Back to School Books for Kids and Essential 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.

This year, our readers overwhelmingly are looking for books and resources to support mental health and well-being — with over 60% of survey respondents being more concerned about it over academics. But whether you’re worried about your kids falling behind in school or providing them with more social-emotional support, we’re here to help. 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!

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

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)

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.

(Grades: Pre-K – 3)

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.

(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)

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)

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 BY GRADE LEVEL

help get kids ready for preschool or kindergarten

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!

Fantastic Chapter Books for Fifth Graders

These 14 books include something for everyone: mystery, humor, sports, the intersection of thoughts and feelings, and so much more.

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.

READING AND LEARNING RESOURCES

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.

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.

TIPS AND ADVICE FOR FAMILIES

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.

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.

Phonological Awareness: Why This Skill Set Is So Important for Young Readers

Teaching kids the sounds of spoken language is an important first step toward reading and writing. With these tips it’s easy to playfully develop these skills throughout your daily life.

tips-to-help-introverted-kids-make-friends

Forging Quiet Friendships: Tips to Help Introverted Kids Make True Friends

There’s no single trick to finding a true, devoted friend, but the tips offered here can help kids who are more introverted form valuable connections.

10 Ways to Build Strong Relationships Between Teachers and Students

A positive student-teacher relationship correlates to a child’s ability to learn, and it improves their behavior. Here are 10 tips for educators on how to foster these important relationships in the classroom.

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.