Top 5 Books to Read Before School Starts: Build Friendship, Confidence, and Community
- Paloma Ruiz Olmo
- Aug 1
- 6 min read
Discover the top 5 books to read before school starts—perfect for parents, teachers, and homeschoolers to build connection, confidence, and calm.
The first day of school can bring a mix of excitement, nervous energy, and a whole lot of questions—especially for young children. Whether you’re a parent sending your child off for the first time, a teacher preparing your classroom, or a homeschool parent setting the tone for a new year, the stories we share in these early days matter.
Books are powerful bridges. They help children make sense of their feelings, model positive behaviors, and open conversations that guide emotional growth. That’s why we’ve gathered five heartwarming, insight-packed books perfect for the back-to-school season. Each one offers a lesson in friendship, confidence, and community—all wrapped in stories young readers will love.
For each title, you’ll find:
A quick book review to help you get to know the story
What it teaches and why it matters
Ideas for how to use it at school or home
A fun activity to deepen the learning
A simple reflection prompt to connect with your child or students
Let’s dive in and make the start of this school year a little more connected—with stories that speak to the heart.
Book Review:
This beautifully illustrated classic follows Rainbow Fish, the most dazzling fish in the ocean, as he learns that true happiness comes from sharing his shimmering scales with others. At first, he feels lonely and excluded—but through the gentle guidance of a wise octopus, he discovers that generosity and kindness build friendship far better than looks ever could. The vibrant watercolor art and simple text make this a timeless favorite for ages 3–7.
What It Teaches:
Friendship, sharing, generosity, and the joy of belonging.
How It Helps at School & Home:
Teachers: Use it to spark early discussions about kindness and community. It’s perfect for circle time or launching your class’s “kindness pledge.”
Parents: A great read before playdates or the first day of school to talk about how to be a good friend.
Homeschool Parents: Introduce it as part of your social-emotional learning or character-building week.
Try This Activity:
Shimmer & Share Fish Mural – Cut out paper fish for each child. Have them decorate their fish, then add one shiny scale to another child’s fish. Display the completed school of fish on a wall or bulletin board.
Reflect Together:
Ask: “How do you feel when someone shares with you? What’s something special you could share with a friend or classmate this week?”
Book Review:
Written by an experienced teacher, this sweet and encouraging picture book reminds children that a classroom is more than just a place to learn—it’s a second family. With rhyming text and cheerful illustrations, Our Class is a Family introduces the idea that students can find connection, safety, and love within the classroom walls. It’s ideal for ages 4–8 and especially powerful for setting the tone during the first week of school.
What It Teaches:
Belonging, empathy, classroom community, and emotional safety.
How It Helps at School & Home:
Teachers: A beautiful way to introduce classroom expectations, mutual respect, and the idea that “we take care of each other here.”
Parents: Use it to help your child feel more confident and connected when transitioning to a new school, grade, or classroom.
Homeschool Parents: It helps children understand how their home learning space can be just as nurturing and community-oriented as a school.
Try This Activity:
Our Family Wall – Create a classroom or homeschool wall with family photos of each child (or a drawing of their home). Let them share one special thing about their family to help build connection and pride.
Reflect Together:
Ask: “What do you think it means to be a ‘school family’? How can we help each other feel safe and happy in our classroom or home?”
Book Review:
This tender story follows Chester the raccoon, who is nervous about going to school. His mother comforts him by kissing his hand and explaining that her love will stay with him all day long. With soft illustrations and a calming tone, The Kissing Hand is especially comforting for children experiencing separation anxiety or starting school for the first time. It’s a beautiful reassurance for children ages 3–7 that love travels with them, no matter where they are.
What It Teaches:
Emotional security, managing separation, unconditional love, and coping with change.
How It Helps at School & Home:
Teachers: A perfect read-aloud for the first day to ease fears and help children feel connected to their families while at school.
Parents: Offers a gentle tool to help your child transition from home to school with love and reassurance.
Homeschool Parents: Even within home learning, this book helps discuss feelings around change, independence, and starting something new.
Try This Activity:
Kissing Hand Hearts – Cut out paper hands and have children place a heart sticker or drawing in the palm. Parents or teachers can “kiss” the handprint, and children can carry it in a backpack, pocket, or folder as a reminder of love and support.
Reflect Together:
Ask: “What helps you feel brave when you miss someone? Who would you like to carry in your heart today?”
Book Review:
This joyful, rhythmic book takes readers through a day in a welcoming, multicultural classroom where every child is seen, valued, and included. With bright illustrations and repeating affirmations like “All are welcome here,” it fosters a sense of belonging and unity. The book features children of all backgrounds, including different races, abilities, cultures, and clothing styles. Ideal for ages 4–8, it’s a celebration of what school should be: a safe place for everyone.
What It Teaches:
Diversity, inclusion, acceptance, and cultural awareness.
How It Helps at School & Home:
Teachers: A great launchpad for discussions about identity, kindness, and respecting differences. It also sets the foundation for inclusive classroom norms.
Parents: Use this story to talk with your child about what makes them unique—and how to appreciate the differences in others.
Homeschool Parents: Perfect for beginning conversations about world cultures, family traditions, and respecting every voice in the community.
Try This Activity:
“All About Me & You” Booklet – Have each child create a simple mini-book about themselves, including their name, family, favorite foods, holidays, and more. Bind them together as a classroom or homeschool collection celebrating everyone’s unique story.
Reflect Together:
Ask: “What makes you feel welcome? How can we help others feel like they belong—at school, home, or anywhere?”
Book Review:
This fun and relatable story follows a character named Sarah Jane who’s feeling nervous about the first day of school. She hides under the covers, worries about fitting in, and needs lots of encouragement to get out the door. The big surprise? Sarah Jane is actually the teacher! The playful twist helps children (and grown-ups) see that nervous feelings are normal—no matter your age. With humorous illustrations and a clever ending, it’s ideal for ages 5–9.
What It Teaches:
Managing anxiety, perspective-taking, self-confidence, and empathy.
How It Helps at School & Home:
Teachers: Great for showing students that even adults get nervous sometimes. Opens up class discussions about emotions and normalizes first-day jitters.
Parents: Use it to talk with your child about how their body feels when they’re nervous—and how to turn that energy into courage.
Homeschool Parents: Helps children process emotions about trying something new, especially if it’s their first year homeschooling or transitioning to a new routine.
Try This Activity:
Jitters Journal – Create a small journal page or booklet titled “My First Day Feelings.” Let children draw or write how they felt before school started and what helped them feel better. Revisit it at the end of the week to see what’s changed.
Reflect Together:
Ask: “What makes you feel nervous or excited before something new? What’s one brave thing you did this week?”
💬 Final Thoughts: Stories That Set the Tone for a Strong School Year
Reading the right books before school starts can ease transitions, spark meaningful conversations, and lay the foundation for a positive year ahead. Whether you’re guiding a classroom of students, preparing your child at home, or setting the tone for homeschooling, each of these stories offers something powerful—connection, courage, compassion, and a sense of belonging.
These aren’t just books. They’re doorways into important life lessons, emotional growth, and relationship-building. When we read together, we learn together—and we grow stronger, together.
📚 Ready to add these to your bookshelf?
We’ve included links to each book so you can easily find and enjoy them at home or in your classroom, just click on the title of the book. (As an affiliate, we may earn a small commission—thank you for supporting our mission to inspire, guide, and nurture the next generation.)
✨ Bookmark this blog for future planning, and stay tuned for next month’s featured read!
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