Back to School Books for Kids and Essential Reads for Parents

Kids across the country are heading back to the classroom this school year. Many families are more than ready to go back. Just as many feel uneasy, worried about the pandemic’s effect on their children’s social development, emotional well-being, and education.

When asked about your most significant concerns ahead of the upcoming school year, a whopping 57% of you named social and emotional well-being — be it separation issues with little ones during drop-off or the elevated anxiety levels of older kids. And after a year and a half of compromised learning, it’s no surprise that over a quarter of survey respondents are worried about kids falling behind academically, with some additionally concerned over potential exposure to the coronavirus at school.

In this still unprecedented environment, families are clearly seeking solutions to support the health, safety, learning, and socio-emotional needs of their children. With that in mind, our back to school content this year not only aims to get kids excited for the new school year but also to support families no matter how they may be feeling about heading back to the classroom. Whether you’re looking for tips to help ease separation anxiety, workbooks to supplement learning, or empathetic reads for anxious tweens and teens, we have everything you need to start the 2021-2022 school year off strong.

BOOKS TO GET KIDS READY

Books to Get Children Excited for the New School Year

If your child is anxious about moving to the next grade or a new school, these books will help ease their fears and remind them of all the fun they’ll have.

Learning Workbooks for Pre-K and Elementary Students

Supplement what kids learn in the classroom with some of the best educational workbooks for preschool children through elementary school.

Books to Show Kids How to Be a Friend

One of the most exciting and nerve-wracking parts of a new school year is friendship. These books can help show kids how to be a good friend.

Unique Workbooks to Capture Your Kid's Attention

Whether your kid is fascinated by rocks, coding, math, or meditation, here are 11 awesome workbooks to supplement their learning.

Great Boxed Sets to Get Kids Back on the Reading Wagon

If your child’s book consumption has dwindled due to summer activities, these boxed sets may encourage them to dive into a new series.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

Comforting Picture Books for Kids Struggling With Separation Anxiety

These books are perfect for supporting kids with their social-emotional needs and giving them the confidence to take on new challenges.

(Grades: Pre-K – 2)

Picture Books to Help Reintroduce Important Social Skills

Worried about your child’s social skills post-lockdown? These books can help kids re-master life with friends as they head back to school.

(Grades: Pre-K – 2)

Mindfulness and Mediation Books for Kids

Picture Books That Introduce Mindfulness and Meditation to Kids

The benefits of mindfulness are numerous. Here are some favorite children’s books to introduce mindfulness and meditation to kids.

(Grades: Pre-K – 2)

Books to Help Kids Handle All Kinds of Uncomfortable Emotions

These picture books and chapter books are great tools for helping kids connect with and accept all kinds of emotions — even uncomfortable ones like anger, worry, and grief.

(Grades: Pre-K – 5)

Reassuring Books to Help Kids Deal With Change

These books are perfect for starting conversations about changes with your children. They’ll help your child know that they aren’t alone in navigating change.

(Grades: Pre-K – 5)

Empowering Tween Reads on Wellness

Guide tweens into a life of physical, mental, and social wellness with these health-inspired books that focus on each of these dimensions.

(Grades: 6 – 8)

Empathetic Young Adult Novels About Mental Illness

If you’re looking for books to help a teen who’s struggling or to increase your own understanding of mental health issues, these books can get you started.

(Grades: 9 – 12)

BEST BOOKS FOR EVERY GRADE LEVEL

Books-To-Get-Ready-For-Preschool-and-Kindergaren

Smart Books to Help Prep Kids for Preschool or Kindergarten

Whether you’re helping your child prepare for preschool or kindergarten, these books are great tools to talk about all the fun and learning that’s ahead.

Books About Starting Kindergarten

Kindergarten can be intimidating for kids in the days leading up to it and during the first few weeks. Here are eight books to get them excited for the big day.

10 Terrific Books for First Graders

To help your soon-to-be grade-schooler make the most of their first “real” year of school, check out these great books for first graders.

15 Superb Chapter Books for Second Graders

Second graders need books that hold their interest but aren’t so difficult they turn them off to reading altogether. These books are surefire winners.

16 Great Chapter Books for Third Graders

As third graders develop more independence and the ability to read longer and more complex stories, the world of children’s literature really opens up.

9 Fantastic Chapter Books for Fourth Graders

There are tons of fantastic titles available to fourth graders, whether they’re looking for humor, fantasy, or realistic stories. Here are just a few to choose from!

16 Books for Middle Schoolers

These books for kids — ranging from funny to sad to dramatic — accurately portray the ups and downs of middle school life and how to survive it.

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Preschool

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you are looking for a preschool program and navigating the first years of school. Here are seven key things to know.

How to Help Ease Your Child’s First Day of School Jitters

Author Natasha Wing shares tips to help kids open up about their feelings about starting school for the first time or returning to a new grade.

6 Tips to Get Your Kids Focused on the New School Year

How can parents help their kids get back on track after those blissful weeks of summer relaxation and recreation? Here are six tips to get you started.