Back to School books your students will love that teach the important characteristics of empathy, kindness, acceptance, and determination. Perfect for the first weeks of school!
The first week of school is all about two things in my classroom: setting up expectations and procedures and reading, reading, and more reading. I want my students to understand from day 1 that we are readers in my classroom. That means that we take a lot of time to enjoy whole class read alouds together. In addition to setting the stage for a year of reading, I love to take this as an opportunity to begin to develop a classroom environment that encourages important skills and attitudes. So, here are some of my favorite picture books for back to school that do just that.
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Picture Books for Teaching Empathy
Strictly No Elephants is such a fantastic book to help students see and understand how excluding a person might make them feel. It’s a great discussion starter, and has a beautiful ending.
Crazy Hair Day is one of my favorite books for teaching problem and solution, but is also a great book for focusing on empathy and recognizing how others are feeling. This adorably, sweet story will make students giggle and think about how we should treat others and be a friend!
Last Stop on Market Street has quickly become a favorite for teaching empathy. I especially love this book because it deals with issues that students may not be familiar with. It is a perfect way to open up a discussion about how we can help and care for others. It also focuses on appreciating the little things in life.
Picture Books for Teaching Kindness
Bad Apple: A Tale of Friendship is a new book to my library, but I absolutely love the message of kindness, friendship, and not letting other people’s opinions bother you. Your students will love the fun, silly, and heartwarming plot as well.
An Annoying ABC is a silly, fun, but utterly relatable tale of a class of students who are all annoying each other! However, one student decides to apologize, everyone follows suit, and the class has a lovely afternoon. 
Picture Books for Teaching Acceptance
Be A Friend is a fantastic book that touches on the fact that some students are different, unique, and that’s a wonderful thing!
The Skin You Live In is a beautiful book. This book belongs in every classroom library. It is a great way to bring up how all of our differences are beautiful and how all people are special and unique.
Picture Books for Teaching Determination
The Little Engine that Could. Sometimes, you can’t beat a classic!
The Most Magnificent Thing is a great book to show that sometimes it takes many tries to get it right. Students will love this fun tale with a satisfyingly simple and brilliant ending.
I hope these back to school picture book recommendations set you up for a fantastic first week of school!
