Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly woven into everyday life. From the tools students use for homework to the technologies shaping future careers, AI is here to stay. With this in mind, it’s increasingly important for our students to understand what AI is and how it works.
Start this vital conversation without needing to be an AI expert yourself with this fun game from Kids4Tech™. AI Odyssey: Exploring the Universe of Artificial Intelligence offers an exciting, story-driven approach: a space‑themed Google Slides journey that guides students through core concepts like how AI learns, how it helps humans, and the ethical questions it raises. It’s an easy entry point for meaningful discussion and critical thinking around a technology that will shape students’ futures.
What’s included in the game?
Your download will include the AI Odyssey game, a student log for tracking learning, and a printable certificate to award students when they finish.
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AI Odyssey: Exploring the Universe of Artificial Intelligence Game
Your students will have a blast as they build a deep understanding of what artificial intelligence is, how it works, and how it can impact our world as they play this engaging Google Slide game. As they pilot their spaceship from planet to planet, they will gain the knowledge they need to become informed citizens in our world today.
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AI Explorer Log
At each planet your student explorers visit, they will learn about a different aspect of artificial intelligence. They will keep track of their new knowledge on their AI Explorer Log. This serves as a perfect reference tool for them, a place for reflection once they complete their journey, and can be collected as an assessment after the activity has ended.
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AI Explorer Certificate
Add a bit of celebration to this experience by presenting your students with their AI Explorer Certificate upon completion of their journey.
AI Odyssey takes students on a fun, interactive journey to learn what artificial intelligence is and how it shows up in everyday life. Through a story‑based game, they build basic problem‑solving skills and gain confidence exploring today’s technology.
December is an exciting month for many folks, with lots of holidays to celebrate. It’s also the time when wintry weather sets in, making it perfect for cozying up with a new book by the fire. While December isn’t a big month for new releases, there are still plenty of upcoming books we’re excited to check out. In addition to the best new books for December 2025, we’ve included some of this year’s top new holiday-themed choices. Merry Reading and Happy New Books!
Get your free printable December reading log to share with students so they can keep track of their books and pages all month long! Just fill out the form on this page to get it.
New Picture Books for December 2025
Amazon
Sparkles for Sunny by Sylvia Chen, ill. by Thai My Phuong
Sunny is excited to celebrate Lunar Near Year with her family, but she’s not as enthusiastic about the matching qipáo dresses she and her sisters will wear. For once, Sunny would like to stand out in something that’s just her style—but one of her family’s rules is “don’t waste anything.” Can she come up with a solution that makes everyone happy?
Show kids all the different ways we show love to one another, from listening and sharing to hugging, dancing together, and more. Featuring photography of real families, siblings, and friends, this board book is the perfect fit for preschool and kindergarten classrooms that value diversity and kindness.
Paper Chase by Julia Donaldson, ill. by Victoria Sandøy
James and Ginger spend a wonderful afternoon playing together after her paper airplane lands on his open book, all under one big beautiful tree. But when Ginger looks for James under that tree again, she finds a surprise instead—the tree has been cut down! Follow the tree’s journey and learn how it’s made into the paper that will one day unite the two new friends once more.
The Snowman Code by Simon Stephenson, ill. by Reggie Brown
This unique new middle grade book tells the story of a 600-year-old snowman and a 10-year-old girl. Blessing is dealing with bullies at school and mom suffering from severe depression at home. Meanwhile, the unusually long winter has trapped Albert in England, though by now he should have melted and reappeared elsewhere in the world. Can the two help each other find solutions to their problems?
The Stolen Songbird by Judith Eagle, ill. by Jo Rioux
In 1950s London, Caro loves her unusual life with two moms and a beloved white rabbit. But a series of events upends her world, sending Caro to live temporarily with a stern great-aunt. While unpacking her suitcase, she discovers a valuable stolen painting that soon has art thieves on her tail. With the help of her unusual collection of friends, Caro must find a way to return the painting and restore her life to normal.
Ten years after surviving a childhood kidnapping, Maggie Atkins reluctantly joins a school trip to the same mountains where it happened—alongside the friends who once abandoned her. When a storm traps them and a mysterious figure begins hunting them down, Maggie realizes the nightmare she thought was over has only just begun. Teens who love thrillers won’t be able to put this one down.
Seventeen-year-old Will Arrex, a sheltered noble destined to inherit her father’s power on the Eden space station, shocks everyone by joining the deadly Lottery that sends youths into space to search for habitable worlds. Forced to pilot a ship alongside her rival Paige Tarrant, Will uncovers a devastating secret: Their mission was never meant to return home.
Growing up in an “influencer” family, Rosalie’s days are a series of on-camera moments—many of which don’t even accurately capture her life. Rosalie is tired of it and beginning to worry about her (and her younger sister’s) physical and mental safety. But reclaiming her life means finding the bravery to take drastic action in this new novel in verse.
Cosmo takes an amazing journey to other planets when his new jetpack malfunctions. As he travels from place to place, he encounters a series of fun new environments and friends. But the real magic of this creative graphic novel happens when a magician casts a spell to send Cosmo back home—to finish the book, readers flip it upside down and experience it all over again from back to front! (Grades K–2)
The Case of the Heartbreak Heist by Christee Curran-Bauer
The Private Pigeon Detectives are back! In the latest entry in the series, they must figure out who’s stealing all the baking tools from the town’s Valentine’s Day baking competition. Could the groundhog who refused to answer his door on February 2 have something to do with it? (Grades 1–4)
As a member of the Buffalo Bill Wild West show, Martha Jane Cannary gained fame as Calamity Jane. Learn more about the story of her life on- and off-stage in this intriguing new graphic nonfiction book, and find out whether the legend of Calamity Jane is more than just a tall tale. (Grades 3–7)
Quincredible: A Better World by Rodney Barnes, illustrated by Selina Espiritu
In the latest entry in this teen superhero series, the indestructible Quincredible must solve the mystery of the contaminated water supply of his hometown, New Orleans. This crisis hits close to home—his mother is one of those made sick and hospitalized. Quinton continues to be one of the most likeable superheroes out there, thriving with the support of his family and friends. (Grades 9+)
Through the Telescope by Charles R. Smith Jr., ill. by Evening Monteiro
When young Mae Jemison first looked through a telescope, it started a journey that would culminate in her becoming the first Black female astronaut. This nonfiction picture book explores what Mae might have seen, and shares the thoughts of a young girl learning about the wonders of space. (Grades pre-K to 2)
The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price, ill. by Cynthia Yuan Cheng
Jonathon Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation addressed the sharp rise in teen mental illness in recent years. Now he’s back with a book aimed specifically at tweens, teaching them practical ways to deal with today’s unique challenges, including the overuse of screens. This is a must-read for any kid about to get their own cellphone and/or social media account, or those who feel overwhelmed and anxious before they’ve even started high school. (Grades 4–7)
Abolition and the African American Story by Patricia Williams Dockery
By the mid-1800s, African Americans had spent centuries shaping the nation’s economy and culture, even as the question of their rights threatened to divide it. During the Civil War and Reconstruction, their struggle for freedom and equality played out across battlefields, homes, and political arenas—with young people playing key roles in redefining what it meant to be American. (Grades 5–8)
Fans of The Word Collector will be thrilled with this new story of Jerome’s search for inspirational holiday words. When those words turn out to be harder to find than he expected, he decides that this time, it’s his turn to share his collection of wonderful words with the whole town!
The gorgeous cover of this new picture book evokes the magical story inside. Dasher the reindeer wants nothing more than to give her new polar bear friend George the ability to fly, but it seems his paws are destined to remain on the ground. Unless, of course, Santa Claus can find a way to make George’s dream come true! (Grades pre-K to 2)
The Book of Candles by Laurel Snyder, ill. by Leanne Hatch
In eight evocative poems, one for each night of Hanukkah, this book shares the traditions of the Jewish winter holiday through one family’s eyes. The family enjoys traditions old and new, like family meals and decorating for the holiday, but the most important moment comes when they gather together and light the candles on the menorah each night. (Grades pre-K to 2)
Interrupting Chicken Saves the Nutcracker by David Ezra Stein
The irrepressible little Chicken is back and headed to the ballet. Can she watch quietly without interrupting? Of course not. After a series of interruptions, she and Papa are kicked out—but not before Chicken steals the Nutcracker! In order to return it, she’ll need to rewrite the classic ballet, and readers will enjoy the new version as much as the audience. (Grades pre-K to 2)
Once Upon a Kwanzaa by Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall, ill. by Sawyer Cloud
Join a variety of families as they celebrate Kwanzaa, and learn about the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles) behind this holiday that’s special to many members of the African diaspora. Explore the history of Kwanzaa through beautiful illustrations and text that’s perfect for the youngest learners. (Grades pre-K to 2)
“On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me …” The flow of gifts is all well and good, but what happens on day 13, when the recipient finds themselves with hundreds of birds, not to mention dancing lords, maids milking cows, and more? Find out in this fun new holiday read! (Grades K–3)
C.J. the mouse never expected to become friends with a family of cats. But when he spots their menorah and chocolate gelt, his curiosity gets the best of him. As he learns about their holiday traditions, he also learns that this is one cat family who poses no threat since mice aren’t kosher! (Grades pre-K to 2)
Fa La La Family by Scott Hoying and Mark Hoying, ill. by Steph Lew
Just like “family,” the word “Christmas” means something different to everyone. But ultimately, it all comes down to love. Join a variety of diverse families as they share their holiday traditions, plus learn a brand-new Christmas song—a QR code provides a recording to go along with the included sheet music. (Grades pre-K to 3)
Weiwei once spent the winter solstice (Dōngzhì) surrounded by palm trees and hummingbirds. But now she’s moved to a much colder place. A family walk helps her see the beauty in her new wintry surroundings, and the family Dōngzhì traditions are the same no matter where she goes. (Grades K–3)
With most holiday books aimed at the picture book crowd, this middle grade graphic novel is a welcome addition to the genre. Virginia has just moved to a new city after losing her mom. When she spots what seems to be a flying reindeer, it sends her and new pal Benny on an adventure to reunite the magical animal with Santa, who it seems might just be real after all. (Grades 3–7)
Be sure to download your free printable December reading log!
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Grab your free reading log to share with students—they can use it track their books and pages over winter break and keep up their reading habits over the holidays. Just fill out the form on this page to get yours!
Good nonfiction reads can be just as engaging and intriguing as fiction, especially when they’re about topics that appeal to a reader’s personal interests. This roundup of nonfiction books for young readers includes biographies of sports stars, civil rights activists, and more incredible role models. You’ll also find lots of STEM-related nonfiction reads on topics like animals, astronomy, and the weather, plus life-skills books on money management and healthy screen time habits. Whether you’re on the lookout for new read-alouds or age-appropriate titles for independent readers, you’ll find them all here!
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Pre-K and Kindergarten Nonfiction Books
Penguin
Ray: How Light Works
The Science Pals series introduces the youngest learners to scientific concepts in ways that are easy for them to understand. This entry explores the science behind light, following the cheerful Ray as he tells kids all the things he can be and do. Use this book to introduce a unit on the sun or properties of light.
So many kids today know firsthand about the dangers of wildfires. Help them feel safer by learning about the people who help fight them, including America’s first female smoke jumper, Deanne Shulman. Pair this read with a trip to your local fire station!
In an era of turn-by-turn GPS, the ability to read maps may feel less important to kids. But nothing could be further from the truth! Show them all the ways map reading matters in this cute read that follows a raccoon as he delves into road maps, park maps, and even a map of the human body. Follow up this read-aloud by exploring a map of your own hometown!
We love nonfiction books for kids that celebrate lesser-known animals. The Meet the Wild Things series does just that, and its latest entry teaches little ones about the adorable loris family. This is an excellent book for introducing animal adaptations, since these Asian primates have huge eyes to help them see at night.
Learning about the water cycle? Add this nonfiction read to your curriculum! Kids will love Cloud, a cute white puff that takes them on a journey through each stage of the cycle. When you’re finished, use cotton balls and googly eyes to make Clouds for students to take home.
Jackie Robinson changed the face of American baseball by becoming the first Black player in the major leagues. His accomplishments have been inspiring young athletes for generations, and this entry in the Ordinary People Change the World series brings his story to life. This popular title is now available in paperback too.
From the same author who gave us I’m Trying To Love Spiders comes this laugh-worthy title. Behind the humor, though, kids and adults will find lots of fascinating facts about flatulence. Try this read to accompany a unit on human anatomy when you’re learning about the digestive system.
Starting a unit on the solar system? You’ll definitely want to add this pick to your shelves. It’s packed with facts and photos about every planet (even dwarf planet Pluto!), all at a reading level that means kids can explore this one all on their own. (A Spanish edition is coming in spring 2026 too!)
William Kamkwamba was only a teen when he helped his family bring electricity and water to their farm by building a windmill from recycled parts. His incredible story went on to become a bestselling book and Netflix film. This picture book version is perfect for introducing this modern-day hero to young learners. (Paperback edition coming January 2026!)
When Polecat brags about his superpower, Porcupine is sure he knows what it is: a skunk’s ability to defend himself with a stinky spray. But Polecat has other talents, including the ability to climb and hide better than other skunks. He can even do handstands! This is technically a fiction title, but it has so much useful information, it definitely counts as a nonfiction read.
Western North America once teemed with buffalo, but they were nearly hunted to extinction by the 1800s. Today, small herds of buffalo roam the plains once more thanks to the work of scientists and conservationists. This thoughtful nonfiction book explores the story of an American icon, inspiring kids to help protect them in the years to come.
Every human living today can trace their ancestry back to the continent of Africa. This book takes kids on a journey through time, exploring what life was like for the first members of the human species, and showing how we’re all part of the same big family—a message that seems more important now than ever before.
This entry in the Who HQ Illustrated Biography series puts the spotlight on basketball superstar Caitlin Clark. Kids who enjoy this one will want to check out the rest of the series for info on Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Michael Jordan, and others.
Before Rosa Parks, there was Claudette Colvin, a teenager who was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white woman. If you’re learning about Parks and the Civil Rights Movement, be sure to add this book to your curriculum too.
What Was Built To Be a Ship of Dreams? The Titanic
This graphic nonfiction book tells the story of the Titanic shipwreck through the diverse viewpoints of multiple survivors. From the opulence of first class to those who sailed below decks, the narration and illustrations will transport emergent readers back in time to the scene of one of the world’s most famous disasters.
This brand-new graphic nonfiction read introduces kids to one of the greatest track stars in history. Childhood polio nearly derailed her career before it ever started, but Wilma Rudolph went on to break speed records and rack up three Olympic gold medals. She’s the very embodiment of growth mindset!
For kids who can’t get enough cool science facts, this book is a must-have! Each fact is related to color in some way, from why flamingos are pink to how some animals change color for camouflage. The short sections make terrific passages for reading comprehension practice in and out of the classroom.
It’s never too early to introduce important life skills like understanding and managing money. Add this book to your classroom shelves as a reference guide for curious kids, or use the various chapters to teach key financial literacy skills in age-appropriate ways.
Jonathon Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation addressed the sharp rise in teen mental illness in recent years. Now he’s back with a book aimed specifically at tweens, teaching them practical ways to deal with today’s unique challenges, including the overuse of screens. This is a must-read for any kid about to get their own cellphone and/or social media accounts, or those who feel overwhelmed and anxious before they’ve even started high school.
Kids can’t get enough of the Who Was series, which highlights fascinating people throughout history. In this biography, they’ll learn about political activist Wilma Mankiller, perhaps best known for her part in the Occupation of Alcatraz in 1969. She later became the first woman principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, and her inspirational legacy lives on to inspire Indigenous activists today.
A whole world lives out their lives beneath our feet! Dive beneath the surface to meet the creatures that call the soil home, with engaging illustrations that bring it all to life. Nonfiction reads like this are especially great for exploring text features with your students.
This Newbery Honor book proves that graphic novels are worthy of their place on classroom and library shelves. Join Pedro on a family road trip to Mexico to bring his abuelito (grandfather) home. The journey is filled with highs and lows, with parts that will make kids laugh out loud and others that might cause them to tear up a bit. It’s a coming-of-age memoir that’s perfect for kids who, like Pedro, are beginning to search for their own cultural identity.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition)
This version of William Kamkwamba’s amazing accomplishments is written especially for young readers. Try pairing it with a classroom viewing of the Netflix film and a STEM challenge where kids try building their own windmills from basic supplies.
When J. Robert Oppenheimer led the American effort to create the atomic bombs that ended World War II at last, he also unleashed a weapon more powerful than any in human history. His later attempts to caution the world about the dangers of nuclear weapons led to his ultimate downfall. This intriguing read is excellent for sparking classroom discussion and debate about the ethical questions of scientific advancements.
At least once a year, one of my freshmen would ask me why everything we read in 9th grade English was so depressing. A quick look at our curriculum revealed they did have a point. Romeo and Juliet, Of Mice and Men, and short stories like Lamb to the Slaughter and The Most Dangerous Game all tell tales of death and despair. While all are excellent, I began to wonder if I could find some different texts to add to the mix. It turns out, while scary short stories and dramatic short stories are easy to find, good funny short stories and witty short stories for middle and high school students are a bit trickier to track down.
With that in mind, here’s a list of funny short stories to use in your classroom when you want to bring a bit of humor to your lesson. Plus, fill out the form on this page to receive your own copy of a selection of the funny short stories below!
OK, this one might be a bit of a controversial addition to a list of funny short stories, but I’m including it anyway. There’s something darkly humorous in this little tale about a man who goes too far in a plot for revenge only to have it backfire on him in the worst possible way. Some of your students will feel bad for the protagonist while others will feel he deserves his fate. Regardless, your class will have a great discussion about it at the end.
In class: There are so many writing prompts you could use from this witty short story, I don’t know where to begin. It could be used as the springboard for an argumentative writing unit, with students discussing whether or not the main character was justified in his actions. It could also be perfect for a discussion on characterization by asking students what can we learn about the main character and his wife through their actions and statements.
I love introducing students to science fiction, especially in the form of funny short stories. We really don’t use sci-fi enough in our English classes. In this story, two aliens discuss the bizarre new life-form they’ve discovered and try to figure out how it thinks and lives. Your students will laugh out loud when they discover that the aliens are talking about humans, and they’ll love figuring out the everyday activities and items the aliens just can’t seem to make sense of.
In class: This is perfect for introducing a new genre to students. After reading, ask students to craft their own science-fiction short story. As a class, brainstorm a list of activities and events that take place all the time that we think are totally normal. Then, ask students to write their version of an alien race trying to figure out a birthday party, after-school detention, or lunch in the school cafeteria.
Written by the same woman who wrote the eerie short story The Lottery, this story is guaranteed to make students of all ages chuckle. The tale of the worst kindergarten student ever, as told by a classmate to his mother at the end of every school day, your students will love hearing all about Charles’ antics. The twist at the end of the tale will make students gasp and giggle.
In class: Perfect for lessons on irony, your students can debate whether Jackson’s funny short story demonstrates verbal, situational, or dramatic irony. I’ve also used this story to show students how an author can utilize dialogue as a method for developing characterization.
Like Charles, this is another classic, well-known story. An older woman takes a young man under her wing after he attempts to steal her purse. As they spend time together, she teaches him a valuable lesson about life. It’s perfect for upper-elementary and middle school students.
In class: This is one of those funny short stories that lends itself to lessons about dialogue, diction, theme, and characterization. It’s also a great text to use for practice discussions or Socratic seminars. Students could easily develop questions about the actions of the characters. They could consider how they would have responded in the same situation. And they could even reimagine the story as if it were written today.
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While many students will have read The Gift of the Magi, this short story by the same author is much less well known. Lord Oakhurst is dying, his wife is grieving (or is she?), and a doctor arrives to try to help. Your students will be shocked and amused by this quick read.
In class: Indirect characterization leaps to the foreground in this funny short story as students can debate whether Lord Oakhurst’s wife is truly as sad as she says she is throughout the story. The story also makes use of flashbacks, making it great for introducing or reviewing that concept.
Satire is a tough genre for so many students. The popular satirical online news magazine The Onion comes to the rescue here with a hysterical piece that, while not a short story exactly, certainly tells a tale students will guffaw over. In the article, students learn the plight of a young man who almost received severe consequences for driving while under the influence. Some satirical pieces are almost too serious for students to see as satire, but this one does a great job of taking a serious subject and turning it on its head to make a point.
In class: This piece is perfect for students who aren’t ready to grapple with some of the more complex satirical pieces they’re often given in school. If your group isn’t quite ready for Swift’s A Modest Proposal, this is a great place to start. As an introduction to satire, pairing this piece with actual news reports of cases where privileged young people have received shockingly light sentences for serious crimes will definitely keep your students engaged (and enraged?).
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This short story caper takes on the classic detective trope and mocks it mercilessly. Over-the-top costumes, mistaken identities, and a ridiculous reveal make this a truly funny short story to share with your students.
In class: I wish I still taught the mystery unit I taught for many years so that I could add this funny short story to the mix. This is a perfect piece to introduce satire. It mocks many of the most common elements of typical detective stories in a truly hilarious fashion.
Given her prominence in current popular culture attributed to The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood is an author our students should know. This short story about a fairy-tale writer receiving some “constructive criticism” on how to make their story more inclusive is sure to inspire reactions among your middle or high schoolers.
In class: This is a great short story to use when teaching the importance of how dialogue can impact tone. Additionally, it would be a great piece to bring to any discussion of whether or not students should read “old” stories that have language or ideas that are considered problematic today.
Definitely one for older students, this essay is a more complex text than many on this list. That being said, it’s a classic for a reason. Swift’s shocking and controversial (and highly satirical) suggestion that the plight of poor Irish peasants could be solved by having them sell their infants to rich British people to eat continues to resonate to this day. Give this to your high school students without any warning and get ready for some interesting reactions and responses.
In class: This piece is a staple in many high school lessons about satire, but I think it could also be used brilliantly in discussions about current political discourse. We struggle with recognizing satire in media today just as much as people did in Swift’s time. Additionally, the parallels between how the wealthy and elite in society look down at the less fortunate then and now could definitely make for some heavy, yet important, classroom discussions. Finally, it’s a perfect text for a lesson on tone—ask students to consider why Swift chose to write in a logical and emotionless voice about such a horrifying idea.
The main character in this funny short story becomes famous. He rushes home to tell his family. Your students will love the reactions of his stunned family. They’ll also have plenty to say about the protagonist’s glorious new stardom.
In class: Perfect for units covering tragic heroes or characters who fall from grace, Chekhov’s work is a pretty searing commentary on the ideas surrounding what it means to be famous. Your students will have a great time making comparisons between the protagonist and various YouTube or TikTok stars of today.
Time to throw a curveball into the game. Have you heard of The Moth? It’s an organization with the mission to “promote the art and craft of storytelling and to honor and celebrate the diversity and commonality of human experience.” They have open-mic storytelling nights in different cities around the country where people just stand up and tell stories based on a preset theme. You can find lots of them on The Moth’s website and on YouTube. This one is about a man who has his identity stolen by a Domino’s Pizza employee. His mission to get revenge will have you and your students laughing out loud.
In class: Many of the stories do include a swear word or deal with adult themes, so be sure to preview the story first. I love the idea of sharing verbal storytelling with students of all ages, especially in the context of a unit on funny short stories. It’s great for reluctant readers and could make an awesome alternative assessment option.
Written by the same author who wrote The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, this story is also about an unhappy man who dreams of improving his life. The way he accomplishes this, however, is where the humor (and some shock!) comes in.
In class: Introducing students to more challenging text can always be a bit of a tough sell, so it’s nice to have a few short stories to warm students up to the idea. Students can practice transacting with text, asking questions about sections that confuse them, and working together to build comprehension.
Another curveball addition to this list of funny short stories! I love introducing my students to examples of real-life writing that is actually going on today. While many funny short stories on this list are from the early 1900s, this piece was written in 2020 and appeared in McSweeney’s Internet Tendency. The site features humorous pieces on a variety of timely topics. While many aren’t appropriate for school, others, like this one, are perfect examples of how people are still writing and creating today. In this piece, the personified “afternoon walk” explains to the person taking it that it can’t be everything the walker needs it to be.
In class: Best suited for older middle school and high school students, I would love to use this as a mentor text. Imagine the creative writing pieces students could come up with if asked to personify something in their lives.
Confession time: I hate ordering food by phone. It doesn’t matter if it’s healthy or not, or if I’m ordering for one person or twenty. I hate it. I get flustered and almost always end up messing something up. Hence why this story, about a man who gets nervous in banks, spoke to me. Leacock’s description of the main character fumbling his way through opening a bank account had me laughing out loud.
In class: Finding characters from the past that students can relate to is tricky. I like the idea of asking students to free-write or discuss what situations make them feel anxious or uncomfortable. They could write down feelings, descriptions, and images. After reading this story, they could create their own humorous (or serious) stories about their own scenario.
I’ll admit this one blew my mind a bit, which is why I love the idea of sharing it with students. This short story, about a young man who invents a device that gathers together all the stories and novels ever written and then, using a mathematical formula, uses them to churn out new stories at lightning-fast speeds, was written in 1954. That’s right, Roald Dahl predicted ChatGPT and AI-generated storiesdecades ago. Watch your students’ minds be blown as they read this one.
In class: While Dahl may not have meant this short story to be considered science fiction, it certainly could fit into that genre. This piece would be perfect to pair with nonfiction articles about how AI is affecting creative fields as well as an argumentative unit in which students discuss whether or not these stories are better or worse than those written by human authors.
Yes, it’s a poem. But it also tells a story, which makes it a great addition to this list of funny short stories. In this poem, we meet a grumpy old man who is always telling people to grow up. But one day, someone tells him to “grow down.” When he does, he discovers he likes it much more than growing up.
In class: This piece would be perfect for students who are struggling to grasp concepts like theme or characterization. There’s plenty of direct and indirect characterization throughout the poem, and the message is pretty obvious throughout. Additionally, Shel Silverstein’s voice is perfect for discussions about tone.
I chuckle, groan, and, yes, roll my eyes every time I reread this short story. It’s such an enjoyable little piece, about a man who discovers “proof” that aliens exist and are hiding among us even though they can do shocking things with their bodies. It was always particularly well received by my students who didn’t really love figurative language and wished authors would just “say what they mean.”
In class: This story would be great as an introduction to dramatic irony. Part of what makes it so great is how we, as readers, groan each time the protagonist finds “proof” of alien life that we recognize as just an author’s use of imagery, hyperbole, and nonliteral language.
Another poem, I know. But it’s longish, so that counts, right? Your students might pick up on the parallels in theme between this fast-paced poem and the character of Mike Teavee from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Dahl was definitely not a fan of young people watching television instead of playing outside or reading books. One can only imagine what he would have thought about how much time our students spend looking at their phones today!
In class: I love the idea of asking students to write a modern version of this poem, substituting cell phones or TikTok in place of Dahl’s loathed television. It’s also a great piece for discussing tone, as Dahl’s feelings are made so abundantly clear throughout the text.
Jason Reynolds is a genius when it comes to creating characters who seem so real it feels like you’ve met them before. This short story about a young man getting ready for the first day of school will hit your students right in the feels. They’ll laugh, they’ll relate, and they’ll definitely identify with the struggles the protagonist experiences as he prepares to return to school.
In class: This short story would fit beautifully into any lesson about mood and point of view. The main character’s ability to express himself and his feelings is so enjoyable to read. It would also be a great study on how allusions can date a text. While our students will understand immediately why the character cares so much about his sneakers remaining perfectly white, will people in the future? It would be interesting to pair this piece with an older text and compare the allusions of each.
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We sometimes shy away from challenging texts when looking for new stories to share with our students, but Twain is an excellent author to turn to when you want to explore how to tackle tough reads. There’s definitely something to be said for slowing down and really focusing on how an author uses words to tell a story. This one, about a man listening to an incredibly long-winded tale about a frog-jumping contest gone wrong, will have your students chuckling by the end.
In class: This story would be ideal for introducing students to the tall-tale genre, a unique American storytelling tradition that celebrates colorful characters, improbable events, and hyperbole. It also would be a perfect mentor text when teaching regional dialects or how dialogue affects mood and tone.
We’re headed back to O. Henry for this one because he was just so good at funny short stories. Your students will get a kick out of seeing a humorous Western romance unfold between Joséfa, a brave and headstrong ranch owner, and Ripley Givens, a cowboy trying to impress her with his bravery. They’ll like it even more when they get to the part with the puma and O. Henry’s telltale surprise ending.
In class: Like many other witty short stories in this list, this is a perfect short story for a lesson on irony. I like it more, however, for how it turns themes like pride and our perception of others on their heads. Have your students do a pre-writing exercise sharing their background knowledge of Westerns, damsels in distress, and cowboys, and then have them compare their previous perceptions with the reality presented in the story for a fun and meaningful discussion.
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Fill out the form on this page to get your free printable of seven of the short stories on this list!
Crisp cool nights, changing leaves, the smell of woodsmoke in the air … fall has arrived! That makes it the perfect time to cozy up with a pumpkin spice latte and a good book. We’ve pored over the reviews to find the best new books coming in October 2025 for kids and teens, so mark your calendar and get ready for some wonderful reads.
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October Reading Log
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Fiction Picture Books in October 2025
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Yellow Is a Banana by John Himmelman
“This red is an apple.” “No, this apple is red!” Two siblings drive each other a little crazy while they explore different ways of looking at colors and the world around them in this inventive new picture book.
My Home Is in My Backpack by Eugenia Perrella and Angela Salerno
When your own home is no longer safe, you have no choice but to travel somewhere new. Refugee Clara and her family are walking to a better life, carrying all they own in backpacks. Try this new picture book for October with older students to introduce the tough topic of forced migration.
Enjoy a magical look at the endless winter night of the far north, seen through the eyes of two young Tlingit children. An older cousin helps a younger one see the beauty and color in a world that at first seems full of darkness.
And They Walk On by Kevin Maillard, ill. by Rafael López
A young boy deals with his grandmother’s death, finding ways to stay connected as he imagines where she is and what she’s doing now. This tender new read is a lovely way to help little ones cope with the loss of a loved one.
This delightfully imaginative new tale follows a ferret who longs to be a musician even though she’s told “Music is not for someone like you.” Fortunately, Flora finds a way to free the music inside her so all the world can hear it!
Growing Up Beth by Beth Ann York, ill. by Ana Latese
Beth’s big family doesn’t have a lot of money, but their resourcefulness and love for one another leads to all sorts of simple adventures. This is a chapter book with real heart, different from the usual easy reader fare but just as enjoyable.
Brianna Banana: Worst Surprise Ever by Lana Button, ill. by Suharu Ogawa
Third grader Brianna is looking forward to being helper of the day at school. But the surprise substitute teacher doesn’t know anything about it, and Brianna is crushed! It takes an unexpected event to remind her that being a real helper isn’t limited to a job title.
Mystery at the Biltmore: A Recipe for Robbery by Colleen Nelson, ill. by Peggy Collins
The latest entry in this chapter book series is as full of charm and mystery as earlier entries. This time around, the LaRue Detective Agency (“100% success rate!”) must track down Biltmore resident Chef Sebastian’s stolen recipes in time for him to open his new pastry shop.
After Cordy’s father died, nothing felt the same anymore. As she searches for that elusive “something” to make things feel right again, what she discovers is a little stray dog she names “Lost.” It turns out to be just what Cordy and her family needs.
Jackson Bright in the Spotlight by Eureka O’Hara & Dan Poblocki, ill. by Ricardo Bessa
Jackson loves bright, colorful clothes and is confused by being told to “dress like a boy.” To prove his point, he decides to enter his town’s Little Miss pageant dressed in drag. This new middle grade book deftly explores gender boundaries, with well-drawn, relatable characters that help draw attention to important issues of free expression and tolerance.
The Golden Necklace by Mitali Perkins, ill. by Maithili Joshi
Twelve-year-old Sona faces the pressure of an important exam, her brother’s false theft accusation, and her older friend Tara’s forced engagement to a greedy fiancé. When Tara’s family gold goes missing, Sona must uncover the truth while navigating the social and economic struggles of life in Darjeeling.
Words Apart by Aimee Lucido, ill. by Phillippa & Rachael Corcutt
Part novel-in-verse, part graphic novel, this new middle grade read for October defies easy categorization. Follow the lives of two sisters, one who loves words and one who prefers pictures, as they grow up and deal with changes in their family and friendships. Crossword puzzles sprinkled throughout add a clever level of engagement to the story.
Keedie—13, a twin, and autistic—attends a school with a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, but it doesn’t stop some kids from pushing others around. When Keedie agrees to intervene on behalf of one student in exchange for payment, she soon finds herself running an anti-bullying agency. Tween readers will cheer her actions and sympathize as she navigates challenging relationships with her family (including neurotypical twin Nina) and peers.
Lexie, a talented Canadian teen, juggles swimming, school ambitions, and volunteering while coping with her parents’ divorce and her father’s controlling behavior. As pressures mount, she learns to set boundaries, recognize healthy love, and find strength in the support around her.
Jane, a Korean American teen in Omaha, immerses herself in Korean culture for her vlog, but her obsession strains relationships with friends and family. It turns out that being Korean means much more than just trying kimchi and singing along to K-pop. Many of today’s American teens love all things Korean and will revel in the references in this new young adult read.
Seventeen-year-old Gospel, a Keeper who guides children’s souls in the space between life and death, begins to question the meaning of her role. As she collects memories, forms forbidden connections, and discovers love, she must decide whether her existence can hold more than grief in this new novel told in verse.
When Australian teen Mel finds a stolen diary written in Indonesian, she and new friend Michael discover it belongs to a girl being held as a sex worker in Melbourne. Determined to help, they set out on a dangerous quest for truth and justice that tests their courage and resolve.
The first book in a new trilogy follows 15-year-old twin sisters Delia and Velia as their summer plans are derailed by a supernatural attack on their father. To save his life, they must face a world of gods and monsters from Aztec mythology, and determine their own place within it.
A lonely raccoon chef who lives inside a French restaurant must step outside her comfort zone to take a baby crow back to its home in the wild. Perfect for fans of the movie Ratatouille! (Grades 1–4)
Alice feels left out when her friends receive dragon eggs, since her family history means she can’t become a dragon’s kindred. But with the help of an ailing dragon named Brim, she discovers a special gift of her own and learns the true meaning of family and belonging in this new fantasy graphic novel. (Grades 5–8)
The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur by Allan Wolf, ill. by Jose Pimienta
Louisiana’s freshwater Lake Peigneur was a bustling place, full of life and industry. That all changed one day in 1980 when an oil drilling rig caused the lake to drain practically overnight. This true-life tale is gripping and fascinating and will keep readers on the edge of their seats. (Grades 5–9)
In the summer of 1989, 12-year-old Rhiannon (who’s the only kid living in a retirement community trailer park) reunites with her best friend Kit, ready for adventures like clubhouse building and coyote-watching. Then they meet Elizabeth, a purple-haired former ballerina with a secret, who pulls the trio into a summer of friendship, first crushes, and self-discovery. (Grades 9–12)
Patchwork: A Graphic Biography of Jane Austen by Kate Evans
This captivating and unique look at the beloved author’s life uses Jane Austen’s final quilt as the basis for the story, piecing together a new narrative that will change the way we view her and her timeless novels. (Grades 9–12)
Starting with a single point and building out through lines, curves, and their combinations, this new book takes readers on an interactive journey through geometry as Alma plans a new exhibit at the Museum of Shapes. It’s such a fun way to introduce shapes to young learners! (Pre-K to Grade 2)
Rock Star by Sandra Neil Wallace, ill. by Nancy Carpenter
Inspire kids with the true story of groundbreaking geologist Ursula Marvin, who traveled to Antarctica to prove her theories about the significance of meteorites—and show that women could be scientists too. (Pre-K to Grade 2)
Speaking of Antarctica, here’s a new and detailed exploration of the southern continent full of fascinating facts. Learn about the land itself, the animals that live there, and the scientists who call it home. (Grades K–3)
From the chilly Antarctic, head north to the steamy rainforests of the Amazon for a close look at the plants and animals there. Told from the perspective of scientists taking a 3-week “rapid inventory” and illustrated with beautiful photos throughout, this new nonfiction book for October exposes readers to a whole new natural world of wonders. (Grades 3–8)
The title says it all: This new reference book dives deep into the world of mushrooms, molds, yeasts, and other members of the eukaryotic kingdom. It deserves a place on any middle or high school library shelf. (Grades 7–12)
Throughout the school year, there is so much to celebrate and learn, from exploring different cultures and perspectives to uncovering the real truth behind our history to gaining a greater understanding of our planet and ourselves. If you’re looking for a way to plan your classroom reading calendar for the year, check out this sampling of fantastic reads from our friends at Random House Children’s Books. From hilarious and heartwarming tales to suspenseful and spellbinding sagas, you’re sure to find something inspiring for every month of the curriculum. Plus, download the free Educators’ Guides featuring discussion questions, extension activities, curriculum connections, and more.
Plan your classroom reading calendar with Random House Children’s Books!
Start the school year off right with stories that help ease first-day jitters and get kids excited about the upcoming year together. Also this month, check out this list of social-emotional-themed Books for Healthy Classrooms.
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1. Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (Grades K–3)
Seven-year-old Muhammad gets help from his teacher to find the perfect place to pray on his new salat (prayer rug).
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2. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (Grades 4–6)
This multi-award-winning bestseller follows 6th grader Miranda on a clandestine search for the person who is sending her mysterious messages.
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3. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez (Grades 7–12)
After Julia’s sister dies in a tragic accident, she must carry on with her grief as she finds her own identity and deals with the traditional expectations of her Mexican American family.
September: Banned Books Month
Many quality children’s books have landed on the banned-book list, but there are important messages in these stories for our kids. Share a few of our favorites. Also this month, check out these books for Library Card Sign-Up Month.
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4. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold (Grades K–3)
This delightful picture book paints a picture of a joyful school where all are welcomed with open arms—a celebration of diversity and inclusion.
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5. Answers in the Pages by David Levithan (Grades 4–6)
What would you do if your mom was leading the cause to have a beloved book banned from your school’s curriculum? Donovan knows it’s time to stand up and take action.
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6. This Is My America by Kim Johnson (Grades 7–12)
Seventeen-year-old Tracy Beaumont is struggling with the fact that her father is an innocent Black man on death row. When her older brother is accused of a heinous crime, Tracy knows she must take action to prevent history from repeating itself.
October: Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month
Spotlight books from Hispanic/LatinX authors for this heritage month and beyond.
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7. Areli Is a Dreamer by Areli Morales (Grades K–3)
Written by a real-life DACA dreamer, this sweet picture book tells the story of Areli, who arrives in the United States right before kindergarten. She enters a whole new world in the big city and must find her way in her new homeland.
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8. Lola by Karla Arenas Valenti (Grades 4–6)
Magic has always been a part of young Lola’s life, but when her brother gets sick, she must journey down a secret passage into a hidden world to find a remedy.
9. Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez (Grades 7–12)
Written by renowned author Julia Alvarez, this compelling YA tale tells the story of one girl’s brave escape from Trujillo’s reign of terror in the Dominican Republic.
Long ago, the land we all live on was the traditional homeland of many Indigenous nations. This beautifully illustrated story encourages children to look back and honor the history and nobility of the people that came before us.
Buy it: This Land at Random House Children’s Books
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11. Race to the Truth: Colonization and the Wampanoag Story by Linda Coombs (Grades 4–6)
Until now, you may have only heard one side of the story: the story about the “discovery” of America by Christopher Columbus, the Pilgrims, and the Colonists. Here’s the true story of America from the Indigenous perspective.
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12. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann (Grades 7–12)
This is the Young Readers Edition of the New York Times bestseller and National Book Award finalist about one of history’s most ruthless and shocking crimes: the Reign of Terror against the Osage people.
December: Winter Reads
Get ready for winter break with these great reads.
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13. Eight Sweet Nights: A Festival of Lights by Charlotte Offsay (Grades K–3)
This charmingly illustrated story shares the meaning and history of the Jewish Festival of Lights. From foods and traditions to Hanukkah vocabulary words, your students will delight in this family-friendly picture book.
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14. Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell (Grades 4–6)
This epic middle grade fantasy follows heroes Christopher and Mal as they race to save the world’s last magical place and the amazing creatures that live there.
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15. Snowglobe by Soyoung Park (Grades 7–12)
Snowglobe is a vast climate-controlled dome protected from the frozen wastelands of the world outside. To provide solace for the outsiders, reality-style TV shows about the citizens of Snowglobe stream 24 hours a day. When Chobahm gets the opportunity to become part of the cast, she learns that the show’s rosy portrayal is far from the truth.
January: New Year Reads
Start the new year off right with books that support students’ social-emotional growth. Also this month, celebrate 100 Days of School books.
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16. The Creature of Habit by Jennifer E. Smith (Grades K–3)
What will happen when the creature of habit encounters a new friend that doesn’t follow the same routine? A tale of being open to other perspectives and the joy of trying new things.
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17. Speak Up, Santiago! by Julio Anta (Grades 4–6)
Colombian American city kid Santi heads upstate to stay with his grandmother for the summer. When he gets there, he finds out the other kids look like him but they all speak Spanish. Will the language barrier get in the way of fun and friendship?
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18. Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson (Grades 7–12)
Adapted for young adults, this is the engrossing memoir of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. It is a tale of intelligence, perseverance, and belief in oneself that is sure to inspire.
Buy it: Lovely One at Random House Children’s Books
February: Black History Month
Celebrate the experiences and achievements of Black Americans with books that share their rich history.
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19. Standing in the Need of Prayer by Carole Boston Weatherford (Grades K–3)
A visually stunning compendium of African American history. From the dark chapter of slavery to the battle for civil rights to modern-day struggles, this book is a celebration of a persistence, faith, and determination.
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20. The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis (Grades 4–6)
The 25th anniversary edition of the beloved classic. When the Watson family heads south for a summer road trip to Grandma’s house, they don’t realize they are heading toward one of the darkest events of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.
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21. Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama (Grades 7–12)
In this young adult adaptation of Barack Obama’s bestselling memoir, the former president delves into his family’s unique history as he grapples with the formation of his own values, purpose, and identity.
March: Women’s History Month
Learn about the vast contributions of women in our society with these true stories.
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22. How To Solve a Problem by Ashima Shiraishi (Grades K–3)
World-class competitive rock climber Ashima Shiraishi shares inspiring tales of perseverance and grit as encouragement for young people to follow their dreams.
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23. Trailblazers: Jane Goodall: A Life With Chimps (Grades 4–6)
From the popular biography series Trailblazers comes the amazing story of naturalist Jane Goodall, whose groundbreaking life with chimpanzees produced some of the most impactful research in the field, inspiring girls and women everywhere.
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24. The Woman All Spies Fear by Amy Butler Greenfield (Grades 7–12)
You may not know the name Elizebeth Smith Friedman, but as a cryptanalyst, she played a monumental role decoding messages during World Wars I and II and also for the Coast Guard’s war against smugglers.
When Salam’s young olive tree gets trampled in her war-torn country, her grandfather and neighbors work together to plant orchards as far as the eye can see. This modern-day fable celebrates the parallel of the strength of the olive tree and the Palestinian people.
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26. Muzoon: A Syrian Refugee Speaks Out by Muzoon Almellehan (Grades 4–6)
Born in Syria and forced to leave the country with her family when she was only 14, Muzoon never lost sight of the importance of education. Despite the hardships of living in a refugee camp, she acted as a leader, gathering and encouraging girls to come to school. Muzoon’s story is an inspiration for all women to use their voice and stand up for what they believe in.
27. Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo (Grades 7–12)
A powerful novel-in-verse, this is the story of Nima, caught between the culture of her mother’s birth and her home in the suburbs. As she struggles to find her way, she learns valuable lessons about family, identity, and belonging.
May: AANHPI Heritage Month
Celebrate the cultures and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders with books by AANHPI creators. Also this month, open a dialogue with books that tackle Mental Health Awareness Month.
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28. Mango Memories by Sita Singh (Grades K–3)
This sweet tale of a determined young Indian girl finding her own way to contribute to her family’s mango harvest is filled with beautiful imagery of a culture that young readers may not be familiar with.
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29. When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller (Grades 4–6)
This Newbery Award–winning tale brings Korean folklore to life for middle grade readers. When a magical tiger offers Lily a deal to help cure her sick grandmother, she must maneuver carefully as she finds her voice and discovers the depth of her own courage.
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30. Imposter Syndrome by Patricia Park (Grades 7–12)
This hilarious story follows Ale, a multicultural teen struggling to find her footing between her present and the future she wants to build for herself.
June: Pride Month
Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s experience with titles that feature their authors, characters, and stories. Also this month, check out titles that celebrate Juneteenth and Graduation.
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31. Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders (Grades K–3)
An age-appropriate introduction to lawyer and activist Harvey Milk, a pioneer in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and creator of one the most recognizable symbols of hope: the rainbow flag.
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32. Turning Twelve by Kathryn Ormsbee (Grades 4–6)
This enchanting coming-of-age graphic novel follows 12-year-old Katie, who’s excited for all the changes an almost-teenager has to look forward to. But when she develops a crush on another girl, she has to deal with some big feelings and learn the importance of following her own heart.
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33. Hick by Sarah Miller (Grades 7–12)
First lady Eleanor Roosevelt was a tireless champion for women’s rights, civil rights, and social justice. But a lesser-known chapter of her story involves journalist Lorena Hickok, who became her confidant, closest ally, and romantic partner.
July: Disability Pride Month
Support a more inclusive world with books by and about writers, artists, inventors, and activists with disabilities.
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34. I Am a Masterpiece! by Mia Armstrong (Grades K–3)
Mia sees and understands the world differently than many others. As a child with Down syndrome, she celebrates her differences and shines a light on the gifts of being neurodivergent.
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35. It’s All or Nothing, Vale by Andrea Beatriz Arango (Grades 4–6)
A captivating novel in verse about a girl whose passion is fencing, until a tragic accident takes her out of the competition. Can she recover her strength … and her confidence?
Penguin Random House
36. The Words We Keep by Erin Stewart (Grades 7–12)
This gripping novel paints a realistic picture of how mental health struggles affect not only the individual with the mental health issue but also their friends and family.
Short stories are a perfect teaching tool for middle schoolers. They’re quick, fast-paced, and pack a punch with lots of action and drama. And because they require less time to read, they’re an easy way to expose your students to new authors and genres.
This list of short stories is great for teaching middle schoolers. Links to each story are included below (they are sometimes scanned reproductions). Always remember to check in advance for typos, and be sure to respect copyright protections. Finally, before you bring these short stories for middle schoolers to your classroom, make sure the material (and whatever twist ending is in store) is previewed and appropriate.
You can get free printable copies of the short stories by simply filling out the form on this page.
1. Recitatif by Toni Morrison
“The minute I walked in and the Big Bozo introduced us, I got sick to my stomach. It was one thing to be taken out of your own bed early in the morning—it was something else to be stuck in a strange place with a girl from a whole other race.”
Why we love it: Morrison’s stated goal in this short story, which begins in an orphanage, was to remove “all racial codes from a narrative about two characters of different races for whom racial identity is crucial.” Also, it’s perfect for studying style and spurring conversation.
2. Stone Animals by Kelly Link
“Carleton was serious about how he played. Tilly sat on the landing, reading a book, legs poking out through the railings. Whenever Carleton ran past, he thumped her on the head, but Tilly never said a word. Carleton would be sorry later, and never even know why.”
Why we love it: It’s a longer short story that is rich with stylistic and narrative elements and can serve as a novella. So, save time to teach this short story over a few weeks.
3. Hearts and Hands by O. Henry
“Among the newcomers were two young men, one of handsome presence with a bold, frank countenance and manner; the other a ruffled, glum-faced person, heavily built and roughly dressed. The two were handcuffed together.”
Why we love it: Middle school readers are often ready for the classics, and even though O. Henry’s language can be tough for kids today, “Hearts and Hands” is quick and clear and hits exactly as you want his stories to hit.
4. The Fir Tree by Hans Christian Andersen
“And the Wind kissed the Tree, and the Dew wept tears over him; but the Fir understood it not.”
Why we love it: It’s a poetic fairy tale, and it’s great for teaching theme. Use this story to teach literary elements and figurative language.
5. The Diamond Necklace by Guy de Maupassant
“The sight of the little Breton peasant who did her humble housework aroused in her despairing regrets and bewildering dreams.”
Why we love it: “The Diamond Necklace” is a great story to use to teach character development. Scaffold this older text for students by providing supports for background knowledge and vocabulary.
6. The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin
“Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble, great care was taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husband’s death.”
Why we love it: It’s a perfect anchor text for a discussion assignment.
7. The Library of Babel Jorge Luis Borges
“Like all men of the Library, I have traveled in my youth; I have wandered in search of a book, perhaps the catalogue of catalogues; now that my eyes can hardly decipher what I write, I am preparing to die just a few leagues from the hexagon in which I was born.”
Why we love it: Welcome to Borges’ world of magical realism. Read this story as an example of magical realism, or as part of a unit about authors whose work bent reality in all kinds of ways.
8. The Circuit by Francisco Jiménez
Why we love it: We enjoy doing this as a read-aloud, to lead into reflective writing or discussion.
9. Daedalus and Icarus by Ferdinand Scmidt
“Daedalus of Athens was a son of Metion, grandson of Erectheus. He was the most skillful man of his time–an architect, sculptor, and stone worker. … But skillful, zealous, and active as he was in his work, he had vices which brought him into trouble.”
Why we love it: “Daedalus and Icarus” is a great way to introduce middle schoolers to mythology. It’s a simple enough story, but with enough complexity to strengthen students’ ability to focus and read line-by-line to fully grasp the story about the dangers of being overconfident.
10. The Paper Menagerie by Ken Liu
“I didn’t know this at the time, but Mom’s breath was special. She breathed into her paper animals so that they shared her breath, and thus moved with her life. This was her magic.”
Why we love it: Liu writes a subtle story, which makes it exciting for students to uncover elements of craft. Use this story as a practice in close reading and assign students to small groups to read aloud and talk about how the story unfolds.
11. The Boastful Bamboo from Japanese Folk Stories and Fairy Tales
“Beneath the gleaming snows of Fuji lay a great forest. There many giant trees grew, the fir, the pine, the graceful bamboo, and the camellia trees. The balmy azaleas and the crinkled iris bloomed in the shade. The blue heavens were fleecy with snowy clouds, and gentle zephyrs caressed the blossoms and made them bow like worshipers before a shrine.”
Why we love it: This story injects Japanese folktales into the curriculum so students can learn more about Japan, and see how storytelling and fairy-tale elements are similar and different across cultures.
12. The Open Window by Saki (H.H. Munro)
“Framton shivered slightly and turned towards the niece with a look intended to convey sympathetic comprehension. The child was staring out through the open window with dazed horror in her eyes.”
Why we love it: It’s a story that’s great to read anytime for setting, theme, and characterization, or a wonderful themed story for a Halloween read-aloud.
13. The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe
“When the eyes of the Prince Prospero fell upon this spectral image (which, with a slow and solemn movement, as if more fully to sustain its role, stalked to and fro among the waltzers), he was seen to be convulsed.”
Why we love it: Poe should be on every middle school reading list. In this story, Death is a character and Poe creates a fantastic personification of Death with his descriptive writing.
“We chose for our victim the only child of an influential citizen named Ebenezer Dorset. … The kid was a boy of ten, with bas-relief freckles, and hair the colour of the cover of the magazine you buy at the new-stand. … Bill and me figured that Ebenezer would melt down for a ransom of two thousand dollars to a cent. But wait till I tell you.”
Why we love it: This story is Home Alone but set in the Old West and written by O. Henry. Help students appreciate how even older stories can be hilarious.
15. An Old Acquaintance by Leo Tolstoy
“The infantry picket, stationed on the knoll at the left, stood in perfect silhouette against the light of the sunset; no less distinct were the stacks of muskets, the form of the sentry, the groups of soldiers, and the smoke of the smouldering camp-fire.”
Why we love it: This story is a great chance to talk about how authors bring their own experiences (in this case, historical events) into their work.
16. Fixed Income by Sherman Alexie
Why we love it: Filled with Alexie’s trademark style, it’s a quick look at the generation gap and perfect for a read-aloud or studying characterization. Like his other story on this list, the text we chose is edited to be more school-appropriate.
17. The Wife’s Story by Ursula K. Le Guin
“It was the moon, that’s what they say. It’s the moon’s fault, and the blood. It was in his father’s blood. I never knew his father, and now I wonder what became of him.”
Why we love it: Students savor the slow realization that the people in the story might not be exactly what they seem.
18. First-Day Fly by Jason Reynolds
“How were you supposed to know geometry is apparently more important than your drip? How were you supposed to hear anything Mrs. Montgomery had to say about triangles and diameters and whatever a hypotenuse is when your sneakers are practically bleeding to death?”
Why we love it: In this story, the narrator reflects on his younger self as he prepares to go to school. It’s an adventurous reflection, rich with details and style, just what you’d expect from Jason Reynolds.
19. On the Sidewalk Bleeding by Evan Hunter
“He lay on the sidewalk, bleeding, and he thought only: That was a fierce rumble. They got me good that time, but he did not know he was dying.”
Why we love it: We learn how it ends right in the beginning. This piques students’ curiosity so they continue to read to find out how the character got here. A good example of an intriguing story structure.
20. The Bet by Anton Chekhov
“Execution kills instantly, life-imprisonment kills by degrees. Who is the more humane executioner, one who kills you in a few seconds or one who draws the life out of you incessantly, for years?”
Why we love it: You can’t read short stories without including Chekhov. “The Bet” raises ethical questions for the reader in the way that all great Russian literature does.
21. My Favorite Chaperone by Jean Davies Okimoto
“It’s like that in America. It’s a place where things can change for people, and many people always seem to have hope. At least that’s how it seems to me. Maybe I was beginning to think this way, too, although my hope was very small.”
Why we love it: This story about immigration is long enough for a mini-unit, and it’s great for teaching the basics of storytelling and style. It’s also a great story for helping students think about the immigration experience.
22. The Treasure of Lemon Brown by Walter Dean Myers
Why we love it: Walter Dean Myers’ universe is immediately accessible for many middle school kids, and this story gives us a chance to expand the unit into a study of the blues and all the musical genres it inspired. The project possibilities are endless!
23. The House and the Brain by E. Bulwer Lytton
“A friend of mine, who is a man of letters and a philosopher, said to me one day, as if between jest and earnest, ‘Fancy! Since we last met I have discovered a haunted house in the midst of London.’”
Why we love it: The first line of this story brings us to a haunted house, and students are hooked!
24. Seventh Grade by Gary Soto
“On the way to his homeroom, Victor tried a scowl. He felt foolish, until out of the corner of his eye he saw a girl looking at him. Umm, he thought, maybe it does work. He scowled with greater conviction.”
Why we love it: This story captures the middle school experience so well, and Soto always does such a great job integrating diverse voices into his work.
25. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
“Then I said if I had my glases I coud see better I usally only ware my glases in the movies or TV but I said they are in the closit in the hall. I got them. Then I said let me see that card agen I bet Ill find it now.”
Why we love it: The story of an intellectually disabled man who is temporarily able to blend into “normal” society brings out great questions, even for today’s students.
26. The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe
“During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country; and at length found myself, as the shades of the evening drew on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher.”
Why we love it: No one paints a dreary, spooky picture like Poe. Read this story to analyze how Poe creates mood one dreary word at a time.
27. Everyday Use by Alice Walker
“In real life I am a large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands. In the winter I wear flannel nightgowns to bed and overalls during the day. I can kill and clean a hog as mercilessly as a man.”
Why we love it: Walker’s story is a great model about how authors create descriptive characterizations.
28. Lamb to the Slaughter by Roald Dahl
“The room was warm and clean, the curtains drawn, the two table lamps alight—hers and the one by the empty chair opposite. On the sideboard behind her, two tall glasses, soda water, whiskey. … Mary Maloney was waiting for her husband to come home from work.”
Why we love it: Students already know Dahl from his whimsical (if slightly dark) novels like Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but this short story will show students another side of the author. Talk about the story and how versatile an author can be.
29. One Friday Morning by Langston Hughes
Why we love it: Hughes tackles race and discrimination in a story about a community that reverses a decision to award a local teen a scholarship when they learn that she is Black. It’s a compelling and troubling story that ends with a note of inspiration and is rich for discussion.
30. A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings by Gabriel García Márquez
“The light was so weak at noon that when Pelayo was coming back to the house after throwing away the crabs, it was hard for him to see what it was that was moving and groaning in the rear of the courtyard. He had to go very close to see that it was an old man, a very old man, lying face down in the mud, who, in spite of his tremendous efforts, couldn’t get up, impeded by his enormous wings.”
Why we love it: Exploring Márquez’s magical realism is an exciting, eye-opening experience for students.
31. Charles by Shirley Jackson
“‘Why did Charles hit the teacher?’ I asked quickly. ‘Because she tried to make him color with red crayons,’ Laurie said. ‘Charles wanted to color with green crayons so he hit the teacher and she spanked him and said nobody play with Charles but everybody did.’”
Why we love it: Jackson’s must-read story validates the experience of students who don’t play by the rules, and it’s still got the perfect twist ending. Students will remember this story long after you’ve finished teaching it.
32. Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving
“Every change of season, every change of weather, indeed, every hour of the day, produces some change in the magical hues and shapes of these mountains, and they are regarded by all the good wives, far and near, as perfect barometers.”
Why we love it: It’s important for students to know the reference behind Rip Van Winkle. They can discuss how references from literature make it into everyday language. Plus, this is an imaginative story with great description.
33. Click Clack the Rattlebag by Neil Gaiman
“We walked along the upper corridor in the shadows, walking from patch of moonlight to patch of moonlight. It really was a big house. I wished I had a flashlight.”
Why we love it: Students simply love this story. Period. Gaiman knows how to write for today’s kids, and this story never fails to hold their attention from the drop.
34. Names/Nombres by Julia Alvarez
“At the hotel my mother was Missus Alburest, and I was little girl, as in, ‘Hey, little girl, stop riding the elevator up and down. It’s not a toy.’”
Why we love it: This is less a short story than an anecdotal essay about the words we use to identify one another, especially our loved ones. It’s one of those short stories for middle schoolers that’s perfect for starting the school year.
35. To Build a Fire by Jack London
“The man flung a look back along the way he had come. The Yukon lay a mile wide and hidden under three feet of ice. On top of this ice were as many feet of snow. It was all pure white, rolling in gentle undulations where the ice-jams of the freeze-up had formed.”
Why we love it: London’s stories remain engaging. In this story, the pace is perfect for studying plot, and the style is a fun model for narratives.
36. The Fly by Katherine Mansfield
“The door shut, the firm heavy steps recrossed the bright carpet, the fat body plumped down in the spring chair, and leaning forward, the boss covered his face with his hands. He wanted, he intended, he had arranged to weep …”
Why we love it: “The Fly” is a riddle wrapped in a short story. It’s fun for students to untangle the story and meaning.
37. Geraldo No Last Name by Sandra Cisneros
“She met him at a dance. Pretty too, and young. Said he worked in a restaurant, but she can’t remember which one. Geraldo.”
Why we love it: This story is a great model to show students how authors use words both economically and effectively.
38. Rules of the Game by Amy Tan
“I was six when my mother taught me the art of invisible strength. It was a strategy for winning arguments, respect from others, and eventually, though neither of us knew it at the time, chess games.”
Why we love it: Tan uses the game of chess and the game of life. The themes of passion, dedication, and respect for family and tradition are built into this story, as in much of Tan’s work.
39. Liars Don’t Qualify by Junius Edwards
“Will Harris sat on the bench in the waiting room for another hour. His pride was not the only thing that hurt. He wanted them to call him in and get him registered so he could get out of there.”
Why we love it: It’s a small story about a very big issue, and it’s driven by compelling dialogue.
40. The Sniper by Liam O’Flaherty
“On a rooftop near O’Connell Bridge, a Republican sniper lay watching. Beside him lay his rifle and over his shoulders was slung a pair of field glasses. His face was the face of a student, thin and ascetic, but his eyes had the cold gleam of the fanatic.”
Why we love it: The video game generation connects quickly to the setting, and the moral questions are worth talking about.
41. Civil Peace by Chinua Achebe
Why we love it: This modern Nigerian story is a great way to introduce students to African literature, modern events, and point of view and theme.
42. The Friday Everything Changed by Anne Hart
“Tradition. In Miss Ralston’s class the boys have always carried the water bucket. Until one day, the girls decide it’s time to challenge the rule.”
Why we love it: What better way to empower young world-changers than a short story for middle schoolers about gender roles?
43. The Scholarship Jacket by Marta Salinas
“The next day when the principal called me into his office I knew what it would be about. He looked uncomfortable and unhappy. I decided I wasn’t going to make it any easier for him, so I looked him straight in the eye. He looked away and fidgeted with the papers on his desk.”
Why we love it The limited first-person perspective of the young narrator provides an interesting window on racial and social politics.
44. Amigo Brothers by Piri Thomas
Why we love it: It works as a great extension text if you’re examining sports fiction, friendship stories, ethical questions, or characterization.
45. And of Clay Are We Created by Isabel Allende
“In that vast cemetery where the odor of death was already attracting vultures from far away, and where the weeping of orphans and wails of the injured filled the air, the little girl obstinately clinging to life became the symbol of the tragedy.”
Why we love it: Allende does historical fiction like no other. Introduce students to her style, including the bold imagery and vivid voice with this story about the aftermath of a fictional volcano eruption (based on the 1985 volcano eruption in Colombia).
46. Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway
“It was very hot and the express from Barcelona would come in forty minutes. It stopped at this junction for two minutes and went on to Madrid.”
Why we love it: Students can analyze craft, bias, and character development all in one story.
47. The Veldt by Ray Bradbury
“They walked down the hall of their HappyLife Home, which had cost them thirty thousand dollars installed. This house which clothed and fed and rocked them to sleep and played and sang and was good to them.”
Why we love it: Read and analyze this story about a child who gets revenge on their parents.
48. The Fun They Had by Isaac Asimov
“‘Gee,’ said Tommy, ‘what a waste. When you’re through with the book, you just throw it away, I guess. Our television screen must have had a million books on it and it’s good for plenty more. I wouldn’t throw it away.’”
Why we love it: This science-fiction story works wonderfully as a compare-and-contrast text or as a model for students’ own speculative narratives. It’s also a great way to bring what may be a new genre into the classroom.
49. Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
“George and Hazel were watching television. There were tears on Hazel’s cheeks, but she’d forgotten for the moment what they were about. On the television screen were ballerinas.”
Why we love it: The subversive genius of Kurt Vonnegut always provides essential lessons in style and critical thinking.
50. A Good Man Is Hard To Find by Flannery O’Connor
Why we love it: It really freaks out the kids when the grandmother meets her match in a twist that we see coming just in time to really feel the horror. If you’re looking for short stories that are engaging and rich for character study, this is the one for middle schoolers.
51. Eleven by Sandra Cisneros
“You open your eyes and everything’s just like yesterday, only it’s today. And you don’t feel eleven at all. You feel like you’re still ten. And you are—underneath the year that makes you eleven.”
Why we love it: Middle schoolers will appreciate the way Cisneros handles the theme of growing up, and the premise of a child being embarrassed is all too relatable.
52. Thank You, Ma’am by Langston Hughes
“It was about eleven o’clock at night, and she was walking alone, when a boy ran up behind her and tried to snatch her purse. The strap broke with the single tug the boy gave it from behind.”
Why we love it: It’s an example of an important lesson taught with firm grace and compassion. The beautiful characterization makes it a great text to study for technique.
53. Valediction by Sherman Alexie
“The next morning, we met up before school, and vowed to never do it again. One time was kind of innocent, but more than that would be criminal. But after practice that night, we did it again. Then again the day after that. We shoplifted for a week.”
Why we love it: Few writers do coming-of-age stories these days better than Sherman Alexie. And this is a great coming-of-age story with a solid lesson at the end.
54. Girl by Jamaica Kincaid
“Wash the white clothes on Monday and put them on the stone heap; wash the color clothes on Tuesday and put them on the clothesline to dry; don’t walk bare-head in the hot sun; cook pumpkin fritters in very hot sweet oil …”
Why we love it: This story is unconventional and accessible at the same time. I love exposing students to different types of narratives, because it really helps them extend their creative ideas.
55. When I Lay My Burden Down by Maya Angelou
“I remember never believing that whites were really real.”
Why we love it: Maya Angelou is a must-read for students. In this narrative, she takes the American perspective and turns it on its head, challenging students to really think.
56. All Summer in a Day by Ray Bradbury
Why we love it: Teaching this story in the 21st century means you can align it with historical events and help students imagine their own versions of what will happen in the future.
57. The Medicine Bag by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve
“I watched the group as it slowly came closer and saw that in the center of the strange procession was a man wearing a tall black hat. He’d pause now and then to peer at something in his hand and then at the houses on either side of the street. I felt cold and hot at the same time as I recognized the man. ‘Oh, no!’ I whispered. ‘It’s Grandpa!’”
Why we love it: Short stories for middle schoolers that highlight the wisdom and experience of elders are always welcome in my classroom. This one teaches students about having pride in their cultural heritage.
58. St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves by Karen Russell
“We’d arrived at St. Lucy’s this morning, part of a pack fifteen-strong. We were accompanied by a mousy, nervous-smelling social worker, the baby-faced deacon, Bartholomew the blue wolfhound, and four burly woodsmen.”
Why we love it: Werewolves. Great literature. What’s not to like?
59. Sweat by Zora Neale Hurston
“Delia’s habitual meekness seemed to slip from her shoulders like a blown scarf. She was on her feet; her poor little body, her bare knuckly hands bravely defying the strapping hulk before her.”
Why we love it: While the dialect and culturally sensitive topics in this story are for more advanced readers, it’s also a wonderful way to engage students who are ready to tackle more complex text.
60. Mother and Daughter by Gary Soto
“Yollie’s mother, Mrs. Moreno, was a large woman who wore a muu-muu and butterfly-shaped glasses. She liked to water her lawn in the evening and wave at low-riders, who would stare at her behind their smoky sunglasses and laugh.”
Why we love it: In this story, the relationship between a mother and daughter is tested after a wardrobe malfunction at a dance. The story has themes of family and of what happens when we act thoughtlessly.
61. The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe
“If still you think me mad, you will think so no longer when I describe the wise precautions I took for the concealment of the body. The night waned, and I worked hastily, but in silence. First of all I dismembered the corpse. I cut off the head and the arms and the legs.”
Why we love it: This is a ghost story with an unreliable narrator, terrifying action, and (spoiler alert) no ghost. it’s a great start or end to a unit on short stories.
62. The Hitchhiker by Lucille Fletcher
Why we love it: This is a short story in script form that’s fun to perform in class. Also, you can pair this with the Twilight Zone version to analyze craft and perspective.
63. The Landlady by Roald Dahl
“He walked briskly down the street. He was trying to do everything briskly these days. Briskness, he had decided, was the one common characteristic of all successful businessmen.”
Why we love it: When the narrator, Billy, arrives in Bath, and it becomes problematic when he meets the landlady, even Billy seems to understand his predicament. I get the chills just thinking about this story. Students love that too.
64. The Smallest Dragonboy by Anne McCaffrey
“Dragonriders, even if they were still only hopeful candidates for the glowing eggs which were hardening on the hot sands of the Hatching Ground cavern, were expected to be punctual and prepared.”
Why we love it: It’s simply a beautiful story with science-fiction and fantasy motifs.
65. The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst
“It was I who renamed him. When he crawled, he crawled backwards, as if he were in reverse and couldn’t change gears. If you called him, he’d turn around as if he were going in the other direction, then he’d back right up to you to be picked up. Crawling backward made him look like a doodlebug, so I began to call him Doodle.”
Why we love it: It’s one of those short stories for middle schoolers that’s straight-up heartbreaking, so be prepared for that, but it’s also rich with symbolism and character development.
66. My First Free Summer by Julia Alvarez
“I never had summer—I had summer school. First grade, summer school. Second grade, summer school. Thirdgradesummerschoolfourthgradesummerschool. In fifth grade, I vowed I would get interested in fractions, the presidents of the United States, Mesopotamia; I would learn my English.”
Why we love it: It’s Julia Alvarez, which means the kids will be so wrapped up in the story they won’t realize they’re reading. In fact, they’re just experiencing her engaging point of view.
67. The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
“The lottery was conducted—as were the square dances, the teen club, the Halloween program—by Mr. Summers, who had time and energy to devote to civic activities. He was a round-faced, jovial man and he ran the coal business, and people were sorry for him because he had no children and his wife was a scold.”
Why we love it: No short story list would be complete without “The Lottery.” It’s a wonderful story with interesting plot twists that forces students to pay attention and give it a close read.
68. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
Why we love it: It’s a classic story about a couple who give up their greatest treasures to buy gifts for each other. Students can discuss the themes of sacrifice and love and rewrite the story with their own updates.
69. The Gold Cadillac by Mildred Taylor
“‘We got us a Cadillac! We got us a Cadillac!’ Wilma and I proclaimed in unison.”
Why we love it: The story, and the idea of cars as a status symbol, is timeless.
70. Fish Cheeks by Amy Tan
“When I found out that my parents had invited the minister’s family over for Christmas Eve dinner, I cried. What would Robert think of our shabby Chinese Christmas? What would he think of our noisy Chinese relatives who lacked proper American manners?”
Why we love it: Use this story to analyze how the author develops a narrator’s point of view.
71. The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell
“An abrupt sound startled him. Off to the right he heard it, and his ears, expert in such matters, could not be mistaken. Again he heard the sound, and again. Somewhere, off in the blackness, someone had fired a gun three times.”
Why we love it: This story builds suspense and tension and provides space for students to discuss whether this story is meant to be read literally or allegorically.
72. Sol Painting, Inc. by Meg Medina
“Papi and I have a long-term business plan. I’m going to take over his company one day and turn it into an empire. Home Depot will eat my dust. I’ve already designed my business cards. They’ve got a sun rising and fancy gold letters: MERCI SUAREZ, CEO, SOL PAINTING, INC.”
Why we love it: Medina’s writing appeals to many students who have trouble connecting with content, starting with the narrator’s compelling voice.
73. Main Street by Jacqueline Woodson
Why we love it: This is a story about grief and loss, with a main character who recently lost her mother to cancer. Despite the sober premise, it’s a wonderful story to use for close reading.
74. Raymond’s Run by Toni Cade Bambara
“I don’t have much work to do around the house like some girls. My mother does that. And I don’t have to earn my pocket money by hustling; George runs errands for the big boys and sells Christmas cards. And anything else that’s got to get done, my father does. All I have to do in life is mind my brother Raymond, which is enough.”
Why we love it: Middle school students know what it means to stand by your family, and this story leads to great conversations about theme.
75. The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas by Ursula Le Guin
“Do you believe? Do you accept the festival, the city, the joy? No? Then let me describe one more thing.”
Why we love it: It’s more of a proposition than a story. As a result, students can explore meaning and consider the ethical questions Le Guin raises.
76. What’s the Worst That Could Happen? by Bruce Coville
“If thirteen is supposed to be an unlucky number, what does it mean that we are forced to go through an entire year with that as our age? I mean, you would think a civilized society could just come up with a way for us to skip it.”
Why we love it: This story explores what it’s like to be 13, and whether your middle schoolers are heading into 13 or coming out of it, they will love reading one perspective on the awkward teen years.
77. The Monkey’s Paw by William Wymark Jacobs
Why we love it: The story is written in a dialogue-driven way and the plot builds to an important lesson.
78. The Boo Hag by Veronica Byrd
“But Emmet had his eyes set on a beautifully mysterious young woman who lived alone in a small cabin deep in the marsh. She was incredibly beautiful, with long dark hair, smooth skin and piercing green eyes. But word around town was that she was a little strange, and it was best to stay away from her.”
Why we love it: This story connects with the tradition of oral storytelling. Read it aloud to students or assign them the challenge of making this story come to life through read-aloud.
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Every two years, we head to the polls to elect local and national leaders. Voting seems pretty straightforward—choose your candidate and vote. The electoral process and history of it is complicated, and ideas about democracy, equality, voting rights, and other election topics are complex. Whether you’re talking about elections with younger students who are learning about the idea for the first time, or engaging high schoolers in debate and discussion about the issues, here are the best books about elections to bring into your classroom.
Plus, be sure to fill out the form on this page to get your free printable list of books about elections.
26 Best Books About Elections
Amazon
1. Duck for President by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin
Duck for President is the story of how this familiar storybook character runs for president. This is one of the best books about elections to introduce young children to the concept of running for president in a fun way.
This book offers an engaging introduction to the tenets of democracy. It’s a playful but powerful primer about the importance of voting and activism. After you read this book, have younger students share what they feel are important issues and traits in a leader. Then, hold their first mock election!
Imagine if you ran for president! This book introduces students to the various aspects of elections—media, debates, etc. It’s a great one to kick off a writing assignment that asks students to imagine what they would stand for if they ran for president.
Parties, voter registration, campaigns, rallies, debates, Election Day, even a recount are all clearly presented in a graphic format as the story of a local election unfolds, with hilarious commentary by the candidates’ pets.
Have your students hold a vote for something like your next class pet or next year’s classroom theme. Ask kids on each side of the debate to make signs and hold mock rallies talking about their stance.
Is voting fair? How do elections work? In We Can Vote, readers will investigate the process of voting—in their own lives and in their future—from researching choices to tallying results. This is one of the best books about elections for students who know the basics and want to get into the details of voting. Have students create a timeline of the voting process after reading.
6. What’s the Big Deal About Elections? by Ruby Shamir and Matt Faulkner
Did you know that Election Day is on Tuesday because that was the best day for farmers to vote? Or that George Washington was our only elected president who ran unopposed? Or that Native Americans were only given the right to vote in 1924? This book about elections is filled with great facts for your lessons!
The book is wonderful to use when answering student questions about elections and as a reference when studying the process.
This charming story captures the excitement of Election Day and encourages readers to ask the big question: Who will be our next president? Will our leader be a he or a she? A young citizen gives her take on politics in this sweet book told in the style of Clement C. Moore’s holiday poem.
Use this book to generate excitement about elections and ask students what they can do to make sure their families vote.
When Grace learns that the United States has never had a women president, she decides that she will be the first and starts by running in her class’s mock election. Use this book to talk about why people run for president, and hold a mock election of your own.
9. Heart on Fire: Susan B. Anthony Votes for President by Ann Malaspina
This book tells the story of Susan B. Anthony’s illegal trip to the ballot box. It’s an introduction to the suffrage movement and the history of voting equality. This is one of the best books about elections and is a great introduction to voting rights through one famous suffragist.
10. Vote for Our Future! by Margaret McNamara and Micah Player
A story about voting told through Stanton Elementary School, which closes every two years on Election Day. This story is a great one to teach how voting impacts the future, and inspire students to get excited about their own school transforming into a polling station on Election Day.
This is the fictional telling of the first Black woman to vote. It includes back matter about Agnes Sadler, the first Black woman to vote in Knoxville, Tennessee. This is a great story to read with students who are just learning about voting equality.
12. Lillian’s Right to Vote by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans
As Lillian, a 100-year-old African American woman, makes a “long haul up a steep hill” to her polling place, she sees more than trees and sky—she sees her family’s history. She sees the passage of the 15th Amendment and her great-grandfather voting for the first time.
Read this book and ask your students to go home and ask their parents or grandparents about the first time they voted, record what they find out, and report back to the class.
13. Where Do Presidents Come From? by Michael Townsend
This tongue-in-cheek, comic book–style guide to presidential history contains fun facts and trivia. It’s the kind of addition to your classroom library that could have students crowded around it during silent reading time. A must-have!
Use this book to host an Jeopardy-style election game.
This book gives students a clear understanding of government and politics while teaching the voting process and democracy concepts. It’s a great book to work through as a class, with activity ideas such as analyzing and evaluating primary sources, participating in a mock election and debates, and evaluating the electoral college included.
15. She Was the First! The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm by Katheryn Russell-Brown
Shirley Chisholm, a woman of many firsts, was an unforgettable political trailblazer, a candidate of the people, and catalyst of change who opened the door for women in the political arena and for the first Black president of the United States.
Read this book to talk about people who pave the way in government and other areas.
Buy it:
Amazon
16. The Kids’ Complete Guide to Elections by Nel Yomtov, Cari Meister, Emma Bernay, and Emma Berne
This book has answers to all the questions students might have about elections written in a fun way. Use this book as a resource for students, and to help explain the intricacies of elections.
17. Evicted! The Struggle for the Right to Vote by Alice Faye Duncan
This powerful book tells one Civil Rights Movement story about the Fayetteville Tent City Movement in Tennessee in the late 1950s. This book is ideal for students who have some background knowledge about American civil rights and voting, and are ready to learn more about how African Americans fought for the right to vote.
18. For Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why It Matters by Jeff Foster
Written by AP government teacher Jeff Foster, this book is a student-friendly guide to government. Use it as a reference, or have students complete research projects about the questions they have about how our government works.
19. Equality’s Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America by Deborah Diesen
Read about the history of voting rights from the Founding Fathers to the present day. Use this book to introduce the topic or as an extension to talking about voting in general.
When 6th grader Olive learns that a school policy is preventing some kids from participating in a field trip, she decides to act and runs against two closest friends in the student council election. This graphic novel has themes of friendship and finding out that one person can make a difference. It’s a great recommendation for students who love reading about friendship, with some election mixed in.
21. History Smashers: Women’s Right to Vote by Kate Messner
This book explores the lesser-known details about women’s suffrage with stories, fun facts, and other information. Use it to challenge students’ thinking about women’s suffrage and expand their knowledge of how women got the right to vote. Talk about the strategies that women used to get the right to vote and what made them successful.
Buy it:
Amazon
22. The Election Book: The People Pick a President by Carolyn Jackson
This informative book has clear explanations of complex topics such as the electoral college and voters’ rights.
Use this book as a springboard to host a mock election between real candidates, or use stand-ins (e.g., Harry Potter vs. Percy Jackson).
23. Stacey Abrams and the Fight to Vote by Traci Todd
Stacey Abrams is a current politician, and this picture book biography explores her fight for voters’ rights in Georgia. It’s one of the best books about elections to show how previous voting rights activists continue to influence modern politicians.
A novel about a Mari, a Cuban American, whose father is running for president. His campaign helps Mari see her father with fresh eyes. Use this book to talk about what we see about candidates and how they can shape their public personas.
In this novel, Dean and Dre, 17-year-old sons of two rival political candidates, fall in love on the sidelines of their political campaigns. This book is a great recommendation for students who are interested in politics and love a good drama.
26. Drawing the Vote: A Graphic Novel History for Future Voters by Tommy Jenkins
This graphic novel shows the history of voting rights in the United States and how it impacts voting today. The format makes this book accessible to students who might not be interested in reading a novel or informational text.
Looking to add some new books to your classroom library? Want to make sure the books you add are as fantastic as your students? We’ve created these lists of the best books from Penguin Young Readers for elementary students in grades 2-6. Click the button below to get the entire list for every grade level or scroll down to find your grade level!
Bring on the books!
Want to see all these great books? Download all the lists in one PDF below. Check out all the great choices and then let us know which books you’re most excited to share with your students!
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Meghan Mathis, M.Ed., Elementary and Special Education
Kids love to tell you all their stories—especially when you’re trying to talk about something else!—but teaching them how to effectively write down their narratives takes work. Mentor texts for narrative writing are a teacher’s best friend when it comes to showing students how to write engaging and powerful stories. These are the books you pore over together both to get familiar with the narrative genre and to give kids examples when introducing new writing craft moves.
Your writing curriculum probably includes some reliable favorites, but updated titles can bring fresh energy. We’ve done the work for you to find recent, appealing, diverse, (mostly) first-person mentor texts for narrative writing to add to your collection. You’re welcome!
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1. & 2. Together We Ride and Together We Swim by Valerie Bolling
This pair of books takes telling the stories of the classic experiences of learning to ride a bike and learning to swim to the next level. A sister and brother persevere through fears and challenges with the help of their parents. Add these to your mentor texts for narrative writing for younger students who use mostly pictures and a few words. There are so many small visual details to notice that can encourage students to add more to their own drawings.
A child discovers his old shoes are too tight and heads to the shoe store to pick out new ones. Use this to show new writers how they can tell a great story with just a few sentences. You can also introduce new techniques for illustrations—all these pictures are delightfully zoomed in.
4. One Day, the End: Short, Very Short, Shorter-Than-Ever Stories by Rebecca Kai Dotlich
“One day, I lost my dog. I found him. The end.” This collection of tiny tales is one of the most perfect mentor texts for narrative writing to introduce kids to the idea that a story is when something happens. Use it with your littles to teach them how to add a sentence or two to their illustrations that tell a story from their lives.
From the moment the narrator wakes up to the sun streaming into her apartment windows, it’s clear that it’s a pool day! Everyone’s at the city pool, stowing their stuff in the lockers with a CLANK and a CACHUNK, coating themselves in” slippery, slimy sunblock,” and cooling off in “an ice-cold bowl of “City People Soup.” We’re definitely adding this energetic book to our list of mentor texts for narrative writing that show kids how to use interesting language and details to bring a story to life.
Granny and Bean go for a walk on a cloudy day. They enjoy all the simple pleasures of the beach, like waves, shells, sand, petting dogs, and seaside snacks. Use this to share an attainable example of a strong narrative for younger writers. Each page has only a short sentence or two, but they manage to tell a beautiful story.
7. Bábo: A Tale of Armenian Rug-Washing Day by Astrid Kamalyan
We love this story of the author’s favorite summer chore—helping her grandmother clean the family’s rugs—to help kids see stories in their daily lives. From dancing in soap bubbles to scrubbing, sliding, and mopping, the author stretches the experience into a delightful tale. Help kids notice the mix of sentence lengths and unexpected details that give the story its fun energy.
This unique read-aloud stars a mother and child snuggled up at bedtime, trading favorite memories of picnics, special birthdays, and thunderstorms. As the story goes on, it becomes clear they’ve just experienced a sad move to a new city. The happy memories help them feel strong. While the text is written as a conversation, you can add this to your stack of excellent mentor texts for narrative writing that get kids talking and thinking about their own meaningful memories.
Dot is the smallest person in her family, but she doesn’t hesitate to stand up for the new kid when he’s bullied in the cafeteria. (Clearly, she is NOT LITTLE!) Use this to teach about strong, impactful sentences. Plus, introduce the technique of using a repeating line to show readers what’s important in your story.
Dot from Not Little is back in this endearing follow-up story. She has an experience that will be familiar to many kids: She has an amazing vision for a project that turns out to be hard to execute. Even though this story stars younger students, it has endless potential as part of a collection of mentor texts for narrative writing across elementary school. Use it to discuss describing characters, varying sentence lengths, conveying emotions, and engaging readers throughout a problem-resolution narrative arc.
11. Climbing the Volcano: A Journey in Haiku by Curtis Manley
We love showing kids how reading a variety of genres can strengthen their personal narrative writing skills. This series of haiku tells the story of one family’s volcano hike with so many helpful examples of bringing a story to life with rich details. Classrooms could practice retelling the book in traditional narrative form, or try out creating their own collection of personal narrative haiku.
This poignant story shares how a young boy uses a special cape to help him cope with his grief on the day of his loved one’s funeral. It will be a supportive mentor text for students trying to write about their own challenging experiences. It’s also a masterful example for all writers about how a few carefully chosen words and details can make a big impact on readers.
If you have kids eager to write “how I got my pet” stories, you’ll definitely want to include this one in your collection of mentor texts for narrative writing. When a girl moves to a new city, making new friends feels overwhelming—until she and her mom go to the animal shelter and meet Millie. Use this as an example of how to string together different significant events that tie to a powerful theme.
14. Mamá’s Magnificent Dancing Plantitas by Jesús Trejo
This story about Little Jesús’ efforts to take good care of his mother’s precious plants—and his ensuing panic when he knocks one over—makes for an extra-entertaining read-aloud. It’s especially great for modeling how to write in your own unique voice. We also love it for a fun lesson on incorporating speech bubbles into personal narrative stories, or a lesson about strong beginnings and endings. It’s also available in Spanish.
For years, Marley has wanted to attend their local Pride celebration with their grandparent Zsa Zsa, but the thought of all the noise, people, and chaos has always felt too scary. This year, though, Zsa Zsa’s getting a special award for their work in the transgender community, and Marley works hard to build up the courage to go. This personal narrative is a fantastic example for student writers of how to explain complex emotions within a story.
A granddaughter explains all the reasons she loves visiting her grandad’s house—most of all, it’s because of the stories he tells about the many adventures he and Gramps had in their camper. It hasn’t felt the same since Gramps died, but a granddaughter-grandfather camping trip to the beach turns out to be just what everyone needs. This story is lovely for studying how to establish setting in a narrative, and how to include flashback moments effectively.
17. The Secret Fawn by Kallie George and Elly MacKay
As the youngest sibling, a girl feels like she misses everything—including the deer her family saw in the yard. She heads outdoors to try to see it for herself and ends up having an even more special experience. Use this quiet little story to show kids how to focus their narrative on a small but significant event.
A girl and her parents take a local hike to enjoy all the sights and sounds of fall. Use this to teach about adding more to a narrative by including details, thoughts, sounds, and dialogue.
A boy and his mom take a walk in the city at night to look for the moon. Add this to the mentor texts for narrative writing you use to teach about bringing the setting to life. Also, show students how to stretch one brief experience into a story that feels important.
Race along with the main character as he dashes to the train station. (Spoiler: At the end, we discover it’s so he can be on time to chivalrously meet his grandmother.) This is one of the few mentor texts for narrative writing included on this list that isn’t written in the first-person, but it made the cut because it’s such a relatable title for showing kids how to bring a small moment to life using impactful verbs. Verbs are conveniently capitalized on every page!
A boy spends time before and after school with his grandmother each day. He describes his Baba, her tiny house, and her actions with gorgeous precision. This will be one of your new favorite mentor texts for personal narrative writing to show students how carefully chosen words and details can be so powerful.
Tap into the excitement so many kids feel about being reunited with a special family member. A girl and her parents meet her Iranian grandfather at the airport and bring him home for a family welcome dinner. Add this to your mentor texts for personal narrative writing that shows kids how to include their internal monologue and model “show, don’t tell.”
23. Abuelita and I Make Flan by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom
Anita is excited to help her grandmother make her birthday dessert—so excited that she breaks her grandmother’s special plate. Can she help enough to make up for it? Use this to show kids how to add flair to their narratives with speech bubbles, labels, and different types of text. Also use it to encourage kids to try to include the narrator’s internal monologue in their writing.
With rich detail, a girl describes how summer smells, tastes, and feels when her grandmother visits from the Philippines. Use this to teach about adding sensory details to narrative writing.
They arrive in a flurry of big purses and hugs, with their coconut scent, spit-polishing thumbs, and big dreams of seeing the Quilt Museum. This hilarious account of a visit from a kid’s over-the-top aunts is one of the most fun mentor texts for narrative writing you’ll find for teaching students how to bring characters to life in their stories.
City-dweller Ernestine is so excited to go camping with her cousin. It turns out there are a few parts of the great outdoors that take some getting used to, though. Use this to teach about experimenting with speech bubbles and different page layouts as a way to add interest and detail to narrative pieces.
Joy finds a beat-up bike and convinces her tinkering granddad to help her fix it up. But when her peers make fun of her new ride, she makes the impulsive decision to push the bike down a steep hill, and then must face the feelings that follow. Use this as a solid example of a more detailed personal narrative that includes dialogue, characters’ thoughts and feelings, and interesting language.
It’s the day of the tribal powwow, but River is worried. She’s been sick and can’t join in as she usually does. The healing dance her friends and family perform inspires her to keep getting better. Use this to model the impact of using different sentence lengths. Intentional line breaks and onomatopoeia make the text feel almost like poetry too.
A boy who loves birds meets a girl who love birds in this sweet tale. When Jon calls out to the owls and gets a response, it’s not from an owl but from a girl named Janet. The two share tales of their bird-watching adventures in detail and bond over their love for birds.
Every Sunday the whole extended family gathers at Granny’s for a big meal. Today, Granny invites her grandson to help prepare the family’s favorite dishes for the first time. From grating the cheese to washing the grit from the greens, he learns about each crucial step. Use this to model how to break down an experience into small parts and describe them in more detail.
31. The Electric Slide and Kai by Kelly J. Baptist
As his family prepares to attend a big wedding, Kai desperately wants to impress his granddad with his dance moves so that he’ll give him a “dance nickname” like other members of the family. Use this to teach students to add their thoughts, goals, and emotions to their narrative writing, and to show, not tell, using dialogue and characters’ actions.
32. A Thousand White Butterflies by Jessica Betancourt-Perez and Karen Lynn Williams
Isabella recently immigrated to the United States from Colombia and is eager to start school and make friends. But an unexpected snow day changes her big plans. Use this to model writing precise sentences and to show how a character’s emotions change during a story. If you have bilingual students, this is also a nice one to show how to weave in words from another language.
This is one of our new favorite mentor texts for personal narrative writing to share when we’re encouraging students to write stories about problems or challenges. When a child feels too anxious to sleep, their dad plans a camping trip in the family pickup truck. Their conversations under the stars help ease bedtime worries. Study excerpts to talk about the power of weaving dialogue into narrative writing.
This story of a girl’s afternoon spent with her grandmother is ideal for nudging upper elementary students to extend their narrative writing. From Granny’s phone chatter to the colors of the beads to the smells and tastes of their fry bread lunch, the sensory details bring Maggie’s time beading and chatting to life. Maggie’s experience making beaded earrings—including her frustration and, eventually, pride—is a helpful example for kids about how to describe a process within a narrative so readers can imagine it.
An older brother gets tired of sharing his room with his annoying little bro, so he decides to build his own space in his yard. Both brothers learn from the experience and end up finding common ground together. Use this to teach about sticking close to a meaningful theme to write a focused narrative.
A young girl tells the tale of a motorcycle ride around her neighborhood with her Papi. Use this to model ways to characterize an important person throughout a story. It’s also great for modeling how to use vibrant descriptions and for building energy across the arc of a narrative.
Two best friends spend a final day together before one of them moves away. This one is full of heart, with equal parts sadness and sweetness. Use this to teach … well, everything. Model strong leads and endings, how to use small details to create a mood, and how to do justice to a particularly emotional experience by telling it step-by-step.
A girl moves to a new house and welcomes twin baby brothers to her family. Next door, an elderly neighbor grieves the loss of his wife. Use this to show students how describing what each character does or says in a situation can help create a complete scene. Also explore strategies for conveying the passage of time.
When a girl’s parents spot watercress growing on the roadside, they pull over to pick it so they can make a meal reminiscent of their native China. The girl hates the whole experience but ends up appreciating it more as she learns what it means to her family. Add this to your mentor texts for narrative writing for when you work on revising for tighter, more precise language. Imagine how this narrative might have started out and compare that to its sparse but incredibly powerful final text. Also, share the author’s note, in which she describes the experience that led to this book, to teach about how to choose meaningful narrative topics.
40. On the Trapline by David A. Robertson and Julie Flett
A boy visits his grandfather’s old trapline in the northern wilderness, which is steeped in memories. Besides being a beautiful example of personal narrative, this is a fascinating exploration of Cree tradition for kids. Use this to model how to include details and dialogue to explain things to readers and for planning an interesting structure for your narrative. (In this case, it’s a repeating line at the end of each section that explains a Cree word.) It’s also a nice example of how to weave memories of the past into a present-tense narrative.
The first days of back-to-school can truly set the stage for the entire school year with students. Read-aloud books are a perfect way to get to know one another, encourage class discussions, and figure out which values will define your class’s identity. Here’s a list of our favorite back-to-school books, some brand-new and some classics, plus follow-up activities for each one.
Be sure to fill out the form on this page to get your free printable list of all the books mentioned below!
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1. How To Get Your Octopus to School by Becky Scharnhorst
Just like many little ones, Octopus is nervous about going to school. He would rather stay at home and play, so he finds clever places to hide. Your students will get a kick out of trying to find him in the colorful illustrations.
Follow-up activity: Ask students to share with a neighbor about a time they hid when it was time to go somewhere they didn’t want to go. Ask them to include details about where and why they hid.
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2. The Smallest Spot of a Dot by Linsey Davis and Michael Tyler
When you head off to school, you meet a lot of kids who seem to be really different from you. This charming story teaches us how much we all really have in common.
Follow-up activity: Have students pair up and create a Venn diagram together about the things they have in common and the things that make each of them unique.
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5. The Truth About My Unbelievable Summer by Davide Cali and Benjamin Chaud
When the teacher asks the main character what they did over the summer, he tells a fantastical tale full of daring and adventure. But is it all true? Your students will be on the edge of their seats waiting to find out.
Follow-up activity: Have your students create a comic strip of what they did (or maybe didn’t do?) over summer.
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6. Never, Not Ever! by Beatrice Alemagna
Pascaline is NOT going to school, regardless of what the other kids are doing. But in a clever twist, her parents figure out a way to help her overcome her fear and anxiety.
Follow-up activity: Ask your students to create a follow-up story about what happened after Pascaline got to school.
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7. Llama Llama Back to School by Anna Dewdney
From the beloved Llama Llama series, this story deals with back-to-school anxiety. Llama wants summer to go on forever. He’s had such a lovely time with his friends and family. How will Mama Llama convince him that going back to school will be fun?
Follow-up activity: Gather your students in a circle and talk about all the fun things that happen in school. Create a large poster with their insights and post it on the wall to remind them of how much fun they are going to have this year.
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8. Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School by Emily Jenkins
An energetic, funny book that follows Harry through the first 100 days of first grade—from name games to making friends to learning how to be a friend. It’s broken into short chapters, so add this to your list of back-to-school books for a fun way to start your first days of school.
Follow-up activity: Start a 100-link paper chain to mark your first 100 days together, or try one of these fun 100th Day of School activities.
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9. The Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague
When a child is born, their circle is very small. As they grow, the circle around them grows to include family, friends, and neighbors. This sweet story is perfect for back-to-school to set the tone for enlarging our circles to include new friends and experiences.
Follow-up activity: Watch this video about the book, adorably narrated by the author’s children.
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10. Principal Tate Is Running Late! by Henry Cole
Looking for funny back-to-school books? When Principal Tate is running late, the students, teachers, parents, and visitors at Hardy Elementary School must come together to keep school running smoothly.
Everywhere we go, we can meet interesting people who add value to our lives. This charmingly illustrated book is a great conversation starter to help your students get to know one another.
12. A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School by Shannon Olsen
In this heartwarming book, a teacher writes a love note to her students. She shares all the things she is looking forward to for the school year and all the fun things they will share.
Follow-up activity: Ask students to turn to a friend and share what they are most looking forward to this school year.
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13. Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro
If you’re looking for the best back-to-school books to ease your students’ butterflies, try this sweet story. Rosie gets a new backpack and can hardly wait for school to start. But the first morning, she’s not so sure. “You just have butterflies in your belly,” her mom tells her.
Follow-up activity: Play a game of toss-around. Form a circle and begin by telling your students how you are feeling about the new school year. For example, “I was nervous, but now I’m excited.” Toss the ball to a student so they can share how they’re feeling. Play continues until every student who wants to has had a chance to participate.
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14. The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi
An inspirational rhyming book that teaches kids the power of “yet.” We all have a lot to learn in life, and sometimes skills we wish we had just aren’t there … yet. A book about perseverance and having faith in yourself. Add this to your list of back-to-school books that teach growth mindset.
Follow-up activity: Ask students to write an entry in their journal about something they are hoping to learn or get better at this year, or try this goal-setting activity.
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15. My Wild First Day of School by Dennis Mathew
This humorous book by the author of Bello the Cello encourages kids to be brave, take a risk, and try something new.
Follow-up activity: Brainstorm a list of “what if” questions with your students. Tap into their hopes and wishes and set the stage for an amazing year.
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16. Most Marshmallows by Rowboat Watkins
If you’re looking for the best back-to-school books about individuality, you’re going to want to check out this quirky tale. It’s all about marching to the beat of your own drum. What would happen if you dreamed big?
Follow-up activity: Ask students to write in their journals about what makes them unique.
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17. If I Built a School by Chris Van Dusen
Hover desks? Robo-chef in the cafeteria? Field trips to Mars? The main character of this school story has some out-of-this-world ideas about what his ideal school would look like!
Follow-up activity: Ask students to draw a diagram, with captions and explanations, showing what their perfect school would look like.
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18. Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
A young girl learns the musicality of African, Asian, Black American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names and returns to school eager to share with her classmates.
Follow-up activity: Have each student draw an image of their family and “extended family.”
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20. Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind by Jessica Hische
Sometimes the smallest gesture of kindness goes a long way. Reading sweet back-to-school books like this one teaches young ones how to be good friends and classmates.
Follow-up activity: Ask students to share the sounds they identify with school.
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22. Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems
Mo Willems has written some fantastic back-to-school books. In this one, when Gerald tells Piggie he has a surprise for him, Piggie can hardly wait. In fact, he has a hard time waiting all day! But when the sun goes down, and the Milky Way fills the night sky, Piggie learns that some things are worth the wait.
Follow-up activity: Ask your students to turn to a partner and share a time that they had to wait for something.
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23. Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can’t Go to School! by Christina Geist
If you’re looking for back-to-school books for students who are having a hard time leaving their parents, this sweet tale is a good pick. Perfect for the child who is feeling a little nervous about going to school, this story features a family that doesn’t want to be left behind.
Follow-up activity: Draw a picture of what school would look like if students’ moms and dads came to school with them.
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24. The Pigeon Has To Go to School! by Mo Willems
Want more back-to-school books by Mo Willems? This silly picture book addresses many of the fears and anxieties that little ones feel as they get ready to go to school for the first time.
Follow-up activity: This one will get kids riled up, so after reading, have them stand up and shake their sillies out.
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25. School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
There are books about children, parents, and teachers being nervous for the first day of school. This adorable book examines the first day of school from the perspective of the school itself.
Follow-up activity: Have students turn and talk about one worry they had before school started. For more books to help students deal with worries, check out these supportive read-alouds about anxiety.
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27. Pirates Don’t Go to Kindergarten! by Lisa Robinson
Need back-to-school books for kindergartners? Ahoy, mateys! Pirate Emma has a hard time transitioning from her beloved preschool captain to the new captain aboard the S.S. Kindergarten.
Follow-up activity: Ask students to share their favorite things about preschool, which you can record on a piece of chart paper. As you list them, tell students something that will be just as fun about kindergarten.
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28. The Cool Bean by Jory John and Pete Oswald
Once “peas in a pod,” poor chickpea doesn’t fit in with the other beans anymore. Despite having grown apart, the other beans are always there to lend a hand when chickpea is in need.
Follow-up activity: Ask students to write about a friend from whom they have grown apart.
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29. How To Read a Book by Kwame Alexander
Back-to-school books can inspire students with beautiful illustrations about the miraculous pleasures of reading that will inspire the book lover in all of us. One reader gushes, “Every page is a wonder as the words and art melt into one.”
30. The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton
The bubbly main character of this sweet story is bursting with excitement for the first day of school. His confidence will be contagious for your new kindergartners.
Follow-up activity: Have students turn to a neighbor and tell them the one thing they were most excited about on the first day of school.
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31. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
Starting fresh in a new environment can be scary, especially when you look around and think that nobody quite looks or sounds like you. This lovely story will inspire your students to understand the gifts of individuality.
Follow-up activity: Brainstorm with your students all the ways they are alike and some of the ways they may be different.
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33. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
One of the silliest back-to-school books, this story will crack up your students. Little Penelope Rex is nervous about going to school for the first time and has LOTS of questions.
Follow-up activity: Ask your students to share some of the questions they wondered about before starting school.
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34. You’re Finally Here! by Melanie Watt
A perfect first read-aloud book to show your students how excited you are to finally meet them! Follow along with the main character, Bunny, as he bounces through a hilarious range of emotions. All of your students will recognize the back-to-school feelings beneath the surface of this silly, in-your-face story.
Follow-up activity: Have students draw a self-portrait that shows the strongest emotion they felt coming into school this year.
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35. First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of their stomach at the prospect of being the newbie. Sarah Hartwell is scared and doesn’t want to start over at a new school. Kids will love the delightful surprise ending of this sweet story!
Follow-up activity: Have students write about a time they were scared and how their situation turned out. Or have students partner with a friend and tell their stories to each other.
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36. The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
When Unhei, a young Korean girl, arrives at her new school in the United States, she begins to wonder if she should also choose a new name. Does she need an American name? How will she choose? And what should she do about her Korean name? This heartwarming story speaks to anyone who has ever been the new kid or welcomed one into their familiar surroundings.
Follow-up activity: Have groups of students brainstorm 10 different ways they could make a new student feel welcome in class and create a poster to display.
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37. The Exceptionally, Extraordinarily Ordinary First Day of School by Albert Lorenz
John is the new kid in school. When asked if the school is any different from his last one, he weaves a wildly creative tale that captures the attention of his new classmates. A hilarious story about conquering the fear of being the new kid.
Follow-up activity: Have students write a tall tale about what school was like last year to share with their new classmates.
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38. The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak
You might think a book with no pictures would be serious and boring, but this book has a catch! Everything, and we mean everything, written on the page must be read out loud by the person reading the book, regardless of how goofy and preposterous it may be. Irresistibly silly!
Follow-up activity: Have students work with a new friend or partner to create their own short book with no pictures. (Be sure to set clear parameters about content before letting students create.)
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39. Splat the Cat: Back to School, Splat! by Rob Scotton
How can there be homework when it’s only the first day of school? Splat must pick only one of all of his fun summer adventures to share with his classmates at show-and-tell.
Follow-up activity: First-day-of-school homework, of course! Have students write about one of their favorite summer adventures.
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40. If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff
You know this one … if you take a mouse to school, he’ll ask you for your lunch box. When you give him your lunch box, he’ll want a sandwich to go in it. Then he’ll need a notebook and some pencils. He’ll probably want to share your backpack too. Another silly story from one of our favorite authors that is not only fun but lays the groundwork for teaching sequencing.
Follow-up activity: Using a long, narrow sheet of paper folded accordion-style, have students create their own “If You Take …” book. Students can build on the mouse story or create a character of their own.
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41. Dear Teacher by Amy Husband
This hilarious collection of letters from Michael to his new teacher comes packed with alligators, pirates, rocket ships, and much, much more. Can Michael’s imagination save him from the first day of school?
Follow-up activity: Have students write a postcard to a friend or family member telling them about their fun first week of school.
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42. How To Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan
In a charming role reversal, the students in this story gently guide their teacher through the getting-ready process for back-to-school. Your students will laugh and surely learn a lesson or two themselves.
Follow-up activity: Have students compile a list of rules that will help their teacher have the best year ever. Then, download these adorable puppy classroom rules posters.
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43. If You Ever Want To Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t! by Elise Parsley
An alligator for show-and-tell sounds like TONS of fun. What could possibly go wrong? Magnolia is determined to have the best show-and-tell ever. What will she do when her reptilian pal starts wreaking havoc in the classroom? This hilarious story is sure to inspire even the most timid of show-and-tellers.
Follow-up activity: Have students write a story or draw a picture about something outrageous they would bring to school for show-and-tell.
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44. This School Year Will Be the Best! by Kay Winters
On the first day of school, new classmates are asked to share what they hope for in the upcoming year. The children’s wishes, from the familiar to the off-the-wall, are shown in humorously exaggerated illustrations. As the first day draws to a close, there can be no doubt this school year will definitely be the best!
Follow-up activity: Have students draw a star, put their name in the middle, and write one wish for the school year on each point (total of five). Then, have them loop a colorful ribbon through a hole on top to hang from the classroom ceiling.
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45. Back-to-School Rules by Laurie Friedman
School is in session! When it comes to surviving school, Percy has 10 simple rules that show there is more to school than showing up on time and staying awake in class, including no spitballs, no running in the halls, and no crazy scheming! See what other trouble—and tips—Percy has in mind.
Follow-up activity: As a whole class, brainstorm “rules” that will make this year the best ever. Then, have students transfer their ideas to a class-promise poster that can hang prominently for the rest of the year. Have each student sign their name to make it official. Here are some bits of advice from teachers about what makes for good classroom rules.
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46. David Goes to School by David Shannon
David’s antics in the classroom will make your students giggle with recognition. He’s so enthusiastic about going back to school! But David needs to learn that every classroom needs rules so that every student can learn.
Follow-up activity: Gather the whole class on the rug. Select a few students to act out “bad” behavior and ask the other students to explain why the behavior is not OK for the classroom. Then have the same students act out the “good” behavior. Repeat with different sets of students to address the different rules you are reinforcing in your classroom.
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47. A Place Called Kindergarten by Jessica Harper
One of the best back-to-school books for kindergartners, this story will help ease their worries before the event. Tommy’s barnyard friends are worried. He’s gone to a place called kindergarten. They wonder what will happen to him and if he will ever come back. Eventually, he returns with exciting tales of all the fun and learning he’s had.
Follow-up activity: Follow along with Buffalo’s checklist in this hilarious look at first-day-of-school jitters.
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49. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books! by Lucille Colandro
We’ve all heard about the old lady who swallowed a fly. Well, now she’s getting ready for back-to-school and is swallowing up a whole assortment of things to make it the best first day ever!
Follow-up activity: Trace the image of the old lady from the book cover without the books in her hands. Make a copy for each of your students and have them fill in the picture and write a sentence about what they would “swallow” for the first weeks of school if they were the old lady.
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50. School Is Cool! by Sabrina Moyle
Holy smokes, tomorrow is the first day of school! The characters in this story have lots of needless worries as they discover that school is cool.
Follow-up activity: Have students do a turn-and-share about one thing they were worried about before the new school year started and how they are feeling about their worry now.
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51. Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London
Lovable favorite Froggy is off for his first day of school. His mama is worried, but not him! He hops off with his trademark enthusiasm and curiosity.
Follow-up activity: Together with your class, make a “Top 10 Best Things About School” poster. Ask for students’ input, then vote on the top 10.
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52. Chairs on Strike by Jennifer Jones
Everyone’s excited about going back to school. Everyone, that is, but the classroom chairs. They’ve had enough of wiggly bottoms and smelly kids, and they go on strike to protest.
Follow-up activity: Ask for volunteers to play the part of the different chairs and act out the story. Have a few rounds so that as many students that want to participate can.
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54. A New School Year: Stories in Six Voices by Sally Derby
Read about how a diverse group of six children, ranging in age from kindergarten through 5th grade, experience the first day of school.
Follow-up activity: Pair students up and give them time to trade stories about how they got ready for the new school year.
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55. The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein
Beatrice is one of those girls who seemingly never makes mistakes. But one day, she slips up (who doesn’t?) and learns that it doesn’t have to be the end of the world.
Follow-up activity: Try some of these Zones of Regulation activities to help your students learn to manage big emotions.
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57. Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor
Sweet little bird Mel is learning how to fly—a task that takes a lot of practice. Follow along as she perseveres and gains self-confidence as she take a leap of faith.
Sweety the naked mole rat is a bit out of the ordinary, to say the least. When she goes to school, she’s unsure how she’ll fit in but ultimately figures out that life is best when you embrace everything that makes you you.
Follow-up activity: We all have traits that make us unique and special. Try one (or more) of these fun activities to help students pinpoint what theirs are.
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59. My First Day by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huynh Kim Liên
A Vietnamese boy sets off in his little wooden boat through open waves, mangrove trees, the darkness of the unknown, bright open skies, schools of fish, and water buffalo. It’s his first trip alone to a very special place: his very first day of school.
Follow-up activity: Have students draw a timeline of their first day of school. Starting from the moment they woke up to when they arrived at school, have them plot their course.
Get a free printable list of these back-to-school books!
Just fill out the form on this page to grab our free back-to-school books featuring all 59 books listed above.
When summer arrives, some kids see it as a chance to spend time reading new books as well as old favorites. Others would be happy if they didn’t see a book during their whole vacation. But summer reading is key to keeping skills fresh. During this time off from school, let them enjoy books of all kinds—it’s the reading that matters. Our summer reading list for 2024 has options for every kid, every reading level, and every interest. Bookmark this list for easy access!
Be sure to fill out the form on this landing page to grab our free 2024 printable summer reading lists. Each list features a selection of 21 of the books from each category listed below.
Looking to inspire little ones and new readers? This 2024 summer reading list for preschoolers and early elementary has selections that feature gorgeous illustrations and captivating stories. These books are perfect for story time, bedtime, or anytime!
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Awâsis and the World-Famous Bannock by Dallas Hunt and Amanda Strong
Awâsis is a young Cree girl who’s about to embark on an adventure. Together with her woodland friends, she gathers the ingredients she needs to bake bannock, a traditional bread. This picture book includes Cree terminology and a delicious recipe to try too.
Working through every one of Yuval Zommer’s creative titles would be a great way for students to spend their summer vacation. This one is especially perfect, though, for kids whose parents ask them to help clean out the garage (or attic or basement) during summer break. Based on his observations of humans’ “caves,” Big Brown Bear thinks he needs a lot more stuff to make his own home feel comfy. Or does he?
Boxitect. Blanketeer. Spaghetti-tect. Kids will want to be all of them! After you read, use the cardboard box creation inspiration to build some castles of your own.
Join a young fawn on a journey through the Sonoran Desert and the borderlands there. The images are stunning, the story inspiring. (A Spanish edition is also available.)
Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem by Amanda Gorman
Amanda Gorman inspired the nation with her poem at the 2020 presidential inauguration ceremony. Her children’s book is just as stirring, with gorgeous illustrations kids will love.
Choosing Brave by Angela Joy, illustrated by Janelle Washington
This Caldecott Honor book celebrates the life of Emmett Till, whose murder sparked the Civil Rights Movement. But the story truly belongs to his mother, Mamie, who ensured her son’s sacrifice was for the greater good. Add this one to your elementary summer reading list and share this incredibly inspiring story with a new generation.
A little Asian girl notices her eyes look different than the other kids she knows, but they look just like those of her beloved mother, grandmother, and sister. This sweet tale about learning to know and love yourself for who you are is a great addition to a kindergarten summer reading list in 2024.
Finding the Music/En pos de la música by Jennifer Torres
When Reyna accidentally breaks her abuelito‘s special instrument, a vihuela, she’s heartbroken—and determined to get it fixed. This touching title celebrates family bonds, mariachi music, and the power of community.
One of the best parts of summer is staying up late! The nighttime adventure these children have will inspire students to click on their own flashlights—and their imaginations—and head out into the dark.
When someone leaves a mysterious basket on grouchy Mr. Raisin’s doorstep, the last thing he expects to be inside is a dog—especially one that floats! What will Mr. Raisin do when Floaty floats away? This is the perfect lighthearted read-aloud for your first grade summer reading list.
Princess Truly can do anything she sets her mind to, from taming lions to dancing on the stars! Be sure to check out the other Princess Truly books too.
I Want 100 Dogs by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Claire Keane
The narrator’s parents have lots of reasons why their family can’t have 100 dogs (or 90, or 80, or …). But in the end, everyone agrees one dog will be just fine. Parents beware: This book might be the trick your child needs to talk you into getting a pet!
Lion on the Inside: How One Girl Changed Basketball by Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir and Judith Henderson, illustrated by Katherine Ahmed
Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir was a rock-star basketball player, but rules about wearing her hijab on the court derailed her career. She channeled her energy into activism instead, working to change the rules and pave the way for more girls like herself.
In this true story, an Iraqi family brings their beloved family cat when they leave their home as refugees, only to have it get lost during the boat crossing to Greece. A worldwide reunification effort leads to a happy ending.
The Magician’s Secret by Zachary Hyman and Joe Bluhm
Sleepovers at Grandpa’s are a highlight of many kids’ summers. When your grandfather is a retired magician with a magic story chest in his attic, though? Well, that’s a guaranteed adventure.
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Where by Jill Esbaum
This medley of explanations will answer curious kids’ questions about the tallest mountains, the biggest rivers, and even fun facts like where ice cream was invented. Use it to take a vacation when you can’t leave home!
No one in Natsumi’s family appreciates her extra-energetic approach to preparing for the Japanese arts festival. Her grandfather knows just how to channel all that enthusiasm—through drumming! Inspire students to march to their own drum this summer.
Noodlephant loves pasta—hence her nickname. When the kangaroos start making one unfair law after another, Noodlephant stands up for everyone’s right to enjoy pasta. Check out the sequel, Okapi Tale, too.
This artful trip through musical history will fascinate kids (and adults too). Learn about how artists from so many domains—storytelling, poetry, funk, street art, breakdancing, deejaying, and more—helped rap and hip-hop become what they are today.
What would you do to keep an elephant safe when bombs fall from the sky? Would you bring it home with you from the zoo each night? One Belfast zookeeper did just that during World War II, and this is her enchanting story.
This story of the sisters that redefined expectations of what kids from a tough Los Angeles neighborhood can achieve is a summer inspiration that’s a perfect addition to your elementary summer reading list in 2024. Floyd Cooper’s illustrations are a delight.
Take a Hike, Miles and Spike! by Travis Foster and Ethan Long
Two oblivious dogs pack for an outdoor adventure but have to revise their plans when the other animals call them out for being selfish. Catchy rhymes and Ethan Long’s signature, super-fun illustrations make this silly story a guaranteed hit for your kindergarten summer reading list.
Gorgeous illustrations showcase the richness a vivid imagination can add to a child’s life. No matter what they take away from her, they can’t take away her ability to create.
What if You Had an Animal Tail? by Sandra Markle and Howard McWilliam
A perfect pairing for a summer outing to the zoo, this fun series will have kids laughing as they learn about animal adaptations and the human body. This one focuses on tails; read the others to learn about animal ears, hair, and more.
Easy Readers/Chapter Books Summer Reading List 2024
We Are Teachers; Amazon
Chapter books give readers who are still mastering the skill even more practice. Our 2024 easy reader summer reading list choices are excellent for read-alouds too, whether it’s parents reading to kids or kids reading to parents (or kids reading to each other!).
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Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants by Andrea Beaty
Readers who loved Ada Twist’s picture book will love following her on her chapter book adventures. Pals Rosie Revere and Iggy Peck join her as she works to solve a mystery in her own backyard. This is a great choice for an elementary summer reading list.
Arlo the crow is smart, and he knows it. Fortunately, his little friend Pips isn’t afraid to put him in his place! This funny graphic novel includes plenty of true facts about crows mixed in with the story and is a fantastic book to put on your first or second grade summer reading list in 2024.
Kids will get a kick out of reading about the adventures of Baloney and his friends Peanut, Bizz, and Krabbit! Plus, they can follow the tutorial at the end of the book to learn how to draw comics of their own.
Bunbun is as cute as can be but awfully lonely. Fortunately, fancy candy Bonbon is ready to step in! Their sweet adventures fill the pages of this easy-reader graphic novel.
Norma and Belly are hungry squirrels who desperately want a nut—a donut! They’re foiled at every turn, though, and their silly adventure will keep kids giggling throughout this early-reader graphic novel.
The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before by Mrs. and Mr. MacLeod
This picture book for early readers tells the story of a magic door, a missing key, and a bright new world called the “Land of Never Before.” Readers will enjoy the journey into the unknown future with the Grunion kids, who previously showed the world How To Eat a Book.
Earth’s Incredible Places: Grand Canyon by Susan Lamb, illustrated by Sean Lewis
Headed to the Grand Canyon this summer? Learn all about the geology, wildlife, and natural history of one of the world’s most majestic places. Readers will also discover the deep connection indigenous people have had to this land for centuries.
When Daniela’s best friend Evelyn moves out of her apartment across the street, the two girls spend one last day playing together among the moving boxes. Even though they won’t be neighbors anymore, they know they’ll always be friends.
Welcome to the underground (literally!) world of Special Undercover Investigation Teams (S.U.I.T.). Gator agents Mango and Brash travel the sewers by toilet as they solve cases in this hilarious graphic novel for young readers.
Jo Jo Makoons: The Used-to-Be Best Friend by Dawn Quigley
Jo Jo Makoons lives on an Ojibwe reservation with her family, where her #1 best friend is her cat, Mimi. But her #1 human friend, Fern, doesn’t seem to want to be friends anymore. What will Jo Jo Makoons do?
Yasmin is a sassy second grader from a Pakistani-American family. She tackles real-life challenges with spirit and imagination in a book filled with winning illustrations that bring the stories to life.
Pea, Bee, & Jay: Stuck Together by Brian “Smitty” Smith
Pea loves to roll and can’t resist a dare to roll right off the farm where he lives. But an unexpected storm sends him farther than he expected. Will his new friends Bee and Jay be able to help him find his way back home?
Pick Your Own Quest: Dragon vs. Unicorn by Connor Hoover
The Pick Your Own Quest series is what summer reading dreams are made of! Reminiscent of the beloved Choose Your Own Adventure books of the 1980s, these stories are different each time you read them. Find them all here.
Teddy, a dog who has recently lost his elderly owner, narrates this tender tale. Now alone in his owner’s cabin, he rescues two children caught in a winter storm and experiences the healing power of companionship. A perfect story for any young dog lover.
Summer is the perfect time to get hooked on a new sports fiction series. This introduction to the Chasing the Dream series introduces Zayd Saleem, a likable 4th grader who’s also a basketball fanatic.
Scaredy Bat and the Missing Jellyfish by Marina J. Bowman
Mystery-loving kids will fall in love with Scaredy Bat. This detective series is filled with colorful graphics to help younger readers follow along as a child vampire attempts to solve mysteries with her pals. Try this one for an elementary summer reading list.
Search for a Giant Squid (Pick Your Path) by Amy Seto Forrester and Andy Chou Musser
This unique new STEM series for early readers lets kids choose their own adventure in the real world. Reluctant readers who enjoy nature will return to this one again and again.
Looking for inspiring stories of strong women? The She Persisted series is full of them. In this one, young readers learn about America’s first major prima ballerina, who was also a member of the Osage Nation.
A Story No One Has Ever Heard Before by Avi Steinberg
Use this charming new book to teach kids about story elements in such a fun way! “I am not going to be the one to tell this story,” explains the narrator. “You are!” Step-by-step, the narrator offers guidance on characters, conflict, climax, and resolution. The final pages provide a Mad Libs–style tale that kids can complete over and over again.
West Meadows Detectives: The Case of Maker Mischief by Liam O’Donnell
This title is the second in a series starring Myron, a young sleuth who speaks frankly and positively about his autism. We love how his quirks play off those of his sidekicks as they work together to find a classmate’s stolen robot. The series is fantastic for a 3rd grade summer reading list.
These best friends have always loved being so similar. But it turns out they’re actually pretty different—and that’s OK. We love this one for a lighthearted addition to a 2nd grade summer reading list.
Middle grade readers are ready for longer books with more advanced vocabulary. We’ve picked a variety of genres for our middle school summer reading list for 2024, from historical fiction to mystery, fantasy adventures to realistic modern tales.
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Absolutely Truly (A Pumpkin Falls Mystery) by Heather Vogel Frederick
Truly Lovejoy’s family moved from Texas to a tiny town in New Hampshire to take over their family’s century-old bookstore. Left largely to her own devices, Truly finds herself chasing down clues found in old books. There are sequels too: Yours Truly and Really Truly.
A Halloween birthday party turns into the beginning of a quest for a young girl who finds out she has magical powers and has to locate a hidden artifact.
This is one of the most popular books of the last few years, so put it on your middle school summer reading list for 2024 if you haven’t yet. Mysterious Beatryce might be the girl foretold in a prophecy, and it puts her life in danger. The magical medieval setting captures the imagination, as does the intriguing cast of characters.
Part fantasy, part nature story, and entirely mesmerizing, this is one of those books that will enchant nature lovers. Two sycamore tree seeds come alive as they tell their tale of adventure among dinosaurs, volcanoes, and other dangers. This book is unlike anything else kids have read, and it deserves a spot on the best middle school summer reading list picks of 2024.
A biracial tween must split time equally living with each of her divorced parents (who are both now dating other people and have vastly different income levels). Many kids will see their own lives reflected in her lifestyle-switching tale. We love this one for a 6th grade summer reading list.
The Book Scavenger series mystery tales all begin with clues found on Book Scavenger, a fictional geocaching-style game where participants hide books in public places and reveal the locations through encoded clues. Emily and James embark on three rollicking, heart-thumping adventures in and around San Francisco. Don’t be surprised if kids want to set up their own scavenger adventures after they read!
What if your dreams were actually lavish productions put on by special theaters, just for you? Discover the Lunarian and its troupe, the Dreamatics, who stage Luna’s dreams every night. When Luna’s real life takes a turn for the worse, the Lunarian is taken over by Bad Dreams, and the Dreamatics must find a way to save it and make Luna’s dreams sweet again.
Friends, creativity, and girl-powered STEM: A story about a neighborhood building project is a perfect summer read, especially when led by Ellie, armed with her trusty tool belt. There are two more Ellie books to enjoy too.
Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. edited by Betsy Bird
What do you get when 25 of today’s funniest women children’s book writers combine their stories together in one book? A hilarious collection that will make you laugh until you cry! Bonus: A portion of the proceeds from this book goes to support WriteGirl, a nonprofit whose mission is to empower girls by promoting creativity and self-expression.
Vivy Cohen has wanted to be a baseball pitcher ever since she met pro ballplayer VJ Capello. But things aren’t so simple for Vivy: She is autistic, and her mom says she can’t play baseball because she’s a girl. That doesn’t stop Vivy from being invited to join a Little League team. And when Vivy writes a letter to VJ, she’s surprised to get a reply.
A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon by Karen Romano Young
Award-winning author Karen Romano Young spins a clever caper around a group of tweens trying to crack a case that may help them prevent their beloved local library from closing.
The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian’s Art Changed Science by Joyce Sidman
Maria Merian was a brave and passionate scientific mind who was well ahead of her time. Her story will inspire kids to head outside to look for butterflies and caterpillars in their own garden or nearby park.
Alex Gino’s Melissa (originally titled George) was a smash hit, making the story of a transgender child readily relatable. Their latest tells the story of nonbinary Green as they join their school’s production of The Wizard of Oz to spend more time with their crush. It’s the kind of read that questioning preteens and their allies will be glad to find on the shelf.
Grump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves by Liesl Shurtliff
We love this author’s entertaining way of turning classic fairy tales on their heads for middle grade readers. A young dwarf is torn between the appeal of new friendship and a nagging suspicion that Queen Elfrieda Veronika Ingrid Lenore (E.V.I.L.) has dark intentions.
This classic survival novel now has four sequels, making up Brian’s Saga. Hatchet is the one that started it all: Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is traveling by single-engine plane to visit his father when the plane crashes, killing the pilot. Brian is alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but his clothing, a tattered windbreaker, and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present.
Beat the summer heat by sending chills down your spine! In this thriller, a group of tweens is drawn into waking versions of their own nightmares in a spooky game of hide-and-seek. It’s the perfect middle school summer reading list pick for reluctant readers.
Home Sweet Motel (Welcome to Wonderland #1) by Chris Grabenstein
In this offering from a favorite middle grade author, P.T. Wilkie and his friend Gloria try to save his family’s Wonderland motel—a kid’s paradise—from financial ruin. Readers will be cheering them on as they laugh at P.T.’s tendency to “embellish” stories, the pair’s crazy moneymaking strategies, and their wild attempts to solve an unexpected mystery that crops up. Read more of their adventures in the rest of the Welcome to Wonderland series.
Be inspired by the story of Olive, who’s determined not to let brittle bone disease stand in the way of her dreams. As she searches for a fabled wish-granting hummingbird, she makes friends and learns more about herself too.
At Meilan’s new school, the principal decides she should go by Melanie to make it easier for the other (white) students to pronounce. This sets Meilan off on a journey to find out more about her own name—and herself.
The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick
Imagine your mom got together with a group of other moms and decided to form a book club, and you and your middle school acquaintances have no choice but to join. A group reading of Little Women makes unlikely friends out of the four girls, leading to a whole Mother-Daughter Book Club series.
In the summer of 1968, the Gaither sisters travel from Brooklyn to Oakland, California, to spend a few months with their mother. Much to their surprise, their mother isn’t exactly excited to see them and instead wants them to spend the summer at a Black Panther camp.
Kids who love historical fiction will enjoy this World War II story of life on the home front. Eleven-year-old Gusta moves from New York City to live with her grandmother in Maine, where there’s plenty of small-town drama. It’s a terrific option for a 7th grade summer reading list.
A puzzling letter sends Candice on a summer quest to find treasure and clear her grandmother’s name. Reviewers compare this historical mystery to Ellen Raskin’s classic The Westing Game.
Fidelia Quail’s life assisting in her parents’ marine biology research is already unusual. But when they drown in a storm and she’s kidnapped by pirates, this story catapults into page-turning summer adventure territory.
This smart time-travel tale carries kids back to Philadelphia in the 1990s. It’s not all that far back into the past, but things are just different enough to give Rahim and Kasia some serious adventures. This book is a great pick for a 2024 summer reading list for 5th or 6th grade.
Masie Cannon was a ballet dancer in training until a serious leg injury knocked her off her feet. Now she’s preparing for a winter road trip to the Native American community where her mother grew up, but she’s anything but excited. Can her family help heal her heart?
Brothers Bobby Gene and Caleb were minding their own business in their small Indiana town when Styx Malone rolled in. Styx is older and wiser and teaches the boys how to pull off an escalator trade, getting better and better stuff until they get something incredible. This book is full of hilarious antics and sweet brotherly relationships.
Travel back in time to experience life backstage at the Globe Theatre. An orphan named Widge is tasked with stealing the script for Hamlet, but as he gets to know the actors and the great playwright himself, he must decide where his loyalty lies. If you enjoy it, there’s a follow-up book, Shakespeare’s Scribe.
Summer is for compelling page-turners and characters that move you. Everything changes for Jason when he finds out that his Afghan mother, whom he thought was deported, is living illegally in the United States.
The latest book in this teacher-recommended series features superspy-in-training Ben Dash trying to prove his friend Erica is not a double agent. To do so, he’ll have to track down an insurgent group that dates back to colonial times. Check out the whole Spy School series too.
Working with LEGO bricks provides Lolly with a creative and healing form of expression after his older brother is a victim of gang violence. This is a story about learning to throw away the directions and make your own way in the world. Put this one on your middle grade summer reading list.
An unknown villain imprisons Jessie in his least favorite activity: a video game. And if he can’t figure out how to beat this mysterious culprit, he’ll be stuck in the virtual world. Love Jessie? There’s a whole Trapped in a Video Game series about him!
A budding paleontologist has to figure out what happened to her missing mom in this suspenseful story that combines road trips, mythology, and dinosaurs.
Charlotte and Ben may only know each other through an online Scrabble game, but they’re both busy finding their way through middle school. Though they live far apart, their friendship grows in unexpected ways as they spend one eventful week supporting each other through family troubles and school challenges.
By this age, kids probably have some required summer reading to do. But when they just want to read for fun, our high school summer reading list 2024 suggestions give them a wide array of choices. They delve into topics relevant to teen life: bullying, first love, friendships, and more. And some of them are just pure escapist fun!
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All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. Johnson
The author explores the intersectionality of being male, a person of color, and queer in contemporary society. It’s one of our favorite #OneVoices nonfiction books.
When four teens meet their favorite novelist, they’re thrilled at their new friendship. But then their deepest secrets appear in her next book, and the consequences are dire. This contemporary YA mystery is also available in Spanish—ideal for bilingual teens looking for a suspense-filled narrative in their native language.
In war-torn Syria, Salama is determined to help her family escape before her sister-in-law gives birth. The challenge is so great that her fear manifests itself in an imaginary companion who’s constantly telling her she needs to get out. As she desperately tries to leave Syria behind, fate steps in and changes her views of everything happening around her. Add this book to your summer reading list for high schoolers.
Because I Was a Girl: True Stories for Girls of All Ages by Melissa de la Cruz
This multicultural collection outlines the real-life struggles authors, chefs, and STEM professionals faced because of their female identity. Girls and boys alike can benefit from these true stories.
When her best friend, Elise, shoots Remy’s boyfriend, Jack, Remy is left to question the truth about what happened. Obsession is the driving force behind this fast-paced plot surrounding two besties’ warped connection.
Light romances are perfect for high school summer reading lists. This one is a cross between the movie Groundhog Day and a teen romance. After a disastrous Valentine’s Day with a cheating boyfriend, Emilie wakes up living the same day over and over again. Maybe the enigmatic Nick can help her find her way back to reality.
A teen fiddler uses her secret ability to summon ghosts from their graves in order to help her brother. With an LGBTQ+ romance as a subplot, this high school summer reading list pick is fantastic for reluctant readers intrigued by the supernatural.
A few hundred years after the Camelot of legend, a betrothed young princess and knight have many problems. To begin with, they can’t stand each other. Complicating matters further, neither of them is interested in traditional romance with the opposite sex. Their relationship develops from blackmail to grudging support against a background of medieval sword-fighting and society.
This fantasy novel set in an orphanage for unique, magical children is anything but childish. The characters, including a young gnome, a green blob, and Linus the child Antichrist, are surprisingly real, and their quest for acceptance in a nearby town is a charming allegory for tolerance in our own world. It deserves a place on every high school summer reading list.
Tens of thousands of crows have invaded Auburn, Pennsylvania. It’s an issue for everyone in town except 17-year-old Leighton Barnes. For Leighton, it’s no stranger than her house, which inexplicably repairs itself every time her father loses his temper and breaks things. Leighton’s senior year is filled with shades of the past and anticipation of the future, all while dealing with the confusing events of the present.
Social media is the only lead two high schoolers have when they begin to investigate the disappearance of a friend who seems to have vanished. This light thriller is the perfect summer high school reading list choice.
Best friends Cash and Delaney escape their difficult lives in a small town and head to an elite prep school in New England, where they’ve both earned scholarships. But do they really want to leave their pasts behind entirely? Their relationship evolves as they try to discover the answer.
High school history fans will be riveted by this compelling account of the Kent State shootings of 1970, when American troops killed four college students who were protesting the Vietnam War. Multiple viewpoints recount the events of that terrifying weekend, with consequences that still resonate today.
When Monday Charles goes missing, her best friend Claudia is the only one who seems to even notice she’s gone. When no one can give her the answers she needs, Claudia goes on a quest to find them herself, no matter how difficult they may be to accept.
Fantasy lovers will dive into this new saga of a teen who must battle powerful sky serpents in order to reunite his family. Full of political intrigue, family dynamics, and incredible adventure, this page-turner will have readers eagerly awaiting the promised sequel.
Janelle “Ellie” Baker is a teen rebel stuck in an alien-controlled quadrant of New York City in this sci-fi adventure about living—and falling in love—on an Earth that humans no longer control.
On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but for different reasons, they both want to make a new friend on their End Day. Luckily, there’s an app for that. It’s called The Last Friend. Through it, Rufus and Mateo meet up to try to live a lifetime in a single day.
At the end of her senior year, Noor’s family moves from Chicago to a rural area, where they definitely stand out as Indian American and Muslim. Noor plans to just ride out her final high school days, but when she learns the school district has recently banned over 500 books, mostly by marginalized authors, she instead decides to take action. Now she and her family are the target of everything from racial slurs to threats and violence, and Noor has to choose whether to back down from a seemingly losing fight or continue to stand up for what she believes in.
Sam and her mom, Priscilla (a first-generation Korean American), just can’t seem to get along. But when Sam finds herself thrown back in time to the 1990s, attending high school alongside her much younger mother, she learns a few things that just might change their relationship forever.
Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman
You’ve heard of Vincent van Gogh, but do you know about Theo? Heiligman chronicles the amazing and eccentric lives of the Van Gogh brothers, their relationship with each other, and their work.
Jasmine and Chelsea are ready to make changes for women at their high school. They use their literary talents to form a Women’s Rights Club, which soon goes viral. Online trolls lead to trouble, but these best friends are determined to triumph.
Sophomore Jackie’s Korean American parents want her to attend an Ivy League college, but Jackie wants to be a master chef instead. She has the chance to make her dream come true on a reality TV cooking show, but soon realizes the judges expect her to focus on Asian cuisine because of her heritage. To win, she’ll need to convince them that her Korean background is just one part of who she is and what she cooks, and that Jackie Oh is just like anyone else: complicated, layered, and in search of something delicious, no matter where it comes from.
This National Book Award finalist is a poignant tale about the bond two teenagers form in foster care while also trying to retain a connection to their shared Native American culture.
Alice doesn’t believe in luck—at least not the good kind. But she does believe in love, and for some time now, she’s been pining for her best friend, Teddy. On his 18th birthday—just when it seems they might be on the brink of something—she buys him a lottery ticket on a lark. To their astonishment, he wins $140 million, and in an instant, everything changes.
Graphic novels are a real boon for reluctant readers and visual learners. Today’s graphic lit has taken on a life of its own. These books draw kids in with beautiful art, then engage them with compelling narratives. That’s why graphic novels are a big part of our summer reading list for 2024, for kids of every age.
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Begin Again by Oliver Jeffers
This nonfiction graphic novel traces the history of mankind through each of its great leaps from one society to the next. As it arrives in the present and imagines the future, Begin Again asks readers to think of humankind as “we” instead of “us and them.” It’s a timely message, brought to life by whimsical illustrations. (Grades 7–12)
Blancaflor: The Hero With Secret Powers by Nadja Spiegelman and Sergio García Sánchez
This retelling of a classic Latin American folktale was on “best of” lists everywhere, so of course we had to add it to our summer reading list for 2024. Celebrate the resourcefulness of women with this magical story that will really resonate with modern kids. (Grades 3–6)
Make-believe definitely isn’t just for little kids. This engaging graphic novel will inspire middle grade readers to spend summer break building and creating with friends. There’s a sequel too: Roar of the Beast. (Grades 3–6)
This is the illustrated sequel to Craft’s New Kid, which won the 2020 Newbery Medal, the Coretta Scott King Author Award, and the Kirkus Prize. They both explore what it’s like to be one of the few students of color at a prestigious private school. (Grades 3–6)
When Gene was growing up, his heroes were in comic books—not on the court or playing field. As a high school teacher, though, he starts to realize how important sports are to many of his students, and the basketball team’s journey to the state championship holds inspiring lessons for kids and adults alike. (Grades 9–12)
Following in the wake of the incredible success of the Enola Holmes book series (now a Netflix film series!), these graphic novels retell the mystery tales with lush illustrations that perfectly capture the energy of the originals. See the whole series here. (Grades 4–8)
Life after high school is complicated for Sarah, who isn’t quite sure what she wants as she heads off to college. Anxiety dogs her as she attempts to make new friends and explore new ideas, and visits home show how things both change and stay the same, all at the same time. This is a terrific read for high school seniors who feel anxious about what lies ahead. (Grades 10–12)
Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. This sweet graphic novel series has a huge following and has even become a Netflix series. (Grades 8–12)
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O’Connell
Frederica Riley’s relationship with popular girl Laura Dean is toxic—and maybe all too familiar to high schoolers. Freddy falls under her spell again and again until she finally learns what’s truly important in relationships, including friendships. (Grades 9–12)
Maker Comics: Grow a Garden! by Alexis Frederick-Frost
The Maker Comics series is a fantastic DIY collection for tweens and teens. Grow a Garden! seems like a great summer project, while other selections in the series include things like learning to draw a comic or fix a car. (Grades 4–8)
March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell
The first installment of this graphic novel series recounts late senator John Lewis’ first encounters with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the beginning of the Nashville Student Movement as civil action to desegregate the South was steadily gaining traction. (Grades 9–12)
Fast-paced and witty, this graphic novel stars wannabe knight Max and her band of buddies. Run-ins with a sorceress, wizards, dragons, and plenty more exaggerated action keep readers interested, and the plentiful quips keep them laughing too. (Grades 3–6)
Kids who love to watch cooking competitions will want to add this to their summer reading list for 2024. Cici needs to raise money to bring her grandmother from Taiwan to visit her in Seattle. Winning a cooking contest might just be the answer! (Grades 2–6)
Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Rey Terciero and Bre Indigo
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women has a timeless appeal for many readers. This graphic novel modernizes the story with a blended family living in a walk-up in NYC. The characters have familiar personalities, even if their stories are a little different. (Grades 3–6)
Monsters Beware! (The Chronicles of Claudette) by Jorge Aguirre and Rafael Rosado
This is the third installment of this engaging graphic novel series for the upper elementary audience. Claudette is desperate to compete in—and win—the annual Warrior Games. She’ll have to contend with monsters who reportedly eat the other competitors, though! (Grades 2–5)
You can’t help but smile at Narwhal’s enthusiasm in this graphic novel series opener about new friendship—he’s just so darn cheerful all the time. Plenty of quirky details will make kids chuckle, like Narwhal’s invitations to a mishmash of sea creatures to join his “pod of awesomeness” (and the cute horns he awards to each new member), or his and Jelly’s unlikely shared love of waffles. Dive into the whole series! (Grades 1–4)
The Oracle Code by Marieke Nijkamp and Manuel Preitano
Barbara Gordon’s entire life changes when a gunshot wound leaves her paralyzed from the waist down. During her time at a rehab center, she encounters a mystery: Patients keep going missing. As Barbara works to find the answers, she learns important truths about herself. (Grades 6–8)
Poe: Stories and Poems (Graphic Novel Adaptation) by Gareth Hinds
Poe’s spooky works are the perfect basis for graphic storytelling. Horror-story fans will love this new take on classics like The Raven and The Cask of Amontillado. (Grades 8–12)
Primer by Thomas Krajewski, Jennifer Muro, and Gretel Lusky
Ashley Rayburn has discovered body paints that turn her into a superhero! Now she has to decide whether to keep them (and her powers) or return them to the agency that made them. (Grades 3–6)
This relatable story is all about what it’s like when friendships grow and change when you’re not quite ready for it. It addresses issues like bullying and self-confidence and the complexities of navigating relationships. (Grades 3–6)
Sanity and Tallulah live on a space station, which is enough to excite the imagination all on its own. But these irrepressible mad-scientist tweens have plenty of mischief up their sleeves. Read the first book, then follow up with the others in the Sanity & Tallulah series. (Grades 3–6)
This whimsical story explores the challenges of leaving childhood behind. Follow a girl still yearning for playtime while she slowly finds herself with only a ghost left as a friend. This bittersweet tale will really resound with middle grade readers. (Grades 3–6)
Several years after his powerful graphic memoir Hey, Kiddo, author Krosoczka is back with new stories to tell of his young adulthood. His experiences working at summer camp for seriously ill children changed his views on life. Read about the kids and their families, and your views might change too. (Grades 8–12)
This graphic novel follows middle schooler Bree as she starts a new school and is forced to take Swim 101. An elderly neighbor coaches her along, leading Bree and her team to a victory they could never have imagined. (Grades 4–8)
Each year, Ben’s town turns out for the Autumn Equinox Festival and sends lighted lanterns floating off down the river. This year, Ben and his friends are determined to follow them wherever the path leads. (Grades 5–8)
Quin might be the unluckiest kid alive. When he tries to be nice by offering some food to a seagull, he’s soon mobbed by every bird in the neighborhood. His sister’s plan to help him get rid of a loose tooth leaves him hanging at the end of a kite string. And only he could go fishing and wind up catching a nest of angry wasps! This easy reader graphic novel is full of fun and sure to engage young readers from the first page. (Grades 1–4)
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
This graphic novel tells the story of two brothers from Somalia growing up in a refugee camp in Kenya. Based on the experiences of Somali refugee Omar Mohamed, this book will stay with readers long after they close it. (Grades 4–6)
Get Your Free Printable Summer Reading Lists for 2024
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Just fill out the form on this landing page to get instant access to all five 2024 printable summer reading lists. You’ll find a selection of 21 titles from each of the lists above, including picture books, easy readers/chapter books, middle grade books, young adult books, and graphic novels.
What books are on your summer reading list for 2024? We’d love to hear about them in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
School’s out, and summer has finally arrived! Now’s the time to grab some new reads and stretch out on the hammock. We’ve combed the reviews to find out what’s about to hit the shelves, and these are the new books for June 2024 we’re most excited to relax with this summer.
New Fiction Picture Books June 2024
Amazon
Willow the White House Cat by Jill Biden, illustrated by Kate Berube
Though Willow started her life in a humble barn, she soon found herself living in the grandest home in the country. First lady Jill Biden tells Willow’s story, sharing a cat’s-eye view of the White House kids are sure to love.
Cesaria Feels the Beat by Denise Rosario Adusei, illustrated by Priscila Soares
Cesaria may be deaf, but that doesn’t keep her from dancing! The thing is, she needs to dance in her bare feet to feel the beat. Her director insists she wear shoes so she looks like the rest of her troupe, but Cesaria finds a way to stand up for herself and join her friends to embrace the beat of Carnivale.
I See Color by Valerie Bolling and Kailei Pew, illustrated by Laylie Frazier
A whole generation of children were brought up to “not see color” in an effort to promote equality. We’re realizing now that it’s better to understand and celebrate differences rather than ignore them, so this book urges a new generation to “see color” and recognize the wonders of diversity.
Desert Song by Laekan Zea Kemp, illustrated by Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández
In the Texas desert, a Latine family combines their traditional music with nature’s night songs. Instruments like the ocarina and maracas blend with cicadas and barn owls as they all enjoy the stars and cool air. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the text, and the entire book is also available in Spanish.
Tate’s Wild Rescue by Jenny Turnbull, illustrated Izzy Burton
Bighearted Tate writes letter after letter to wild animals, offering to “rescue” them with a place in her home. But orcas can’t live in swimming pools, and tigers love hunting, not cookies. Fortunately, a stray dog is happy to take Tate up on her offer, and she accepts that it’s best to leave wild animals in the wild.
Sometimes the best stories are those about the pleasant moments we experience each day. These three sweet short stories about Little Shrew’s daily life are simple, calming, and perfect for emergent readers.
Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Dung Ho
This new series is a welcome addition to the chapter book genre, with the first two volumes available in June. Bibsy is an engaging young heroine, one who sometimes breaks the rules but always looks for ways to “turn the sours sweet.”
Joining Bibsy in debuting a new chapter book series, Ava Lin is about to start first grade and couldn’t be more excited. But while she loves her new pencils and backpack, what she really wants is a best friend. Can first grade help her find one?
The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko
Middle schooler Hank is sadly used to his mom not always coming home at night. But after she’s gone for a whole week, he realizes he needs to ask for help for himself and his toddler sister. That means foster care and new schools and a whole lot of questions that are very hard to answer.
The second entry in this fantasy series is just as enthralling as the first, skillfully weaving real life with Hawaiian mythology. Lei and her friends are searching for a missing pendant on an invisible island defended by evil spirits. To get there, they’ll face sharks, jump over rainbows, and lean on each other as friends always do.
The crisscrossing stories of three teens who’ve all faced recent losses anchor this new middle grade read full of laughter and tears. In addition to their tangible losses, all three are navigating challenging relationships with adults in their lives, making their own growing friendships all the more important.
Australian tween James is dealing with his parents’ recent divorce, and not particularly enjoying the present. So when he makes a new friend that shows him time travel is possible, he’s eager to join her and try to correct the past. It’s a little difficult to get to the exact time they want, though, so first they’ll experience moments from past and future, navigating their way toward accepting the present as it is and was always meant to be.
Told in verse, this novel of two tweens living in an Intertribal Housing Complex is intriguing and heartbreaking. Ariel has given up her beloved ballet lessons so her family can use the money to search for her missing aunt. Her friend Tomah struggles in school but finds comfort in nature. As Ariel learns the power of the healing jingle dance from Tomah’s grandmother, and Tomah himself realizes he has a gift for storytelling, the two learn, change—and grow.
It’s 1955 in idyllic Leavittown, Pennsylvania, where Calvin’s family has just moved from Chicago. The problem is that Leavittown is a restricted community, and in order to live there, Calvin and his family must “pass” as white, denying their Black heritage. As his school is integrated and the Civil Rights Movement begins to gain momentum, Calvin must make difficult decisions about who he is and who he wants to be, inside and out.
Mary Jane makes a brief appearance in the classic Huck Finn, capturing the hero’s heart in just a few pages. Now, she’s getting her own book, as she too travels down the Mississippi in the 1840s, facing (and thriving throughout) her own challenges and adventures.
Louder Than Words by Ashley Woodfolk and Lexi Underwood
HS junior Jordan is transferring from a private school to a public one this year, but her past seems determined to follow her. Jordan thrives and makes friends in her new environment, but the popular but catty Tomcat Tea podcast soon threatens to reveal the reason she was expelled from her former school. Now Jordan and her friends are determined to take the podcast down, but can she do it without facing up to the past she’s determined to leave behind?
Desperate to win back her boyfriend, neurodivergent “STEM nerd” Marlowe makes a deal with her AP English partner. If Ashton teaches her how to be romantic, she’ll help Ash’s goth band improve their website and social media image. But is romance really something you can learn, and even if it is, does Marlowe really want to change?
Willa and Wade and the Way-Up-There by Judith Henderson, illustrated by Sara Sarhangpour
Willa is an ostrich, and Wade is a penguin—two birds who were never meant to fly. But they’re determined to learn nonetheless! Maybe they can help each other find their way to the “way-up-there”? (Grades K-2)
Detective Sweet Pea: The Case of the Golden Bone by Sara Varon
Join the newest doggy detective, Sweet Pea, in this series opener, as she searches for the Golden Chew Bone missing from the town museum. She’s new to detective work, but her strong sniffing skills make her a perfect fit for the job. (Grades 2-5)
Sink or Swim by Veronica Agarwal, illustrated by Lee Durfey-Lavoie
Ty was looking forward to summer camp with his best friends. Then he broke his arm and missed an entire season as swim team captain, and he doesn’t even want to think about swimming again at camp. He and his pals team up to build a canoe from scratch, but Ty’s whole world still feels a bit underwater. This is the perfect read for kids who are headed to a summer camp experience of their own this year. (Grades 3-7)
Brownstone by Samuel Teer, illustrated by Mar Julia
Almudena’s white mom has to spend the summer traveling for work, so she leaves Almudena with her estranged Guatemalan father in the city. Almudena speaks little Spanish, her father speaks little English, and the two seem to have little in common. But as she spends the summer helping him to restore an old brownstone to create affordable housing for folks in need, Almudena begins to develop an appreciation for her Latine heritage and newly discovered community. (Grades 7-12)
Mags, a graduating senior, lives a complicated life with her strict mother and ailing grandmother, part-time job, and convoluted romantic relationship. Oh, and there’s the monster that lives under the basement floorboards that she must appease by feeding it her blood every night. When her childhood friend Nessa, a trans artist, returns to town, she and Mags reconnect, overcoming the terrors of life together and discovering love in all its complex glory. (Grades 10-12)
Life After Whale by Lynn Brunelle, illustrated by Jason Chin
Whales are the mighty giants of the sea, and when they die, they go on to nurture the ecosystem in amazing ways. Follow a 90-year-old blue whale from its natural death through its fall to the ocean floor below, where her body will feed scavenging creatures for a century or more. The subject matter seems dark, but it’s surprisingly fascinating and inspiring, even for children. (Grades Pre-K to 3)
Lessons From Our Ancestors by Raksha Dave, illustrated by Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong
Explore 14 different world cultures spanning 40,000 years, learning about their incredible accomplishments and the wisdom they passed along through generations. Visit historic sites and events through archaeological digs and artifacts, and learn fascinating facts you won’t find in most textbooks. (Grades 4-8)
Hike It by Iron Tazz, illustrated by Martin Stanev
Could there be a more perfect read to get kids ready for a summer of adventure? Learn the basics of hiking and camping, including the equipment, skills, and etiquette everyone should know. Discover some of the best national parks and natural places in the United States too. (Grades 2-8)
The history of labor and the labor movement may seem like an unlikely topic to grab the interest of teens. But as their social consciences begin to awaken, they’ll likely find this narrative of capitalism and the labor that supports it surprisingly compelling. This book pulls no punches, and the stories here are bound to shock many who’ve never thought much about how workers’ rights affect their own lives on a daily basis. (Grades 9-12)
For millennia, indigenous people lived in harmony with the Mississippi River, accepting the gifts of its seasonal floods and native wildlife. But American pioneers had different ideas, and over the last few centuries, we’ve spent millions of dollars trying to control the river so it bends (quite literally) to our own needs. Read the Great River’s long history, and you’ll find yourself wondering if perhaps the time has come to let the river run and restore nature’s wonder to what it once was. (Grades 9 and up)
Any teacher who wants to know more about gender identity (a topic that’s become incredibly important to many of today’s youth) should add this volume to their summer reading list. Approach it with an open mind, and you’ll find yourself better equipped to help your own students as they question, seek, and find their own true identities, as every generation must.
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I want to read most of these myself, but I guess I’ll share with my students too!
While there are always classic tried-and-true books for 6th graders we share with students, I’m always on the lookout for books that could become new classics. It’s not easy to find the time to go through everything that’s been published in the last few years, however, so we’ve saved you some time with this list. Below you’ll find historical fiction, memoir, nonfiction, and fiction books for 6th graders guaranteed to awaken your students’ imagination and love of reading.
Amazon
1. Lies I Tell Myself by Beth Vrabel
When Raymond is sent across the country to spend the summer with his grandparents, it throws his entire world out of order. While he normally likes letting other people do the adventuring, he finds himself needing to break out of his shell and show everyone how brave and untroubled he can be.
Gordon Korman is such a gift for tween readers everywhere. I’ve turned so many reluctant readers into enthusiastic ones by putting one of Korman’s novels into their hands. This one is no exception! Jeff and Wiley, 6th graders famous for their ability to come up with perfect nicknames for everyone at their school, run into trouble when some of their nicknames start backfiring. What happens next may put their friendship to the test.
Gabe wasn’t trying to start a small forest fire when he set off fireworks in the woods. He just wanted his friends and family to stop spending so much time in their own busy lives and pay attention to him. But now, he finds himself in a restorative justice program that is making him go back to the forest to repair some of the damage his prank caused. When he meets a coyote named Rill who was hurt by the forest fire, Gabe learns the importance of caring for those around us.
Greg loves making money with his comic book business, and he isn’t pleased to learn that fellow student Maura is cutting into his profits with her own graphic mini-books. Greg hates to admit it, but her books are good—really good. So he decides to ask her to become business partners. And their business is booming until the school principal bans comic book sales. How will their new business, and their new friendship, survive?
5. The Ultimate Riddle Game for Kids: A Mind-Bending Book To Test Your Logic by Zeitgeist
For our kiddos who love puzzles, logic problems, and mind-bending riddles, this is one of the books for 6th graders that has everything. The brainteasers will ignite their curiosity and build their problem-solving skills. Perfect for kids who need a bit of an additional challenge, early finishers, or anyone who loves testing their brain with fun, engaging puzzles.
This award-winning graphic novel is a memoir, which may explain why it feels so heart-felt and real. When Raina falls while on a Girls Scouts outing, she severely injures her two front teeth. The odyssey of braces, retainers, head gear, and even surgery will have every 6th grader who’s been to the orthodontist wincing with sympathy and laughing at how delightfully engaging Telgemeier manages to make this painful part of her childhood.
This is one of the books for 6th graders that might be eye-opening for many students. In Mumbai, Minni’s family (along with thousands of other families) only has access to water for a few hours a day. When she discovers the powerful people who have access to water all the time and are keeping it from everyone else for money, she has to decide what to do. Should she come forward and expose this crime even if it puts her and her family at risk, or should she stay quiet?
You’re going to want to put this Newbery Award winner into the hands of your mystery-loving students ASAP! When Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes telling her she must write a letter, a true story, and tell no one, she doesn’t know what to do. But when the mysterious notes start accurately predicting the future, she knows that she must act before it’s too late.
Javari knows that life is going to be different when he leaves his home in Brooklyn to go to a STEM camp in West Virginia, but his first few days in the small Appalachian town are still a shock. Throughout the summer, he will learn a lot about science, technology, engineering, and math, but that’s not all. When he befriends Cricket, a local boy who is an occasional thief and activist, he realizes he’s in for a summer he’ll never forget.
10. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
You need this book in your classroom library for your Star Wars and science fiction fans. Sixth grader Dwight stands out for his quirky behavior. He wears the same T-shirt for weeks on end and sometimes insists on being addressed as “Captain Dwight.” Despite his oddities, Dwight possesses a unique talent for making origami. When he creates an origami Yoda finger puppet, a mystery unfolds (pun intended). This miniature Yoda seems to be able to predict the future and give students amazing advice for some of their most serious problems. Soon, students flock to seek guidance from Origami Yoda.
When five middle schoolers discover an abandoned bomb shelter, they know they’ve found the best hideout ever. As they fix it up and make it their own, they discover the true meaning of friendship, secrets, and trusting each other.
12. Blood Diaries: Tales of a 6th-Grade Vampire by Marissa Moss
As if middle school weren’t hard enough, Edgar has to deal with all of it while also handling the challenges of being a young vampire. His only weapons? His wit, his sense of humor, and his friends. This is a perfect choice for your fantasy and humor-loving students.
Their dad trained them to survive anything, but brothers John and Stew Lockwood are unprepared when a massive blackout strikes while their father is out of town. After being robbed of their supplies, the brothers must walk 96 miles through the desert for help. As they do, they’ll question their father’s obsession with self-reliance and what it means to be there to help out others.
Delphine, an 11-year-old taking on a motherly role for her younger sisters Vonetta and Fern since their mother Cecile left them for a new life in California, experiences a surprising turn of events when they visit Cecile for the summer. Instead of the Disneyland trip they hoped for, Cecile sends them to a Black Panthers day camp. Despite their initial disappointment, the sisters discover unexpected lessons about their family, their nation, and themselves during this eventful summer.
Perfect for your nonfiction lovers or for your reluctant readers who love their sneakers, this young readers edition of Nike founder Phil Knight’s memoir is engaging and real. Beginning with how he refused to give up hope after he was cut from his high school baseball team to how he started Nike with just $50, this is one of the books for 6th graders that will have your students hooked.
Christine, dubbed “Tink,” finds herself grappling with a nickname that no longer fits as she confronts uncomfortable situations like awkward Halloween costumes, premature sleepovers, unrequited crushes, and shifting friendships. Through these trials, Christine discovers the significance of self-identity and the power of self-expression.
17. Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King
When Mac realizes that all the copies of a book he’s supposed to read for class have been censored by the school, he is outraged. When he complains to the principal, he’s told to not make such a big deal out of it. But Mac knows that censorship is wrong, and he’s not going to sit around and do nothing. This is one of the great books for 6th graders for jump-starting important discussions about censorship.
Danvers Blickensderfer, a 6th grader, finds his life plummeting to new lows, particularly when his daring talent show act honoring Gonzo the Great loses to a middle school boy band named, Emo Shun. He goes to bed that night utterly defeated, but when he wakes up he discovers he’s been transformed into a Muppet. Luckily, he lands an internship at the Muppet Theater, where he gets to meet his stunt-loving hero. From here Danvers embarks on a wild adventure as he becomes part of the eccentric Muppet crew aboard The Electric Mayhem bus. This quirky fun tale is sure to delight your 6th graders.
A searing look at the climate crisis told through the perspectives of three young people. Akira is coping with raging wildfires in California. Owen is faced with a polar bear hunting far too close to residential areas in rural Canada. And Natalie hunkers down with her family as a massive hurricane barrels toward her Miami home. These three young people share more in common than climate disasters. Will they survive long enough to discover what that connection is and what it means for them and the world?
20. The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade by Jordan Sonnenblick
Sixth grade can be a tough place. A place where bullies prey on weaknesses and louder voices overshadow the quieter ones. Maverick, carrying his late father’s toy sheriff’s badge as a reminder, aims to change this dynamic. Despite his own struggles at home, Maverick sets out to make his school a better place for everyone. This heartwarming tale explores the journey of standing up for oneself and becoming a hero both at home and in the school corridors.
Twelve-year-old Addie knows she should be thrilled when her stepfather asks to adopt her. She really wants to say yes, but she has so many questions about her biological father. After discovering he and even more members of her family are famous luchadores (lucha libre wrestlers), she sets off to get to know them. As she does, she learns a lot about what being part of a family truly means.
22. Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts
Rafe Khatchadorian faces a heap of troubles at home, and now he’s tackling his first year of middle school. Armed with a daring scheme for the ultimate year, he aims to break every rule in the school’s strict Code of Conduct. From chewing gum in class to running in the hallway, each infraction earns him points. Yet, as Rafe’s rebellious antics begin to backfire, he must confront whether winning at any cost is worth it, or if it’s time to confront the rules, bullies, and realities he’s been evading.
23. Sweet Valley Twins adapted by Nicole Andelfinger
Graphic novels are the perfect way to introduce the Sweet Valley Twins to a new generation. Elizabeth and Jessica are just about to start middle school, and they’re sure they’ll be as inseparable as ever. But while Elizabeth is ready to organize a school newspaper, Jessica wants to start an exclusive Unicorn Club. What will happen when they realize they might not have as much in common as they thought?
24. The Night Before Middle School by Sean Kolczynski
Perfect for the first days of the new school year! Written by a fifth grader as an amusing takeoff on the classic Clement C. Moore Christmas poem, the story is a walk through what the fifth grader imagines his first day of school might be like. It includes all the scary, new experiences your students are likely worried about themselves it’s a perfect way to affirm your students’ feelings while making them feel more calm and comfortable about starting middle school.
Twelve-year-old witchling Seven dreams of being part of one of the most powerful covens with her best friend. But when it comes time to be assigned her coven, the worst thing imaginable happens: She’s not given a coven and is instead is deemed a Spare! How will she and the other Spares save their reputations and earn their rightful place as full-fledged witches?
26. 6th Grade Supernatural: Abigail’s Curse by J.B. Cantwell
Zander Casey is unafraid of ghosts, living in a world where the undead are commonplace. However, when Abigail Stone arrives at Plainsbury Middle School, she brings with her a horde of malevolent spirits that even the most seasoned parallel would fear. Now, Zander must persuade Abigail to join forces with him and his eccentric scientist father to seal the gateway to the underworld she inadvertently opened. Failure to protect Plainsbury from the impending invasion could expose their secret and endanger their community. But gaining Abigail’s trust is no easy task, especially as time ticks away and the greatest threat of all threatens to break through, permanently unlocking the gateway.
Ravenfall Inn is a sprawling, magical B&B at the crossroads of the human world and the Otherworld. Thirteen-year-old Annabella Ballinkay and her family have run the B&B for generations, using their psychic powers to help and protect their guests. Annabella’s powers have always been a bit different from the rest of her family. But when Colin, a 14-year-old searching for his missing older brother, shows up at Ravenfall, her powers might be just what is needed.
28. President of the Whole Sixth Grade by Sherri Winston
Brianna Justice has her sights set on raising funds for the much-anticipated class trip to Washington, D.C. However, her path is fraught with challenges: classmates putting on facades, a formidable new adversary aiming to usurp her position, and the looming fear of losing her closest friendships. Despite moments of doubt, Brianna discovers that unexpected twists can lead to outcomes even more fulfilling than her carefully crafted strategies.
This powerful story follows Kofi, a boy in Ghana in 1860. Kofi loves his life and his family, but one day everything is turned upside down. This is one of the perfect books for 6th graders to pair with discussions about the lives and experiences of Africans prior to them becoming enslaved and shipped to the Americas.
Maggie will do almost anything to avoid speaking. Her stutter makes talking to others embarrassing and exhausting. Her father wants to send her away to a special hospital for “treatment,” but her mother suggests a few weeks with her grandfather in Wildoak Forest. Even though Maggie barely knows her grandfather, she accepts this offer as the better of two rotten choices. When she meets an abandoned snow leopard cub in the forest, she is caught up in an adventure she could never have imagined.
Hazel is traveling all alone on the famous ship Titanic. Her mother is sending her to the United States to work in a factory so that she might send money back home to help her family make ends meet. But Hazel hasn’t told anyone that she secretly wants to be a journalist, and she’s planning on writing a story about the Titanic‘s maiden voyage that will land her a job with a newspaper. Then she could earn enough money to send home without having to work in some smelly factory. With the help of some new friends aboard the ship, Hazel explores the Titanic, but when disaster strikes, she has to worry more about surviving than about the story she wanted to tell.
Shenanigan Swift understands that her family gave her an unusual first name for a reason. Shenanigan Swift: Little sister. Risk-taker. Mischief-maker. But when the annual family reunion is shook by a horrible accident (or mysterious crime?), Shenanigan decides she is going to be more than what her family expects of her—she’s going to be a detective.
We love historical fiction stories about events our students probably don’t know much about, and this one is a perfect choice. Set in 1947 India, 12-year-old Nisha is struggling to come to grips with what’s happening in her homeland. Newly independent of British rule, her country has been separated into two countries: Pakistan and India. This is causing tension between Hindus and Muslims, and hundreds of thousands are killed crossing borders. Nisha’s family decides it’s too dangerous to remain in what is now Pakistan, and so they become refugees, heading toward India. As she travels, Nisha writes letters to her deceased mother that tell the story of their journey and her hopes to find a home.
Eleven-year-old Ella is a new student at the Arcanum Training Institute, a school for children who can perform magic. She can’t wait to learn everything that she can, but some at the school think that the type of magic Ella can do—conjuring—is dangerous and wrong. When a violent criminal escapes a nearby prison with the help of a conjurer, some at the school think Ella might be to blame. With the help of her new friends and her growing powers, Ella has to set things right and clear her name.
35. The Elephant Girl by James Patterson and Ellen Banda-Aaku
Perfect for students who loved The One and Only Ivan and Because of Winn-Dixie, this novel tells the story of Jama and the baby elephant named Mbegu she befriended. When the baby elephant’s mother kills someone after being frightened by poachers, Jama and the baby elephant are blamed. Jama will have to find a way to save Mbegu’s life, even if it means reaching out to a boy at her school that no one else will talk to.
36. Rise of the School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
This fantasy fairy tale is a perfect book for 6th graders who love anime or fantasy, or are just looking for something different. Deep in the endless woods, two brothers, one good and one evil, started a school. They choose students to attend either the School for Good or the School for Evil. Best friends Sophie and Agatha are excited to attend the schools. Sophie has dreamed of attending the School for Good and Agatha the School for Evil. But when they arrive, they’re placed in the wrong schools … and that changes everything.
In 14th-century Norway, the plague has destroyed the entire village of Skeviga. To stay alive, Rype, the only one left, must embark on a sweeping adventure across Europe. He joins an English ship captain’s son and a band of musicians in search of a brighter future and a new home.
Simon wants to be a normal kid, but he’s famous for being the only student to have survived a school shooting. In an attempt to escape this horrible reality, Simon’s parents move their family to the National Quiet Zone, the only place in America where the Internet is banned. Here, Simon expects his life to be quiet and a little boring, but when he meets scientists searching for extraterrestrials, things start to get interesting.
Thirteen-year-old Matthew is miserable. The pandemic has everyone trapped at home. His dad is stuck overseas, and his mom has moved his 100-year-old great-grandmother into their house. Then he finds an old photo in his great-grandmother’s belongings. It gives him a clue to her hidden past. This leads to a family secret that shatters his life. The novel is historical fiction that flashes back to the 1930s. It sheds light on the Holodomor, a famine that killed millions of Ukrainians, which the USSR covered up for decades.
In the realm of middle school, it’s not a popularity contest—it’s a battlefield. Perry and her closest companion, Venice, are thrilled to document their school’s story as yearbook photographers, only to uncover a troubling reality: The candid moments they’re meant to capture are staged.
Yearbooks are meant to reflect everyone, even the less popular. Perry feels trapped until she realizes that only by photographing the popular kids will her work be chosen. Pushing back could isolate her further, even cost her friendships. Now, she must choose: Blend in or stand out.
Cultivating friendships is a huge part of going to school. It’s always a good time for class chats about making friends, helping and appreciating friends, and tackling friendship challenges. A solid collection of children’s books about friendship is an essential tool. We’ve pulled together this list of recent favorite children’s books about friendship you’ll want to add to your shelves. (Pssst: We love sharing picture books with all ages, so check these out even if you teach big kids!)
1. Friends Beyond Measure: A Story Told With Infographics by Lalena Fisher
Amazon
We love unique children’s books about friendship to get students looking at the topic in new ways. Friends Ana and Harwin describe their joyful relationship in diagrams, charts, timelines, and graphs. All the data points to fun, until they find out Harwin’s family must move overseas. The two mourn the news, and then get to work drawing up new ways to represent their friendship. This title is especially perfect to share when you’re learning about representing data in math and science.
This clever look at “making” a friend shows a child on a dramatic adventure to build a robot—who ends up falling in with the wrong robotic crowd and meets its demise in an unfortunate explosion. The real friendship advice sprinkled throughout the story invites classroom conversation. It ends on a positive note when the child meets a peer who’s also interested in robots.
Riley’s cousins are always so bossy, telling Riley the “right” way to play with toys. The ways Riley enjoys playing, like lining up toys or tearing up piles of paper, aren’t the same. The kids find common ground and learn that there are many ways to play that are fun. This is a sweet and helpful story about appreciating how friends like to play and finding ways to play together harmoniously.
What starts as two children arguing over the same book at the library turns into a lesson about the magical power of perspective-taking. Readers can infer, as the story unfolds, that one child loves the book because it’s a comfort during time spent at the hospital with an ill parent. The other child loves the book because it’s a refuge in their chaotic home. As the children learn about and connect with each other, an empathetic friendship develops.
Art and his dad head to the farmers market on the hunt for ingredients to make juice to fight a cold. They run into some challenges along the way, and plenty of friends are eager to help. It’s nice to share children’s books about friendship that aren’t solely focused on childhood friendships. After all, we need friends at all ages!
This poignant book acknowledges that making friends in new situations can be hard, and offers an encouraging example of how sharing more about yourself can help foster connection. Sora loves collecting shells at the beach with her grandmother during her summer visit. Then, while she’s already struggling to make friends in her new kindergarten class, her grandmother passes away. The sadness is too much to bear. But taking a risk to open herself to new friendships helps.
7. Feathers Together by Caron Levis and Charles Santoso
Amazon
Two storks, Malena and Klepetan, miss each other terribly when an injured wing means Malena can’t migrate with the flock as usual. They exchange feathers and promise to hold each other in their hearts. A human friend cares for Malena during winter while she can’t fly, and the pair joyfully reunite the next spring. This is a nice friendship-themed story for identifying story elements and practicing retelling and summarizing. Check out all the titles in the Feeling Friends series, all inspired by real-life animal friendships.
Elsie and her mom, Valentine, run a guest house. When a tiger comes looking for a place to stay, they choose to welcome and accommodate him, building a new friendship in the process. This entertaining look at themes of inclusion and community can get kids talking about how to create a friendly, welcoming classroom and school.
We’re always down for children’s books about friendship that spell out for kids how they can be a good friend—and this one does it so sweetly! A child helps all her animal friends by giving them just the kind of support they need. This is a fantastic conversation starter for younger kids about relevant human friendship situations.
Raise your hand if your childhood neighbors were your first example friendship! This group of animal street-mates hasn’t really connected yet; they all feel like they don’t have much in common. When one neighbor has a problem, though—the internet stops working!—it turns out another neighbor can easily lend a hand. This starts a chain of helping and connecting. Get kids talking about ways to form friendships in their own communities.
11. The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali
Amazon
This sequel to the bestselling book The Proudest Blue, written by the first American woman in hijab to compete for the United States in the Olympic Games, spotlights the deep connections we can form with friends and siblings by helping others.
Walter and Xavier are best friends … until they aren’t. This touching story explores the idea that friendships don’t have to last forever, and how to deal with the roller coaster of emotions from sad to lonely to hopeful that can happen during friendship transitions.
Best friends Dandan and Yueyue meet one last time for their favorite activity—making paper snowflakes—before she moves to America. Will she ever find a friend in her new country like she did at home? Important insights about the challenges of being an immigrant are woven into a sweet and relatable story about making new friends while holding on to old ones.
Marjorie loves baking, knitting, and gardening so she goes undercover to find friends with similar interests at the local senior center. This heartwarming and upbeat book shows that friendship can come in many forms and highlights the importance of being true to yourself.
15. The Little Book of Friendship by Zack Bush and Laurie Friedman
Amazon
This is the perfect instruction manual for how to be a friend. Filled with activities, practical ideas, and short vignettes, this nonfiction book is a great addition to any classroom library and can be easily incorporated into social-emotional learning lesson plans.
The perfect story for anyone who feels like they don’t quite fit in. Shy Sophie feels most comfortable in her wolf suit, but when she wears it to school, her classmates make fun of her. Through this emotion-filled story, Sophie goes on a magical journey that teaches her (and her classmates) that good friends let you be you.
Full of beautiful illustrations that show a young girl enjoying solo activities, this tender book celebrates what we can gain from being alone and what we can gain from being with a friend. This is a particularly good book for more introspective and introverted students.
Henry really wants a friend, but when things often feel too loud and too close, this seems like an impossible task. This heartwarming book provides an important perspective about friendships from a child on the autism spectrum.
Brian feels invisible until a new friend joins the classroom and Brian helps welcome him. The timeless message about the power of kindness to help kids feel seen, heard, and valued makes this a perennial favorite for readers of all ages.
20. Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It) by Carrie Finison
Amazon
Doug likes a lot of things—including his rock collection, harmonica bands, and his many friends—but he thinks hugs are just way “too squashy.” When you need children’s books about respecting personal boundaries and different ways to show you care about a friend, definitely reach for this one!
Sam resists Agu’s attempts to join his game of pirates at first because he’s unfamiliar, but Agu wins him over with his real-life experience sailing the high seas. Gorgeous and thought-provoking, this book will help kids talk about how new friends can lead to new learning and new fun.
22. We Laugh Alike / Juntos nos reímos by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
Amazon
If you or your students speak Spanish, you’ll definitely want to add this unique children’s book about friendship across language barriers to your shelves. (And if you don’t, it’s still a great one to enjoy with kids, using the glossary to help.) Using a mix of English, Spanish, gestures, and open-mindedness, two groups of friends find common ground—and laughs—at the park.
23. A Thousand White Butterflies by Jessica Betancourt-Perez and Karen Lynn Williams
Amazon
Isabella is so excited for her first day of school—her “make-new-friends day”—after moving to the United States from Colombia. But then a snowstorm cancels school! A chance encounter shows her there are lots of ways to make new friends and have fun playing together. This touching personal narrative is one of our favorite new children’s books about friendship.
Jitterbug the chipmunk is hesitant about accepting a newcomer to her woods until her friends help her see the positives of welcoming “someone new.” Sign of a great book: Students of any age can appreciate this story and connect its themes to their lives.
We just keep coming back to this gorgeous book for all the literacy mini-lessons. Daniela and Evelyn are the best of friends, but Evelyn’s impending move is hard to swallow. Their poignant conversations show how friendship can transcend circumstance—and can help real-life friends facing a similar situation.
Making amends when you’ve made a mistake is a key part of friendship. This book manages to be both fun and serious as it teaches readers exactly what the title promises.
Sicily is a STEM wizard, constantly making creations from parts she finds in her apartment complex. Making friends, though? That’s harder. Throughout Sicily’s attempts, a parallel story of a neighbor boy unfolds in the illustrations—a fun example of how friendship can occur in unexpected places, and a reminder for kids that a big part of friendship is considering others’ experiences.
Simple, counting text describes a diverse group of children who come together at the playground. The illustrations will give your class lots to talk about and can help open a brainstorming session about inclusive ways to welcome others to play.
32. All About Friends by Felicity Brooks and Mar Ferrero
Amazon
Approaching friendship discussions through stories works for lots of kids, but for some, a more explicit primer can be helpful. This is one of the most comprehensive nonfiction children’s books about friendship we’ve seen. It uses straightforward language and plenty of charming pictures to teach key skills like how to use friendly body language, how to initiate conversations with friends, and strategies to use when friends argue.
Meesha never feels like she gets it quite right unless she’s making “friends” with craft supplies. When Josh quietly reaches out, though, she learns that doing something she loves alongside a friend can feel twice as nice. Share this story to honor the experiences of kids who find it challenging to connect with others.
Llewellyn and his friend Evelyn collect their favorite memories in jars. When Evelyn moves away, it’s devastating—until they find a way to use their special memories to stay connected. We love this hushed, beautiful children’s book about friendship for the range of ideas and conversations it inspires.
35. The Shadow Elephant by Nadine Robert and Valerio Vidali
Amazon
Friendship is often lots of fun, but sometimes being a friend means helping during hard times. When Elephant feels down, Mouse instinctively knows he needs time to let the feelings pass with a quiet friend resting by his side.
February is the shortest month, but the weather can sometimes make it feel like the longest. That makes it the perfect time to cozy up with a terrific new read! Here are the February 2024 new books that we’re most looking forward to checking out.
Jump to:
February 2024 New Fiction Picture Books
Ten Little Rabbits by Maurice Sendak
Amazon
Sendak died over a decade ago, but this new publication was actually written in 1970. A young magician makes too many rabbits appear from his hat, so he counts them back down again until they all vanish. This sweet offering will round out your Sendak collection nicely!
After arguing with his sister Ruby, Ravi wakes up one morning in a grumpy mood that just won’t quit, manifesting as a red hat on his head. He tries everything to shake it, but finally realizes that what he really needs to do is apologize to Ruby.
There are many books out there about the incredible monarch butterfly migration to Mexico, but this one does a nice job mixing culture with science. Lucía’s Papá heads north each spring for work at the same time the butterflies do, but he promises to return in the fall, just like the monarchs.
Ju-Girl helps Grandad fix cars in their Jamaican community. They work together to restore a blue pickup truck, then cruise around town celebrating their hard work and the community where they live.
Ayla loves the coral reef that surrounds her home island, but she notices some parts seem to be dying. She and her mother work together to restore part of the reef, sending the message that we all must help to protect and rebuild the environment around us.
When Harriet swaps her own reflection for a lion’s, her personality changes too. She enjoys being confident and fierce but eventually misses her former self. Can she find her own reflection once again?
This Baby. That Baby. by Cari Best and Rashin Kheiriyeh
Amazon
Two babies live across the street from each other, waving hello from their facing windows. Each enjoys their own daily adventures, until finally their daily walk allows them to meet up in the park for a sweet playdate.
New Books February 2024: Easy Reader/Chapter Books
The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before by Mrs. and Mr. MacLeod
Amazon
This picture book for early readers tells the story of a magic door, a missing key, and a bright new world called the “Land of Never Before.” Readers will enjoy the journey into the unknown future with the Grunion kids, who previously showed the world How To Eat a Book.
The Inside Scouts Help the Kind Lion by Mitali Banerjee Ruths
Amazon
The start of a new STEM-centered series, this easy reader teaches kids about the cardiac system as well as the importance of being kind to one another. Reminiscent of Fantastic Voyage, this book will engage new readers who love learning about science.
Practice short and long vowel sounds along with sight words in this simple but charming book about a group of friends who share a tiny desert island. When a big storm approaches, they must pull together and learn the true meaning of friendship.
Looking for Peppermint: Or Life in the Forest by Maxwell Eaton III
Amazon
This detailed picture book is perfect for new readers, with lots to discover on every page. A family treks the woods, searching for their lost dog and learning about the beautiful environment along the way.
Not the Worst Friend in the World by Anne Rellihan
Amazon
Lou starts her sixth grade year by fighting with BFF Francie, so when new student Cece reaches out for help finding her mom, she’s determined to be a good friend this time around. But as Cece’s story unfolds alongside flashbacks of Lou and Francie’s friendship over the years, things turn out to be more complicated than everyone expects.
Dancing in the Storm by Amie Darnell Specht and Shannon Hitchcock
Amazon
Kate is an aspiring gymnast whose dreams are brought to a halt by her diagnosis of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, which is slowly turning her muscles to bone. Her friends don’t know how to act, and Kate is full of fear about the future. Fortunately, a supportive family and a mentor with the same disease help Kate find hope for her future.
Mahnoor dreams of being a journalist, so she’s excited about her new media studies class. When she learns they’ll be making documentary films instead of writing, Maha is disappointed. But the arrival of her grandmother from Pakistan changes her life and provides fascinating stories about the partition of Pakistan and India.
Follow the story of four Sephardic Jewish girls across different eras, from Spain in 1492 to Turkey, Cuba, and America in the 20th and 21st centuries. This powerful story of family and connection is rooted in the author’s own ancestry and opens up engrossing new worlds for the reader.
Middle schooler Frannie lives with her grandmother, who recently broke her leg. Uncle Gabe arrives to assist, but he also brings stories of Frannie’s long-gone mother Mia. These stories raise uncomfortable topics like mental health and incarceration, forcing Frannie to confront and explore some complicated feelings.
Today’s middle schoolers no doubt still have vivid memories of the COVID-19 lockdown and the scary and often lonely months that followed. They’ll relate to the tale of Archie, stuck at home with overprotective parents who worry about his increased risk due to asthma. Told in verse, this novel relates Archie’s experiences feeding hummingbirds in his yard (including his favorite, Ruby), finding peace and a new sense of purpose in troubled times.
A Suffragist’s Guide to the Antarctic by Yi Shun Lai
Amazon
In an inventive mix of historical fiction and feminism, this new novel imagines what Shackleton’s 1914 expedition to the Antarctic might have been like if a woman had joined the team. Though she strives to throw off traditional women’s roles, Clara agrees to help her fellow crew by baking and mending. When Clara fights off and badly injures the man who sexually assaults her, it causes a rift, but the team must stick together if they intend to survive.
Darcy and Art bond over their mutual love of role-playing games (RPGs), and a friendship blossoms into something more. Bisexual Darcy and her two moms are new in this small town, and when Darcy decides to start a queer-straight alliance at school, she learns her biggest opponent is Art’s father. The family faces sadly realistic homophobia, but the ending provides hope for a better future.
When 17-year-old Megan wakes up in an unfamiliar body, she races to find her best friend—and get her own body back. This sci-fi thriller will draw in even reluctant readers, and includes a deeper look at race and relationships that makes it a meaningful read.
Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear by Robin Wasley
Amazon
A ruptured fault line leads to a zombie apocalypse, amid which Korean American adoptee Sid Spencer must try to find her missing friend Matty, a Guardian who protects the fault line. This imaginative fantasy tale is grounded in real issues like family, insecurity, loss, and empathy.
Journey across space to affluent G-Moon One, where 17-year-old Aryl tries to live up to her immigrant parents’ expectations. She and fellow immigrant Ver Yun are unfairly accused of murder, based only on their status as immigrant offworlders. The two girls distrust each other but must work together if they are to prove their innocence.
This wide-ranging collection of poems is based on the author’s own experiences. Illustrated beautifully with striking art that complements the poetry, this book tackles themes of racism, misogyny, and the healing power of love.
New readers will welcome this engaging new graphic novel series, in which a whole toolbox of tools helps to free a nail stuck in a board. The text is fun and amusing, and it even sneaks in some learning along the way! (Pre-K through Grade 3)
DNDoggos: Get the Party Started by Scout Underhill
Amazon
Here’s the start of another new graphic novel series, in which a group of RPG-loving pups learns how to play a new game together. Kids will enjoy their adventures, and perhaps feel encouraged to go out and get involved in their own role-playing games. (Grades 4-6)
Eowulf: Of Monsters & Middle School by Mike Cavallaro
Amazon
Continuing the RPG theme, monster hunter Eowulf battles foes in both real life and role-playing games with her friends. When a pack of raving monsters attacks her hometown, Eowulf and her sentient sword join the battle. But it turns out that the line between good and evil isn’t quite so clear this time, and Eowulf must learn to trust her instincts in the battle toward true victory. (Grades 3-6)
Ignacio Garcia, who prefers to be called “Iggy,” isn’t particularly interested in his Latino heritage. When he’s accidentally placed in a Spanish class at school, he’s forced to really consider it for the first time. Set against the backdrop of the 2016 election, this graphic novel raises important questions about heritage, race, immigration, and more. (Grades 7-12)
Life after high school is complicated for Sarah, who isn’t quite sure what she wants as she heads off to college. Anxiety dogs her as she attempts to make new friends and explore new ideas, and visits home show how things both change and stay the same, all at the same time. This is a terrific read for high school seniors who feel anxious about what lies ahead. (Grades 10-12)
Not Yet: The Story of an Unstoppable Skater by Hadley Davis and Zahra Lari
Amazon
Zahra Lari dreamed of being a figure skater, but there’d never been one on the international scene who wore a hijab. Or at least, as Zahra noted, “not yet.” Her path to competitive skating wasn’t always smooth, but readers will be inspired by her story of overcoming barriers along the way. (Pre-K through Grade 3)
Wild Places: The Life of Naturalist David Attenborough by Hayley Rocco and John Rocco
Amazon
Join a young David Attenborough as he grows up to become one of the most famous naturalists of all time. Beautiful illustrations pair destroyed habitats with thriving ecosystems, as David explores the natural world in all its beauty. (Pre-K through Grade 3)
Bugs: A Skittery, Jittery History by Miriam Forster
Amazon
This new nonfiction work turns “yucky” bugs into the fascinating creatures they really are. With incredible facts, beautiful illustrations, and details on how kids can help insects both now and in the future, this is one read that belongs on every nature lover’s bookshelf. (Grades 1-4)
Sick! The Twists and Turns Behind Animal Germs by Heather L. Montgomery
Amazon
Kids learn about the immune system and its battle against germs in these enthralling pages, filled with sometimes-gross details that are sure to fascinate. Discover more about both humans and animals in a world filled with viruses and bacteria that seem like they’re out to get us all! (Gr. 3-6)
Learn to be a true scientist by honing your observation skills with this new and inspiring guide. Discover how interesting the smallest things can be, and practice keeping an eye out for something new anywhere and everywhere. (Grades 3-7)
Do you know the stories of Ham and Enos, the chimps launched into space in 1961? These and other members of the “Chimp College” were an important part of the American space race, celebrated here in a balanced accounting of their lives before and after they were astronauts. (Grades 3-7)
The Sixth Extinction (Young Readers Edition) by Elizabeth Kolbert
Amazon
This version of the stunning Pulitzer Prize winner pulls no punches, simply adapting the message about the often-devastating effect humans are having on the Earth for a younger audience. Learn about the five major prehistoric extinctions, and learn how humans are likely to be the cause of the next. It’s a thought-provoking, challenging read, one every member of the next generation should take time to consider. (Grades 3-8)
Last To Eat, Last To Learn by Pashtana Durrani and Tamara Bralo
Amazon
Pashtana Durrani grew up “privileged” in a home big enough to house a community school. When she saw her 9-year-old friend forced to drop out of school to marry a widower four times her age, Durrani knew she would dedicate her life to educating girls and women in the home country she loves despite its flaws. (Grades 10-12)
Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School by Tiffany Jewell
Amazon
This young adult book is also a key read for educators, as the author considers the inequities faced by students of color throughout their school years. Her stories, along with others, will help you see circumstances in new and unexpected lights, and may force you to rethink your approach to students of all races.
If you need a reminder of why teaching kids not just how to read but how to love reading is so important, check out this memoir. As a child with a hearing impairment, the author found solace in library cards, Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT program, and just books in general. Now she shares her love for reading and the magic it creates in a joyful celebration of a life devoted to books.
Too many of our students face uncertain housing situations, and many of them try to hide it from their teachers and friends. Some students live on the street by choice, not as “runaways” but as kids who have no safe home to return to. Learning their stories will provoke empathy and encourage you to look more closely at students who struggle to learn what really might be causing their challenges.
Whether you’re looking for help in creating better conversations with students, parents, fellow educators, or administrators, this book offers practical advice on developing your verbal skills. Learn to be an empathetic listener and effective sharer, and you’ll reap dividends in all your interactions.
The New Year is upon us, bringing a mix of wonder, hope, and new beginnings. New Year’s Eve is all about the big celebration, while New Year’s Day typically brings feelings of reflection. It is the designated time to make resolutions to improve our lives. However, it is important to remember we can make positive changes any day of the year, not just on January 1. Personally, I set reasonable goals all year long, whenever I feel the need. It’s never too late to improve your life! Check out these books celebrating New Year’s (and the time around it) to build excitement about all the great things in store for the second half of the school year and beyond. Cheers and happy New Year!
Picture Books About New Year’s
1. Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution by Pat Miller
Amazon
The new year has arrived, and squirrel is having a hard time coming up with her own resolutions. As she visits her fellow forest friends, she unintentionally helps them work on their New Year’s resolutions. In the end, she discovers the perfect resolution for her was right under her nose!
Books about New Year’s Eve help set the stage for the festive night. Fans of Wing’s Night Before books will love this fun, rhyming story full of holiday cheer.
This newly published book about New Year’s Eve is full of different activity ideas to celebrate at school and home. Find a new tradition to adapt as you read along!
4. Just in Time for New Year’s! A Harry & Emily Adventure by Karen Gray Ruelle
Amazon
Two kittens, Harry and Emily, finally have permission to stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve. See how they come up with creative ways to stay awake so late.
5. The Lucky Grapes: A New Year’s Eve Story by Tracey Kyle
Amazon
Rafa and his family are in Spain celebrating in this book about New Year’s Eve. He is introduced to the tradition of eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight for good luck, along with wearing yellow underwear for the same reason.
6. Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriella! by Alexandra Alessandri
Amazon
Ava Gabriella and her parents are in Colombia visiting extended family for their New Year’s Eve festivities. She is so shy around everyone that she cannot speak up and be her usual self. But as the clock strikes midnight, she finds her voice at last!
Ryland reminds readers that even when things change or times get tough, the feeling won’t last forever. Great things are always waiting around the corner, so hang in there, in good times and bad.
8. Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas by Gail Piernes-Davenport
Amazon
Shante’s Southern grandmother is busy preparing their traditional New Year’s meal but forgot the black-eyed peas needed for good luck. While trying to find some to borrow from different neighbors, she simultaneously receives a lesson in other cultures’ New Year’s festivities.
This book about New Year’s Eve focuses on Haitian culture, including the traditional Freedom Soup eaten on January 1. Belle and her grandmother spend a special day together making the soup and discussing family history. Don’t forget to check out the special recipe at the end.
10. The New Year’s Eve Sleepover From the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler
Amazon
In this book about New Year’s Eve, Hubie is invited to his first sleepover at his friend Eric’s to celebrate. Hubie’s worries about the big event snowball as his imagination runs wild. Will he survive a night away from home in a strange place?
Join Lucy, Bradley, Brian, and Nate in this mysterious series finale set on New Year’s Eve. Follow the clues throughout the book to help solve the problem.
Someone has stolen the ice sculptures from the annual Ice Carnival that takes place at the end of December. Twelve-year-old detective duo Alex and Yasmeen should be on the case like usual, but their friendship is falling apart because of the new girl in town. See if they can patch things up in time to solve the mystery.
Mallory McDonald is counting the days until her camp friends arrive in town to celebrate in this book about New Year’s Eve. At the last minute, Mallory ends up in the hospital with appendicitis. She thinks this is the start of the worst year ever, until she learns a valuable lesson in the end.
14. Every Month Is a New Year: Celebrations Around the World by Marilyn Singer
Amazon
If you are looking for books about New Year’s Eve celebrations around the world, this one’s for you. Take your students on a virtual field trip to different countries, right from your classroom.
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated sometime in September, depending on where it falls on the Hebrew calendar. Learn about the blowing of the shofar, dipping apples in honey for a sweet new year, and other timeless traditions.
Diwali takes place sometime in October or November, depending on where it falls on the Hindu calendar. Find out about the Hindu New Year, also known as the Festival of Lights, through the eyes of young Binny.
Inspirational Books for Goal Setting and Making Resolutions
18. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
Amazon
This beautifully written and illustrated story reminds us that our differences make the world a more exciting place. When we are brave and proud of who we are, great things are bound to happen!
In this classic story, Peter only has one wish: to learn how to whistle for his beloved dog, Willie. Practice and hard work indeed pays off in the end.
For years this book has been one of the top gifts to give high school and college graduates, and for good reason. Dr. Seuss’ classic is the perfect springboard for goal-setting activities. His whimsical rhymes and illustrations still ring true today, sending a powerful message.
Sometimes it takes imagination and creativity to come up with a great New Year’s resolution. The girl in this story will inspire students to make them.
There’s nothing better in preschool than cozying up on the rug to share books together. Preschoolers represent a range of ages, developmental levels, and interests. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a mega-list of mostly recent preschool books to stock your classroom library. Check them out to support your thematic units or just make any story time better!
Learning to be a kind friend is at the heart of preschool! These books give kids the language and examples they need.
1. Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang
Amazon
There are lots of kids in the childcare room while their adults attend English as a Second Language classes, but none of them speak to each other. That is until Luli makes a plan to bring them together to share tea and cookies. This is an adorable, heartwarming story about connecting with others that could definitely inspire many preschool tea parties!
There’s so much to talk about in the pictures of this sweet counting book. At the park, more circles (a ball, bike wheels, Hula-Hoops) mean more chances to play with friends!
Kindness is a universal theme in preschool, and this title brims with optimism and age-appropriate examples. Share it with kids and then celebrate their own kind ideas and actions.
This is one of our new favorite preschool books for building empathy around differences and disabilities. Joe just wants to play pirates at the playground, but the other kids can’t contain their questions about why he has only one leg. It’s a great #OwnVoices story for opening discussions about balancing curiosity with respect for privacy.
A young girl finds an injured bird while on a walk with her abuela. They nurse it back to health and release it—and receive a surprise visitor the following spring. If you’re looking to add to your collection of gentle preschool books for reading aloud again and again, this is a good choice. It’s also available in Spanish.
The sweetest winter friendship story. Charles dreams of finding a “wish tree” and sets off into the woods with his trusty sled, Boggan, to find one. Along the way he selflessly helps many animals carry food and supplies they need for winter.
This is a go-to for helping younger preschoolers understand how to be a friend to someone feeling grumpy. A group of animal friends share a silly hat gift to cheer each other up. Lots of fun to read aloud again and again (and again!) Check out the other Hooray For! books too.
When a dropped love note makes its way around a group of forest friends, everyone has different reactions and ideas about who may have sent it. For all of them, though, the idea of the note makes them feel loved. Preschool listeners love having the inside scoop on the story as the animals try to figure out the mystery.
Valentine and her daughter Elsie run a friendly guest house. When Emmet the tiger arrives in search of a room, the other guests get nervous. Valentine and Elsie’s calm, welcoming reaction to an unexpected guest turns into a lesson for the whole community about acceptance.
10. Something’s Wrong! A Bear, a Hare, and Some Underwear by Jory John
Amazon
Bear has an uneasy feeling that something’s wrong, but he can’t figure out what. Cue the endless preschool giggles as he parades around the forest in his underwear. Hare is an exemplary friend and helps it all turn out OK.
11. Nothing’s Wrong! A Hare, a Bear, and Some Pie To Share by Jory John
Amazon
Hare plans to surprise his friend Bear with a pie for their picnic, but it ends up being ruined. Hare is completely bummed, but when he finally opens up to Bear, the two friends work together to make a backup plan. Add this to your preschool books about how friends can problem-solve together!
Read these books to help kids talk about (and love!) themselves and appreciate the beautiful diversity of those around them.
12. My Hair Is Like the Sun by St. Clair Derick-Jules
Amazon
This gorgeous board book joyfully compares Black hair to the ocean, a cloud, a river, and more. We love it for helping all kids describe and celebrate their hair.
This title belongs in every single classroom collection of preschool books. It’s hands-down the most positive and inclusive book we’ve ever seen about physical appearance. No matter your shape, size, hair, skin color and markings, and features, bodies are amazingly cool.
A young boy wants to play outside and his parents tell him, “Go ahead. You’re a big kid now.” A relatable story about how feeling both big and small can feel good.
Add this to your preschool books for kids who like to do things their own way. Fia loves her tangled hair and refuses to brush it, despite her mother’s pleas—and the fact that its home to an actual bird’s nest! A relatable story about how good it feels to be your own special self.
This happy title celebrates skin from babyhood to toddlerhood and beyond. We appreciate developmentally appropriate preschool books that invite kids to talk about skin color.
Inviting preschool kids to make self-portraits or family portraits with loose parts is on our list of must-do projects every year. Get them thinking about how to celebrate and creatively represent all their features with this fun collage book.
Lily and her aunt go on a shopping expedition, but none of the available dresses feel right. Lily is determined to find one with pockets! Preschoolers who have strong ideas about what clothing they like will easily connect to Lily’s experiences.
Social-emotional learning is a crucial part of the preschool years. These books can help kids understand and talk about all their big feelings.
20. Bea by the Sea by Jo Byatt
Amazon
Bea hates the sand at the beach, but she loves lions. An imaginary lion helps her overcome her fears and feelings of discomfort so she can enjoy a beach day with her mom. Any child who has a setting or sensation they avoid because of how it makes them feel will appreciate this story!
Add this to your preschool books about feelings related to sharing! Sharing is hard, especially when you have a friend over for a playdate. Sally takes her sharing woes to an extreme, shoving anything and everything she may have to share into the closet. It seems like a good plan, until everything in the closet is having way more fun than Sally.
We can’t have enough preschool books about feelings. This one explores emotions through the best context: ice cream! Kids can easily imagine how it would feel to be waiting in line for ice cream, eating ice cream, even dropping ice cream. Lots of fun follow-up project possibilities too!
23. First Feelings Series by Child’s Play and Paula Bowles
Amazon
These oversize board books are perfect for sharing with a small group of young preschoolers as they build their emotional vocabulary. The simple text talks about when you might feel angry (or surprised, loved, sad, scared, etc.). The illustrations show furry and cute monsters in situations that will be easy for kids to recognize and talk about.
24. Ups and Downs: A Book of Emotions by Mike Wohnoutka
Amazon
One feeling word per page shows how a child’s emotions can change so many times over the course of a regular day. With words like “delighted,” “disgusted,” and “relaxed,” this is a great title for kids who are ready to learn more feelings-related vocabulary words beyond the usual “happy,” “sad, and “mad.”
It can be so frustrating to have a little sister who has big meltdowns. Her big brother helps her learn to use words to talk about her big feelings. This is a sweet opener for discussions about using words for feelings in pre-K.
Sometimes sad feelings need to just be. Rabbit goes to great lengths to fix Bear’s sadness, but it turns out what Bear really needs is a chance to sit together quietly with a good friend. Great for opening conversations about ways to help sad friends at school.
This remarkable sequel to In a Jar shares how Llewellyn doesn’t like to experience his feelings so he puts them in jars. But what happens when it becomes too much to keep them closed up tight? Perfect for opening discussions with pre-K kids about naming and honoring different emotions.
28. Invisible Things by Andy J. Pizza and Sophie Miller
Amazon
Get ready for mind-blowing preschool conversations. This title is like climbing into a kid’s head and giving them words for all the sensations, feelings, and experiences that make up their days. It’s an awesome way to connect conversations about the five senses with emotional vocabulary.
Celebrate all kinds of families with these affirming, diverse preschool books.
29. Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour
Amazon
Family stories are staple preschool books. When Mommy goes away for the week, a little girl and her Mama make their own fun. Then they are happy to be reunited when Mommy returns.
Most preschool classrooms engage in some kind of study of families, and this book is a must-have to encourage an inclusive view on the topic. Illustrations are colorful and engaging and sweetly portray many different variations on family structure.
This feel-good story tells of a little girl who plays dress-up with her mother’s headscarves. We love sharing it when talking about families or when conversations about head coverings arise among students.
32. I Really Want To See You, Grandma by Taro Gomi
Amazon
This story is for every kid who fiercely misses a special relative. Yumi desperately wants to see her grandma, so she sets out for her house. What she doesn’t know is that Grandma has also decided to make a visit, causing some frantic back-and-forth.
33. Kitten and the Night Watchman by John Sullivan
Amazon
The dad in this touching story works night-shift security at a construction site. Its hushed descriptions of his rounds—complete with repeated sightings of a small, gray kitten—mesmerizes kids. The text is richly detailed without being too much for preschoolers, and we love the nod to families in which parents work varying schedules.
34. Alphonse, There’s Mud on the Ceiling! by Daisy Hirst
Amazon
Monster sibs Natalie and Alphonse love playing outdoors but are frustrated to live in a tall apartment building. Creativity wins, though, and the story is full of their imaginative adventures both indoors and out. We like sharing a story about playing outside that also acknowledges the diversity of kids’ homes.
35. Hurry Kate, or You’ll Be Late! by Janice N. Harrington
Amazon
Kate and her dad have a special bond, as shown through all the sweet moments of their commute to preschool. None of them are the reason she’s late though; that’s due to the extra-long hug they share at the end! Perfect for opening conversations about what students and their caregivers love to see and do together.
36. I’ll Always Come Back to You by Carmen Tafolla
Amazon
Navigating separation emotions is a critical part of preschool. This mom’s over-the-top reassurance will make preschoolers smile and feel confident that their own special adults will always come back.
Raisin likes things just the way they are. When a new sibling comes along, it’s hard to adjust. We love this story for honoring the feelings of preschoolers who also may be adjusting to a new sibling. Raisin’s habit of making lists always seems to spark a flurry of prewriting activity among kids too!
Preschool is a time to build kids’ background knowledge and awareness of the world around them. These preschool books about weather and the environment can keep your class noticing, wondering, and learning across all seasons.
38. Berry Song by Michaela Goade
Amazon
A young girl and her grandmother gather berries together and thank the earth, celebrating Tlingit traditions and the seasons. Definitely add this lovely, relatable book to your preschool books that represent indigenous cultures.
A girl finds a leaf and imagines all the different things it could be. Gorgeous illustrations are so fun to pore over with kids. Add this to your preschool books for inspiring fall projects!
Here’s one for every kid who’s every worried over an upcoming change—even those that are supposed to be exciting. When the squirrels really talk up the fall changes to come, the little leaves get uneasy, especially Maple. This would be such fun to act out with puppets or flannel board pieces!
A witch heats up her cauldron for making a delicious soup with plenty of wholesome ingredients—and topped off with frogs. But she can’t keep the frog from jumping off the spoon! This is a hilarious read-aloud with fun pretend-play connections.
A nightingale with a broken wing can’t fly south for the winter. Luckily, the kind winter forest animals help it adjust to the unfamiliar cold and snowy weather. This is one of our new favorite preschool books for talking about both seasonal changes and kindness toward others.
April Pulley Sayre’s photos are unparalleled for encouraging kiddos to study nature and observe like scientists. We love all her titles, but this one is particularly helpful for classrooms that study frog life cycles.
This delightful journey through the colors of the seasons is particularly nice to share if you have a child in your class who’s expecting a sibling. The mother in the book subtly grows with each change in season, and by year’s end, the family celebrates a new arrival.
Since we love every single one of Shelley Rotner’s gorgeous photo essays, it was hard to choose one to feature, but this title is particularly interactive for classrooms having conversations about the weather.
The Whose Is THAT? series is ideal for preschool naturalists. The predictable question-and-answer format is so read-aloud-friendly, and the amount of information is just right. We love how this title builds kids’ descriptive vocabulary too.
This board book is a must-have if it snows in your climate. Join in with a family’s snowy nature walk adventure to notice and describe all the tracks animals have left. Then head outside to spot tracks for real!
If you study winter animal adaptations, you’ll love sharing this book. Zander the goose decides he doesn’t want to fly south for winter this year. He explores different ways animals stay warm in wintry climates until he finds one that works for him!
49. How To Say Hello to a Worm: A First Guide to Outside by Kari Percival
Amazon
This delightful how-to book invites kids to get up close and personal with all the delights of nature, including, of course, wiggling worms! Perfect for sharing to prepare for a nature walk or outdoor learning time.
It’s a preschool classic conundrum: You want to build something and your materials aren’t quite right. In this case, it’s slushy, wet snow that just won’t turn into a snowman. This is the perfect title for working on sequencing. Plus, talk all about ways to manage frustration.
Preschool Books About Numbers, Letters, and Colors
Developing kids’ early learning concepts is a key piece of preschool, and fun books make the job easier! These preschool counting books, alphabet books, and color books are some of our recent faves to add to your collection.
51. & 52. Baby Bear Counts One and Baby Bear Sees Blue by Ashley Wolff
AmazonAmazon
There are plenty of sweet bear stories, but it’s the gorgeous linocut illustrations that really make these concept books stand out. They build children’s vocabulary and content knowledge about a bear’s habitat too.
53. Mrs. Peanuckle’s Alphabet Series by Mrs. Peanuckle
Amazon
Everything about this series is downright adorable. Each book marches through a nature-themed version of the ABCs with engaging facts about bugs, birds, veggies, fruits, trees, flowers, and more—all while using cheerful mixed-media art.
54. Bear Is Awake! An Alphabet Story by Hannah E. Harrison
Amazon
We love preschool books that combine the alphabet with a great picture story. Hearing kids’ reactions as the narrative about a hungry bear unfolds is a treat. A is for “awake” …
The original title in this series, LMNO Peas, is a longtime preschool book favorite because it combines two preschool loves: the alphabet and exploration of occupations. (Plus, could those little peas be any cuter?) We love having the latest installment, LMNO Pea-Quel, on hand for our pre-K kiddos as they start to tune in to lowercase letters, which are highlighted in this book.
Elegant in its simplicity, this title features a single-color word matched to a soup veggie on each page. We love pairing it with a paint-color exploration, painting full sheets of paper, and chopping them up into “soup” pieces.
57. Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party by Kimberly and James Dean
Amazon
Obviously, Pete the Cat is a preschool classroom’s best friend. We love this new fave—next to our all-time #1 Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, of course—for talking all things pizza and all things starting with the letter P. Preschoolers giggle endlessly over Pete’s pals’ silly topping choices.
58. What About X? An Alphabet Adventure by Anne Marie Houppert
Amazon
As the letters prepare for a camping trip, X can’t figure out what to bring. Everyone else has something fun that starts with their letter. Preschoolers will love the creative problem-solving in this book. Also add this to your preschool books for when you set up your pretend play area with a camping theme!
59. Again, Essie? (Storytelling Math) by Jenny Lacika
Amazon
Big brother Rafael wants to protect his toys from his toddler sister, Essie. He fits together boxes and other found materials to make a wall. Will it work? Explore vocabulary like “tall,” “skinny,” “wide,” and more. We think every preschool classroom should have a full set of the Storytelling Math series books because they are so good. Many are also available in Spanish, and each one includes “Exploring the Math” activity ideas.
60. A Beautiful House for Birds (Storytelling Math) by Grace Lin
Amazon
The Storytelling Math board books are ideal for setting out at your preschool math centers. We love them all, but this one about painting pattern and—oops!—making a mistake and coming up with a new plan will especially resonate with preschool students.
61. Five Hiding Ostriches by Barbara Barbieri McGrath
Amazon
Five little ostriches wonder what to do when they spot a lion. This adorable spin on “Five Little Pumpkins” is such fun to read aloud and act out as a class.
Explore shapes, colors, and prepositions with this most inventive of preschool books that’ll really get your class talking. It starts out simple but ramps up as the book goes on, making it a great multi-age concept book. Extension ideas abound, from offering it with loose parts for kids to explore or creating your own class version with cut and glued shapes.
63. How To Count to 1 (and Don’t Even THINK About Bigger Numbers!) by Caspar Salmon
Amazon
This clever counting book will tickle preschool funny bones as they catch all the jokes in the illustrations. Perfect for kids starting to be interested in “bigger numbers”!
64. Everybody in the Red Brick Building by Anne Wynter
Amazon
Preschool books with fun sounds make great read-alouds. Late at night, a series of noises wakes up everyone in an apartment building one by one. What will lull them back to sleep? Illustrations by one of our favorites, Oge Mora, make this book sing.
We love preschool books that encourage mindfulness and wonder, and this does both. A girl practices listening to the myriad small sounds around her, naturally encouraging preschool students to do the same.
66. & 67. Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing and Alphabreaths Too: More ABCs of Mindful Breathing by Christopher Willard and Daniel Rechtschaffen
AmazonAmazon
These invaluable titles are circle-time staples. Learn a different breath for every letter of the alphabet—and then learn another! Preschool kids think these are so fun, and they can call upon them when they’re upset or need to calm down.
68. & 69. Good Morning Yoga and Good Night Yoga by Mariam Gates
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Yoga story time is one of our favorite ways to incorporate yoga in the preschool classroom, and these are two of our go-tos for energizing or winding down our littlest yogis.
Natsumi has tons of energy, just like many preschoolers we know. Her grandfather helps her channel it into the perfect pastime: drumming! We like to pair this book with … you guessed it: plenty of percussion invitations.
Teach your younger preschoolers about animals and interesting verbs with a ready-made movement session. Invite kids to try out pouncing, hopping, dashing, and lots more. Photographs of both animals and kids moving bring the concepts to life.
72. Can You Dance Like a Peacock? by Rekha S. Rajan
Amazon
Fun and engaging nonfiction facts about animals who “dance” build kids’ background knowledge. Use the “Dance Break!” sections to get your class moving.
Get ready for the catchiest book ever. Little Worm has a song stuck in his head that he can’t quite place. As he tries to figure it out, it turns out his friends have their own ear worms too! Such fun to read aloud.
Just because they don’t fit into a category doesn’t mean they aren’t shelf-worthy! These recent favorites are perfect for reading aloud, browsing, and making connections to curriculum topics.
74. House: First Words Board Books by Michael Slack
Amazon
We’ve used this collection of little label books—each features contents of a room in a home—in so many ways. Share them to get kids talking about their own homes or as examples to inspire kids’ own label books. The little books fit into the box like a puzzle, so they make for a great item for independent exploration during quiet time too.
Sally Sutton earned a special place in our construction book-loving hearts with Roadwork. This more recent title has a guessing-game structure, which makes it perfect for reading aloud to kids who love vehicles.
76. Penguin Bedtime Classics illustrated by Carly Gledhill
Amazon
These are not your typical fairy tales! This board book collection distills classic tales down to a few basic—but still engaging—short sentences and fills in the gaps with diverse, fresh-feeling illustrations.
This wordless retelling of a classic fairy tale is perfect for sharing with kids once they are familiar with the story. They can use the fun illustrations to tell it themselves. We hope this creator will make more wordless fairy tale books!
78. The Princess and the (Greedy ) Pea by Leigh Hodgkinson
Amazon
This rhyming riff combines the fun of a classic fairy tale with the “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” song. A green pea swallows a full menu of dinner items. This is such fun to share alongside a traditional version of the fairy tale and exposes kids to fabulous vocabulary.
Maya has big dreams of building a perfect fort—too big, in fact, to accomplish alone. Luckily her forest friends help out and it’s more amazing than she could have imagined. This is sure to inspire kids’ own fort-building ideas.
80. & 81. What Color Is Night? and What Sound Is Morning? by Grant Snider
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These poetic titles celebrate the nuanced colors of night and the sounds of the very beginning of the day. Bedtime and early mornings are preschooler prime times, of course, so these are highly relevant preschool books. They’re great springboards for activities about looking and listening carefully and describing colors and sounds in your school environment too.
This realistic narrative about a family who makes pizza from scratch—think growing veggies and making homemade sauce—gives kiddos lots to talk about! After reading, it’s definitely time for some pizza-making of your own.
Kids just love this book! Part story about a bumbling bear, part seek-and-find challenge, it’s perfect for sharing with a small group. Fergus wants to hide, but he needs a lot of guidance, which of course, young hide-and-seek experts find hilarious. We love preschool books that encourage pre-writers too—this one’s good for inspiring some list-making!
This is our newest favorite spirited STEAM tale. First of all, the amazing made-up words: Boxitect. Blanketeer. Spaghetti-tect. Kids want to be all of them. There is a nice underlying message about the value of teamwork, and tons of cardboard-box creation inspiration too.
85. A Story for Small Bear by Alice McGinty and Richard Jones
Amazon
Small Bear is eager for her story time before settling in for winter’s sleep, but Mama tells her there’s preparation to be done first. Will they finish getting ready in time? This is hands-down one of the sweetest preschool books we’ve read recently and weaves in so many preschool curriculum topics—family relationships, seasons, forest animals—and, of course, the power of stories.
When preschoolers discover stick swords, our impulse can be to squash them in the name of safety. Imaginative Ruby shows us another path, though—one of ants rescued, apples procured, and fictional dragons challenged by a fearless knight, along with a satisfying, friendship-filled ending. Bookmark this for sharing each year when talking about using sticks in safe but fun ways.
Penguin had our hearts back with Penguin and Pinecone, one of our favorite tales about the power of friendship that evokes amazing reflections from kids. In each subsequent story, Penguin sensitively grapples with a new social-emotional challenge, and we—and our penguin-loving preschoolers—are here for all of them.
88. & 89. Daniel Finds a Poem and Daniel’s Good Day by Micha Archer
AmazonAmazon
If you think poetry isn’t for preschoolers, think again. They dictate the most perfect poetic lines, and this pair of titles is the best springboard. Daniel is an honest, observant, caring delight of a character.
Brave firefighter Flo and her crew must hurry to save a dog caught in the blaze. Prepare to read this energetic gem aloud over and over again. It’s full of all the classic firefighting details and has fun sounds that little listeners can chime in to add too.
91. Lift, Mix, Fling! Machines Can Do Anything by Lola M. Schaefer
Amazon
Add this to your preschool books to inspire kiddos who love all things mechanical. From axles to inclined planes and many more, this awesome rhyming introduction to simple and complex machines can lead into so many hands-on STEM explorations.
This quirky, creative rhyming story just gets better each time you read it and notice a new detail. Animals visit Gus’s Garage with unusual vehicle problems, and he’s always able to use his “bits and bobs” to craft a solution. This is the perfect STEM tale for inspiring creations made with recycled materials.
When a trio of siblings visits Grandpa, they’re so disappointed when it rains. Grandpa knows how to make it fun, though. He sends them out to the garden to pick veggies for his famous rainbow stew! This classic story includes so many key preschool themes, from managing disappointment to teamwork to plants.
94. Have You Seen My Invisible Dinosaur? by Helen Yoon
Amazon
A child is looking for their pet dinosaur, who disappears after a bath. The trouble is, the dinosaur is invisible. When he’s clean, no one can see him! This is an imaginative read-aloud to get kids noticing the pictures and talking about the story.
Add this to your preschool books with delightful vocabulary, perfect for sharing with eager listeners. The author asks kids to be very quiet, since she just put a “very rascally dragon” to bed. The interactive elements work well for a group, and this story could even be used as kids settle into their own rest time.
Once in a while, we like to stretch preschoolers’ thinking and vocabulary by sharing classic fables. This gorgeous retelling about joy vs. anger is perfect for repeated reading aloud and acting out with kid performers, puppets, or a flannel board.
97. All Through the Night: Important Jobs That Get Done at Night by Polly Faber
Amazon
As a family finishes up dinner, the mom heads to work. This informational text shares tons of examples of people who work at night, from store clerks to cleaners, musicians, newscasters, and many more. Add this to your preschool books about community helpers to help represent the diversity of careers and work schedules required in a community.
Aurora learned English when she moved to the United States, but her dog didn’t. This concrete explanation of what it means to speak one language and not another is perfect for helping preschoolers appreciate and empathize with those who speak languages different than theirs.
Determined to avoid sleep, the babies head out on a grand adventure. Can they manage to keep their eyes open? Preschoolers will love their funny antics.
Badger’s supposed to be getting ready for winter, but when he finds a discarded “twist-a-roo”—actually a kaleidoscope—he can only think of looking at the beautiful patterns it makes. This is a fun “twist” on a winter animal story, with sweet friendship themes too. Be sure to have an actual kaleidoscope on hand for kids to try.
What better way to ring in the new year than with a bunch of terrific fresh reads? These are the new books for January 2024 we’re most excited to check out.
New Fiction Picture Books in January 2024
When You Have to Wait by Melanie Conklin, illustrated by Leah Hong
Amazon
Patience is something kids have to learn (and it’s a really big task for many of them). This sweet new picture book helps them develop a mindful attitude and make the most of every moment.
Angela’s Glacier by Jordan Scott, illustrated by Diana Sudyka
Amazon
In the far north of Scandinavia, Angela has known Snæfellsjökull glacier since the day she was born. Any time she’s away from it too long, her heart feels a little empty. This lovely tale emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature your whole life long.
Forever and Always by Brittany J. Thurman, illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
Amazon
When Olivia’s dad leaves for work as an EMT each day, she and her mom tell him, “Be safe.” Because Olivia knows that people, especially people of color, aren’t always safe in today’s world. This unique book respects strong emotions while offering the reassurance vulnerable kids need.
Life in the Ukraine has been challenging for centuries, as this poignant story of a girl living through the 1930s famine and genocide reminds us. But it still has beauty—and hope.
The Last Stand by Antwan Eady, illustrated by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey
Amazon
A Black family’s farm stand is more than a way to make a living—it’s a place for community and connection. When Papa is unable to work at the stand any more, his grandson does the work instead, and they both reap the benefits from their beloved customers.
Set against the joyous background of Carnaval, this story follows one little girl as she prepares to enjoy the festival. Her ideas, her smiles, and her discoveries along the way all feed the spark that makes each one of us special.
Ta-Da, Koala! by Michelle L. Brown, illustrated by Rayanne Vieira
Amazon
Looking for a new easy reader series for your little learners? You’ll love this fun offering, part of a series called Kangaroo’s Big World. With four books making their debut this month, kids can follow the adventures of Australian animals through simple rhyming text and engaging illustrations.
Birthday Bling by Catherine Daly, illustrated by Genevieve Kote
Amazon
Here’s another new easy reader series, one that serves a double purpose: It also aims to build financial literacy in kids. In the first one, Lucy learns about gift cards, budgeting, and even credit cards.
Bizard and the Big Bunny Bizness by Chrissie Krebs
Amazon
Bizard the bear wizard made his debut last summer, and now he’s back with another chapter book tale that’s sure to engage young readers. This time around, his friend Squirrel offers to help Bizard out while he hibernates, and the consequences are disastrous—and hilarious!
Historical-fiction lovers will be fascinated by this trip back to a tuberculosis hospital in 1935. Today’s kids are familiar with terms like “isolation” and “quarantine,” but they’ll still be amazed by a time when TB was such a danger, and the lengths people had to go to in order to survive it and protect others.
Beloved author Gordon Korman returns with a story about a group of underdogs who meet in a summer school P.E. class. Seemingly very different, these students slowly find their way to becoming a team—in more ways than one.
After Kita’s mother’s neglect landed Kita and her siblings in foster care for the summer, Kita wants nothing more than to keep her family together, even if it means falling apart herself. When this seventh grader’s worst fears come true, she learns that sometimes what we want the most isn’t what we really need.
Two brothers prepare for temporary separation as the older one gets ready to head off to college. But after a huge fight over a missed event, Isaiah’s older brother has an accident and ends up in a coma from which he might never wake. Now Isaiah must overcome his guilt and try to find a way to help his brother heal, all while dealing with his own grief.
In this companion novel to the Newbery Honor book The Night Diary, Amil struggles to figure out what “home” means after his family’s long, forced journey from Pakistan after the 1947 Partition of India. Both Muslim and Hindu, he begins to tell his story through drawings, trying to make sense of his new life and the one he had to leave behind.
Thirteen-year-old non-binary Shai has a lot to be stressed out about. Their mom lost her job during the pandemic, and they had to move in with friends, meaning a new school (and a new grade and a gifted program) for Shai. All this stress has led them to develop a new habit: picking at their arm hair—another secret to hide. This relatable tale is a timely message about asking for help and learning to accept life’s twists and turns.
Fantasy lovers will dive into this new saga of a teen who must battle powerful sky serpents in order to reunite his family. Full of political intrigue, family dynamics, and incredible adventure, this page-turner will have readers eagerly awaiting the promised sequel.
In East Oakland, teen Belén’s family life is a mess, she’s in danger of flunking out of school, and her best friend is pregnant by the boyfriend she’s afraid to tell her racist parents about. This is a pull-no-punches story about real-world challenges without easy answers, and the difficulties of breaking free from the cycle of generational trauma.
After losing her father to cancer and dropping out of high school, Atlas (or “Maps,” as she’s known in the program) joins the Bear Creek Community Service program to try to pull her life together. She and her fellow teens clear brush along the Western Sierra trail, forging new relationships and coming to terms with the events that brought them all there in the first place.
Travel back to 1896 and follow the letters of three friends in their very different lives: teaching in an orphanage, acting as a grandmother’s companion, and searching for a husband in the London Season. Each faces their own challenges, but they all support each other through their letters. If Jane Austen were alive today, this is just the kind of book she might have written.
Poemhood: Our Black Revival by Amber McBride, Erica Martin, and Taylor Byas
Amazon
Kwame Alexander, Ibi Zoboi, and Nikki Giovanni all contributed to this Black YA poetry anthology, filled with powerful and diverse messages in verse. This is a collection that belongs on every school library’s poetry shelves.
Mama Cat’s treats are some of the most popular at the market, but her kittens think she deserves a treat of her own! This easy reader sneaks in some concepts like handling money and the delights of giving too. (Pre-K to Grade 2)
Beaky Barnes and the Devious Duck by David Ezra Stein
Amazon
Beaky Barnes is back, and he’s ready to foil the plans of the new duck in town, who wants to swindle folks out of their money so he can buy freshly baked bread (his favorite treat). Beaky uses the power of the library to save the day once again! (Grades 1 to 4)
Life at home is a little crazy for Kevin Lee, with his overworked mom, absent father, moody sister, and weird grandmother. At school, he faces casual racism as one of the few Asian kids, and his best friend now seems to be his enemy. Will a class trip to Wonderland offer the chance to work everything out? (Grades 3 to 8)
The Girl Who Sang by Estelle Nadel, Sammy Savos, and Bethany Strout
Amazon
In this poignant memoir of love and loss during the Holocaust, Estelle goes from an exuberant 5-year-old who loves to sing to a child with no voice. The end of the war is only the start of her journey to a new life in a new country, where she finds new songs to sing. (Grades 5 to 9)
Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Amazon
In Oakland, California, Vietnamese Valentina has always loved Valentine’s Day. But now that she’s in high school, she finds her favorite holiday to be more of a nightmare. Then, at the Têt new year festival, she begins a romance that might restore Valentine’s Day to its special place once more. (Grades 9 to 12)
Zodiac by Ai Weiwei with Elettra Stamboulis, illustrated by Gianluca Costantini
Amazon
Legendary artist Ai Weiwei shares a graphic memoir inspired by the Chinese Zodiac and the comic books he read as a child during the Cultural Revolution in China. The author weaves his own stories with those of Chinese folklore and legend, skillfully creating a narrative that invites readers to contemplate what it means to find yourself through art. (Grades 9 to 12)
Fighting With Love by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James E. Ransome
Amazon
In a month that celebrates the dedication of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this new and inspiring picture book dedicated to fellow activist John Lewis is a perfect fit. (Pre-K to Grade 2)
Does art need to be perfect? That’s the question one young girl ponders in this journey through art history, where famous artists explain their own thoughts in a kid-friendly way about what it takes to make art. (Pre-K to Grade 2)
Everybody’s Book by Linda Leopold Strauss, illustrated by Tim Smart
Amazon
The story of the Sarajevo Haggadah (a book used at Passover seders) might seem like an unlikely book topic, but the centuries-long journey of this treasure is engaging and enlightening. From the Spanish Inquisition to war-torn Bosnia, this book has been a symbol of hope and faith for hundreds of years. (Pre-K to Grade 2)
Prepare for the upcoming 2024 solar eclipse with this fact-filled book. It delves deep into the science of solar and lunar eclipses, making it the perfect companion to your classroom eclipse activities. (Grades 2 to 5)
Sports books have the power to draw even reluctant readers, so the latest addition to the Who Got Game? series is a welcome one for school libraries. Fans will marvel at amazing true stories about basketball players throughout the history of the game. If you’re looking for new sports books to add to your shelves in January 2024, this is a worthy option. (Grades 3 to 8)
Alexandria: The City That Changed the World by Islam Issa
Amazon
The city of Alexandria dates back thousands of years and includes some of history’s greatest and most tragic stories. Read about them all in this new in-depth look at one of the greatest cities the world has ever known. (Grades 9 to 12)
High school teachers will especially enjoy this roundup of essays on the experiences of students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Choose a few to share with juniors and seniors as they begin to make their own college and university choices.
It’s hard to be an optimist these days, and yet we’ve perhaps never needed a sense of infectious generosity more. Explore stories from the creator of TED Talks, and learn how sharing kindness can have incredible impacts on your world, near and far.
Across 11 original essays that explore the legacy of Black women writers and leaders—from Harriet Jacobs and Ida B. Wells to the Combahee River Collective and Audre Lorde—Jackson shows how Black women have been at the forefront of liberation movements for decades.
