Updated on August 25, 2026

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Reading is life in our house. Always has been.

When I first published this post, I had wanted to share some book titles that helped ease my daughter's nerves before her first day of kindergarten. Believe it or not, she's heading into sixth grade now, and her younger brother is starting fourth grade.

Time is moving too quickly. 😭

Over the years, I've updated the post and expanded it to reflect where we are now — a family with two upper elementary readers, both of whom still turn to books the way the rest of us turn to coffee. ☕

Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading into a new grade with a new set of worries, there's something on this list for them. I've also added age ranges, grade levels, and Lexile® levels to each title so you can find the right fit for your reader without the guesswork.

Because the right book at the right moment? That's everything.

Books to Read Before the First Day of School

	Title: Lola Goes to School Author: Anna McQuinn Recommended Reading Age: 2-5 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - Kindergarten
	Title: Clifford Goes to Kindergarten Author: Norman Bridwell Recommended Reading Age: 3-5 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - Kindergarten Lexile® Measure: 520L
	Title: Adventure Annie Goes to Kindergarten Author: Toni Buzzeo Recommended Reading Age: 3-5 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - Kindergarten Lexile® Measure: 580L
	Title: Penelope Rex vs. the New Kid Author: Ryan T. Higgins Recommended Reading Age: 3-5 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - Kindergarten
	Title: We Don't Eat Our Classmates Author: Ryan T. Higgins Recommended Reading Age: 3-5 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - Kindergarten Lexile® Measure: 500L
	Title: That's Not My Name! Author: Anoosha Syed Recommended Reading Age: 3-5 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - Kindergarten Lexile® Measure: 530L
	Title: The Pigeon Has to Go to School! Author: Mo Willems Recommended Reading Age: 3-5 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - Kindergarten Lexile® Measure: 450L
	Title: The King of Kindergarten Author: Derrick Barnes Recommended Reading Age: 3-6 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - Kindergarten  Lexile® Measure: 720L
	Title: Ming Goes to School Author: Deirdre Sullivan Recommended Reading Age: 3-6 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - Kindergarten Lexile® Measure: 330L
	Title: The Night Before Kindergarten Author: Natasha Wing Recommended Reading Age: 3-6 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - 4th Grade
	Title: Danbi Leads the School Parade Author: Anna Kim Recommended Reading Age: 3-7 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - 2nd Grade Lexile® Measure: 490L
	Title: The Kissing Hand Author: Audrey Penn Recommended Reading Age: 3-7 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - 3rd Grade
	Title: Be a Star, Wonder Woman! Author: Michael Dahl Recommended Reading Age: 4-7 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - 2nd Grade Lexile® Measure: 520L
	Title: Scribbly Author: Ged Adamsom Recommended Reading Age: 4-8 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - 3rd Grade
	Title: Mae's First Day of School Author: Kate Berube Recommended Reading Age: 4-8 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - 3rd Grade
	Title: The Crayons Go Back to School Author: Drew Dewalt Recommended Reading Age: 4-8 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - 3rd Grade
	Title: Wemberly Worried Author: Kevin Henkes Recommended Reading Age: 4-8 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - 4th Grade Lexile® Measure: 480L
	Title: A Day Off School Author: Oliver Jeffers Recommended Reading Age: 4-8 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - 3rd Grade Lexile® Measure: 530L
	Title: The Smart Cookie Author: Jory John Recommended Reading Age: 4-8 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - 3rd Grade Lexile® Measure: 440L
	Title: The Little Bear Author: Nicola Killen Recommended Reading Age: 4-8 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - 3rd Grade Lexile® Measure: 510L
	Title: All Are Welcome Author: Alexandra Penfold Recommended Reading Age: 4-8 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - 3rd Grade
	Title: How to Get Your Teacher Ready Author: Jean Reagan Recommended Reading Age: 4-8 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - 3rd Grade Lexile® Measure: 530L
	Title: School's First Day of School Author: Adam Rex Recommended Reading: 4-8 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - 3rd Grade Lexile® Measure: 580L
	Title: Ruby's Tools for Making Friends Author: Apryl Stott Recommended Reading Age: 4-8 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - 3rd Grade
	Title: Raise Your Hand  Author: Alice Paul Tapper Recommended Reading Age: 4-8 years Recommended Grade: Pre-K - 3rd Grade Lexile® Measure: 570L
	Title: First Day Jitters Author: Julie Danneberg Recommended Reading Age: 5-8 years Recommended Grade: Kindergarten - 3rd Grade
	Title: The Day You Begin Author: Jacqueline Woodson Recommended Reading Age: 5-8 years Recommended Grade: Kindergarten - 3rd Grade Lexile® Measure: 980L
	Title: Izzy Kline has Butterflies Author: Beth Ain Recommended Reading Age: 8-12 years Recommended Grade: 3rd Grade - 7th Grade Lexile® Measure: 890L

Which books would you add to this list?

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