School supplies, backpack, shoes, check. Now it's time to shop for a few Picture Books for Back to School. Here is a list of beautiful new books that kids can enjoy on the bus, in a waiting room, or in their reading nook at home.
These picture books reinforce important themes like learning how to pronounce names correctly, understanding that families don't always “match”, learning about all the beautiful shades of skin, and the importance of kindness and empathy towards kids who may be different.
Comment below with other new titles to help our readers
find new favorites for their bookshelves at home
and in the classroom!
Picture Books for Back To School
TOGETHER, UNITED
With an inspirational message of unity comes the profound final installment of the All Because You Matter trilogy from powerhouse author Tami Charles and award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier!
A lyrical and astounding proclamation of unity and love, this stunning picture book serves as a reminder and a clear declaration that together, we are all part of something much greater. Courageous and bold, this final follow-up to the New York Times bestselling All Because You Matter and acclaimed We Are Here is a message of optimism: that alone we are strong, but together we are unstoppable!
Tami Charles’ powerful and rhythmic text reminds young readers of their brilliance as individuals and the immense power they hold when their voices come together as one. Breathtaking illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, evoke the beauty and wonder of how we are all connected together in the world and our ability to change it for the better. Together, United is a community touchstone and a reminder that the best way to a better future is to create it together… united.
TOGETHER, UNITED Written by Tami Charles and Illustrated by Bryan Collier Published by Orchard Books
FIRST DAY AROUND THE WORLD
From award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Ibi Zoboi and artist Juanita Londoño, this lyrical celebration of the first day of school across every continent explores what going back to school looks like for children in countries around the world!
How do children around the world spend their first day of school?
Some eat warm akara for breakfast in Nigeria, while others unwrap lunches of kluski in Poland. In China, they practice intricate characters in special notebooks, and in Argentina, they learn each other's names in a sing-song memory game. No matter where in the world, every student has something new to look forward to on their first day!
From Ethiopia to Germany to India to Brazil, this lyrical text introduces young readers to the breakfast-to-bedtime routines, cultures, and landscapes that connect people across all continents.
FIRST DAY AROUND THE WORLD Written by Ibi Zoboi and Illustrated by Juanita Londono Published by Versify Books
OUR CLASS IS A FAMILY
Discover your family outside your home with Our Class Is a Family, a beautifully illustrated Big Book edition, ideal for shared reading and read-alouds, that celebrates the special community in a classroom.
Teachers do so much more than just teach academics. They build a sense of community within their classrooms, creating a home away from home where their students can feel safe, included, and loved. With its heartfelt message and colorfully whimsical illustrations, Our Class Is a Family is a book that will help build and strengthen that class community. Kids learn that their classroom is a place where it’s safe to be themselves, it’s okay to make mistakes, and it’s important to be a friend to others. When hearing this Big Book edition being read aloud by their teacher, students are sure to feel like they are part of a special family. This oversized Big Book edition is perfect for teachers to share with their classrooms.
OUR CLASS IS A FAMILY Written by Shannon Olsen and Illustrated by Sandie Sonke Published by Silver Dolphin Books
THAT'S NOT MY NAME
Mirha is so excited for her first day of school! She can't wait to learn, play, and make new friends. But when her classmates mispronounce her name, she goes home wondering if she should find a new one. Maybe then she'd be able to find a monogrammed keychain at the gas station or order a hot chocolate at the cafe more easily.
Mama helps Mirha to see how special her name is, and she returns to school the next day determined to help her classmates say it correctly–even if it takes a hundred tries.
THAT'S NOT MY NAME Written and Illustrated by Anoosha Syed, Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
THE BEST YOU
This empowering picture book celebrates the importance of being you; perfect for fans of I Am Enough and The Wonderful Things You Will Be.
Young children dream about who they'll be when they grow up–will they be a firefighter, an astronaut, or an artist? But what about being caring, passionate, and creative?Author Nima Patel crafts a thought-provoking story that celebrates self-acceptance and being present. The Best You teaches young readers that what you want to be when you grow up is not always as important as who you are.
THE BEST YOU Written by Nima Patel and Illustrated by Cally Johnson-Isaacs Published by Union Square Kids
MORE THAN PEACH
EVERYTHING IN IT'S PLACE
I gather the books in my arms, and give them a hug. Welcome back, I whisper. Nicky is a shy girl who feels most at home in the safe space of her school library, but the library closes for a week and Nicky is forced to face her social anxiety. When she meets a group of unique, diverse, inspiring women at her mother's diner–members of a women's motorcycle club–Nicky realizes that being different doesn't have to mean being alone, and that there's a place for everyone. Book lovers of all ages will find inspiration in this beautiful love letter to reading–and how words help us find empathy and connections with the world around us.
I FORGIVE ALEX
A SIMPLE STORY ABOUT UNDERSTANDING
Alex's enthusiasm and energy can sometimes be a challenge for his classmates. He loves to play ball on the playground with his friends, but when his rambunctious behavior inadvertently upsets one of the other students, he finds himself at odds with the whole class.
A perfect companion to the picture book I Walk with Vanessa, which Parents magazine named the Best Book of the Year about kindness, this story explores the difficult feelings that come with apologies and forgiveness. In a story that sees the perspective of both sides, Alex learns quickly that the right thing to do is say he's sorry, leaving it up to his friend to find the compassion and empathy to accept it.
This wordless picture book is a good reminder that it's important to take responsibility for a mistake but that it's equally important to be ready to forgive.
FORGIVE ALEX: A Simple Story About Understanding Written and Illustrated by Kerascoët, Published by Random House Studio.
Need more picture book recommendations? Check out my list of the
New School Year Must-Have Picture Books.
Bethany Edwards is an elementary educator as well as a reading and literacy specialist. On Biracial Bookworms, she focuses on multiracial and multicultural resources for teaching literacy skills using reading, travel, and learning multiple languages. Additionally, she offers online and self-paced courses for parents and caregivers on Biracial Bookworms Academy.
Connect with Bethany on Biracial Bookworms
Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Facebook Page | Newsletter
EVERYTHING IN IT'S PLACE
I gather the books in my arms, and give them a hug. Welcome back, I whisper. Nicky is a shy girl who feels most at home in the safe space of her school library, but the library closes for a week and Nicky is forced to face her social anxiety. When she meets a group of unique, diverse, inspiring women at her mother's diner–members of a women's motorcycle club–Nicky realizes that being different doesn't have to mean being alone, and that there's a place for everyone. Book lovers of all ages will find inspiration in this beautiful love letter to reading–and how words help us find empathy and connections with the world around us.
I FORGIVE ALEX
A SIMPLE STORY ABOUT UNDERSTANDING
Alex's enthusiasm and energy can sometimes be a challenge for his classmates. He loves to play ball on the playground with his friends, but when his rambunctious behavior inadvertently upsets one of the other students, he finds himself at odds with the whole class.
A perfect companion to the picture book I Walk with Vanessa, which Parents magazine named the Best Book of the Year about kindness, this story explores the difficult feelings that come with apologies and forgiveness. In a story that sees the perspective of both sides, Alex learns quickly that the right thing to do is say he's sorry, leaving it up to his friend to find the compassion and empathy to accept it.
This wordless picture book is a good reminder that it's important to take responsibility for a mistake but that it's equally important to be ready to forgive.
FORGIVE ALEX: A Simple Story About Understanding Written and Illustrated by Kerascoët, Published by Random House Studio.
Need more picture book recommendations? Check out my list of the
New School Year Must-Have Picture Books.
Bethany Edwards is an elementary educator as well as a reading and literacy specialist. On Biracial Bookworms, she focuses on multiracial and multicultural resources for teaching literacy skills using reading, travel, and learning multiple languages. Additionally, she offers online and self-paced courses for parents and caregivers on Biracial Bookworms Academy.
Connect with Bethany on Biracial Bookworms
Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Facebook Page | Newsletter
REMIXED: A BLENDED FAMILY
In Mixed City, when colors care for each other, they decide to mix. They create families that come in every combination of colors, shapes, and sizes. But sometimes those sizes, shapes, and colors can change. And change isn't always easy. It might be hard to get used to. It might make some colors feel worried, or sad. Remixed: A Blended Family is an inspiring picture book that celebrates the strength and resilience of remixed families and the beauty of chosen families, showing how even after change, or loss, love can thrive.
REMIXED Written and Illustrated by Arree Chung, Published by Henry Holt & Company
EVERYTHING IN IT'S PLACE
I gather the books in my arms, and give them a hug. Welcome back, I whisper. Nicky is a shy girl who feels most at home in the safe space of her school library, but the library closes for a week and Nicky is forced to face her social anxiety. When she meets a group of unique, diverse, inspiring women at her mother's diner–members of a women's motorcycle club–Nicky realizes that being different doesn't have to mean being alone, and that there's a place for everyone. Book lovers of all ages will find inspiration in this beautiful love letter to reading–and how words help us find empathy and connections with the world around us.
I FORGIVE ALEX
A SIMPLE STORY ABOUT UNDERSTANDING
Alex's enthusiasm and energy can sometimes be a challenge for his classmates. He loves to play ball on the playground with his friends, but when his rambunctious behavior inadvertently upsets one of the other students, he finds himself at odds with the whole class.
A perfect companion to the picture book I Walk with Vanessa, which Parents magazine named the Best Book of the Year about kindness, this story explores the difficult feelings that come with apologies and forgiveness. In a story that sees the perspective of both sides, Alex learns quickly that the right thing to do is say he's sorry, leaving it up to his friend to find the compassion and empathy to accept it.
This wordless picture book is a good reminder that it's important to take responsibility for a mistake but that it's equally important to be ready to forgive.
FORGIVE ALEX: A Simple Story About Understanding Written and Illustrated by Kerascoët, Published by Random House Studio.
Need more picture book recommendations? Check out my list of the
New School Year Must-Have Picture Books.
Bethany Edwards is an elementary educator as well as a reading and literacy specialist. On Biracial Bookworms, she focuses on multiracial and multicultural resources for teaching literacy skills using reading, travel, and learning multiple languages. Additionally, she offers online and self-paced courses for parents and caregivers on Biracial Bookworms Academy.
Connect with Bethany on Biracial Bookworms
Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Facebook Page | Newsletter
When Bellen Woodard's classmates referred to the skin-color” crayon, in a school and classroom she had always loved, she knew just how important it was that everyone understood that “skin can be any number of beautiful colors.” This stunning picture book spreads Bellen's message of inclusivity, empowerment, and the importance of inspiring the next generation of leaders.Bellen created the More Than Peach Project and crayons with every single kid in mind to transform the crayon industry and grow the way we see our world. And Bellen has done just that! This moving book includes back matter about becoming a leader and improving your community just like Bellen. Her wisdom and self- confidence are sure to encourage any young reader looking to use their voice to make even great spaces better!
MORE THAN PEACH Written by Bellen Woodard and Illustrated by Fanny Liem, Published by Scholastic Inc.
REMIXED: A BLENDED FAMILY
In Mixed City, when colors care for each other, they decide to mix. They create families that come in every combination of colors, shapes, and sizes. But sometimes those sizes, shapes, and colors can change. And change isn't always easy. It might be hard to get used to. It might make some colors feel worried, or sad. Remixed: A Blended Family is an inspiring picture book that celebrates the strength and resilience of remixed families and the beauty of chosen families, showing how even after change, or loss, love can thrive.
REMIXED Written and Illustrated by Arree Chung, Published by Henry Holt & Company
EVERYTHING IN IT'S PLACE
I gather the books in my arms, and give them a hug. Welcome back, I whisper. Nicky is a shy girl who feels most at home in the safe space of her school library, but the library closes for a week and Nicky is forced to face her social anxiety. When she meets a group of unique, diverse, inspiring women at her mother's diner–members of a women's motorcycle club–Nicky realizes that being different doesn't have to mean being alone, and that there's a place for everyone. Book lovers of all ages will find inspiration in this beautiful love letter to reading–and how words help us find empathy and connections with the world around us.
I FORGIVE ALEX
A SIMPLE STORY ABOUT UNDERSTANDING
Alex's enthusiasm and energy can sometimes be a challenge for his classmates. He loves to play ball on the playground with his friends, but when his rambunctious behavior inadvertently upsets one of the other students, he finds himself at odds with the whole class.
A perfect companion to the picture book I Walk with Vanessa, which Parents magazine named the Best Book of the Year about kindness, this story explores the difficult feelings that come with apologies and forgiveness. In a story that sees the perspective of both sides, Alex learns quickly that the right thing to do is say he's sorry, leaving it up to his friend to find the compassion and empathy to accept it.
This wordless picture book is a good reminder that it's important to take responsibility for a mistake but that it's equally important to be ready to forgive.
FORGIVE ALEX: A Simple Story About Understanding Written and Illustrated by Kerascoët, Published by Random House Studio.
Need more picture book recommendations? Check out my list of the
New School Year Must-Have Picture Books.
Bethany Edwards is an elementary educator as well as a reading and literacy specialist. On Biracial Bookworms, she focuses on multiracial and multicultural resources for teaching literacy skills using reading, travel, and learning multiple languages. Additionally, she offers online and self-paced courses for parents and caregivers on Biracial Bookworms Academy.
Connect with Bethany on Biracial Bookworms
Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Facebook Page | Newsletter
Very cute books! I especially love the one about the name that other students have trouble pronouncing.