Back to School Picture Books: Round 1

Hi friends! Welcome to round one of my Back to School picture books. I fully believe in the power of the daily picture book read aloud-even in upper elementary and middle school. Especially in upper elementary and middle school! There are so many amazing books out there that kids of all ages can relate to. Daily picture book read alouds are a fabulous way to share all types of stories with children.

Here are 4 books that I think would make excellent choices to read the first week of school. Don’t worry, there are a TON of books that are perfect for the beginning of the year. This is just round 1!

You can find all of these (and more!) listed in my Amazon storefront if you want to use my affiliate link. 🙂

Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev

This story has such an amazing theme of accepting all kinds of people-even though they might be different from you.

Best suited for: all grades

Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller

This is a great one to read at the beginning of the year because it helps remind students to be kind to everyone. It focuses on a girl who attempts to show kindness to another student when they spill grape juice on their new dress. Such great discussions can come from this one!

Best suited for: all grades

The Oldest Student by Rita Lorraine Hubbard

As a back to school picture book, this one is perfect for showing that it’s never too late to learn something. It also shows how important it is to be determined and to stick with something.

Best suited for: grades 4+

The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors by Drew Daywalt

Okay, now I know you’re probably thinking this isn’t exactly a Back to School picture book. BUT- hear me out. We all know how important it is to establish a daily picture book read aloud in your upper elementary classroom, but your older kids might need some convincing at the beginning of the year-especially if they haven’t had a lot of picture book read alouds in the past. They might (more than likely) feel like it’s too much like kindergarten. Trust me, this will change within the first few days and then kids will be BEGGING for the daily read aloud, but you’re going to have to hook them first!

The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors is a hilarious story about how this game came to be. There are lots of expressions and dialogue that only upper elementary students will understand in fact! And of course, after you read it, you HAVE to have an Epic Battle of Rock, Paper, Scissors and crown the champion in your classroom.

This book is perfect for showing older kids how fun reading can be. It’s also a chance for you to make the book come to life in an easy way. They will always remember the Epic Rock, Paper, Scissors Battle. You could even take the winner’s picture and display it in your room. 🙂

Best suited for: as a back to school read aloud, grades 4+