though she can already count to 10, school is worthwhile. 

Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School by Herman Parish

The literal-minded Amelia is about to start her first day of school. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty! Amelia will make your child laugh, and ease her worst fears. 


Back to School Splat!

Splat the Cat must pick a summer adventure to share with his class.



The Night Before Kindergarten, by Natasha Wing

Similar to the Night Before Christmas, this is a beautiful poem about what is happening around town the night for Kindergarten


Off to First Grade by Louise Borden

All 23 students in Mrs. Miller's class get a voice in this story, which means kids will find at least one character they relate to.

How Not to Start Third Grade by Cathy Hapka

Will's troublesome little brother, Steve, is starting kindergarten. School will never be the same! Cathy Hapka and Ellen Titlebaum are the authors of many books for children.


Three Back to School Books for Kids in Middle School 

A Smart Girl’s Guide to Starting Middle School by Julie Williams

Girls about to enter middle school can take a quiz to determine how they respond to change. The book contains tips on everything from switching classes to making new friends. Also includes tips from girls who have been through the switch from elementary school to middle school.

The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School by Robin Epstein and Ben H. Winters

The authors of the best-selling Worst-Case Scenario series return with a survival guide for those who are facing, or just about to face, this big transitional time in school and life.


How to Survive Middle School by Donna Gephart

Middle Schoolers will root for David as he goes from feeling as insignificant as a hamster to becoming an Internet superstar.


No matter your children's ages, they're bound to have first day of school jitters! A new book about the first day of school might just be the answer to put some of those fears to rest and remind them that everyone else is nervous too.