Back to School Books & Resource Reads for Parents

Back to school can come with many mixed feelings and emotions. Whether you’re dreading the end of summer, ready to get your kids back into their routines, or a mix of both, Brightly is here to bring you what you need to start the school year off strong. From book recommendations by grade and advice to get kids back on track with reading at home to books that help kids deal with change and show them how to be a friend, Brightly has everything you need to have the best school year possible!

Jump To:
• Starting School for the First Time
• Prepping for a New School Year
• Easing Stress & Anxiety
• Best Books by Grade Level
• Gearing Up for Learning
• Printables & Activities

• STARTING SCHOOL FOR THE FIRST TIME



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.



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.



4 Ways To Stress Less About Kindergarten Readiness

Here are four doable, productive ways to help your child prepare for kindergarten — and four things you can give yourself permission not to worry about.



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.

 

• PREPPING FOR A NEW SCHOOL YEAR



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.



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.



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.



Picture Books To Help Teach Kids Important Social Skills

From sitting in class to being kind to others, these books can help kids master life with friends as they head back to school.



Get Back on Track with Reading Before School Starts

With September looming on the calendar, how do you get your kids back on track with books? These easy strategies work for readers of all ages.

• EASING STRESS & ANXIETY



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.



Reassuring Goodbye Rituals To Make School Drop-Offs Easier

From sticky hugs to silly songs, these goodbye rituals can help set your child up for a successful day at school.



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.



5 Fantastic Ideas for Coping With Kids’ After-School Meltdowns

Is your child a whiny, grouchy, emotional mess the minute they get home? Here are a few tips to help parents navigate those after-school meltdowns.



6 Ways To Help Children Manage Anxiety in New Situations

When your child has to face something new, here are some concrete steps you can take as a parent to help ease them in.



Picture Books To Boost Social and Emotional Learning Skills

These picture books present ways to help strengthen a child’s social and emotional learning abilities.

• BEST BOOKS BY GRADE LEVEL



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.



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.



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.



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!



Fantastic Chapter Books for Fifth Graders

These books include something for everyone: mystery, humor, sports, the intersection of thoughts and feelings, and so much more.



Books About Life in Middle School

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.

• GEAR UP FOR LEARNING



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.



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.



Preschool Workbooks for Learning Letters and Writing Skills

These workbooks all feature daily activities to help your child become proficient at learning sounds, letters, and writing skills.



Great Supplementary Math Workbooks for Kids

Here are some fantastic math workbooks for kids that will boost their confidence and help them remember the skills they learned in school.



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.

• PRINTABLES & ACTIVITIES



Back to School Printables & Activities

These fun and free school-themed printables and activities are a great way to help kids get geared up for learning.



Printable: First Day of School Photo Sign

The first day of school is upon us! And you know what that means: it’s time to capture the start of another year of fun and learning.



Knock Knock. Who’s There? These Hilarious Lunch Box Jokes

Slip one of these super-silly jokes pulled from Knock-Knock Jokes and Silly Stories for Kids into your child’s lunch box for giggles galore.