The end of the school year can be filled with a variety of emotions. You are bound to find students who feel joy, sadness, and even fear about the school year ending. I always turn to books to help students cope with whatever they are feeling in that moment. Here are several books your students might enjoy at the end of the school year. You can click on any of the book covers below to learn more.
You can click on any of the titles below to learn more about each book or find all of these books on my Amazon page.
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Books That Pair Well with the First Day of School
Yes, you read that correctly! Some of my favorite end of the year books are actually tied into books I also read at the beginning of the year.
Last Day Blues by Julie Danneberg
If you have read First Day Jitters, you’ll definitely want to finish the year with Last Day Blues. What do teachers do for summer vacation? Mrs. Hartwell’s students worry that their teacher will miss them while they are gone for the summer. The class comes up with a way to make sure Mrs. Hartwell won’t be too sad. But Mrs. Hartwell and the other teachers have some plans of their own.
Be sure to grab a freebie to pair with this book here.
Last Day, Hooray by Nancy Poydar
Four, three, two, ONE! The last day of school is finally here. For Ivy and her friends it’s time to take down pictures, clean shelves and say good-bye. But there is also time for one last surprise. Your students will enjoy this follow-up to First Day, Hooray!
No More Pencils, No More Books, No More Teacher’s Dirty Looks! by Diane deGroat
Are you singing a certain song right now? It’s the last day of school! Gilbert is excited about summer vacation. First there’s a class party, and Mrs. Byrd will give out the end-of-the-year awards. But will Gilbert even get one? Patty’s the best speller. Philip’s the best reader. What is Gilbert best at? This book is part of the Gilbert and Friends series by Diane deGroat, which also includes Brand New Pencils, Brand New Books.
The Night Before Summer Vacation by Natasha Wing
There are so many great books in The Night Before series. You may have already read The Night Before First Grade or The Night Before Summer Camp. In this book, A little girl and her family are getting ready to go on vacation . . . or at least they are trying to. In the effort to pack everything that will be needed, there’s bound to be something overlooked, and what that is provides a funny ending to this story!
A Letter from Your Teacher on the Last Day of School by Shannon Olsen
Through a letter written from the teacher’s point of view, the class is invited to reflect back on memories made, connections formed, and challenges met. The letter expresses how proud their teacher is of them, and how much they will be missed. Students will also leave on that last day knowing that their teacher is cheering them on for all of the exciting things to come in the future.
Be sure to check out this freebie to pair with A Letter from Your Teacher on the First Day of School.
Books about the Last Day of School
Lizzie and the Last Day by Trinka Hakes Noble
Lizzie loves school almost more than anything. When the time comes for Lizzie to start First Grade, she can’t wait. Everyone tells her it will be a whole year of school. And Miss Giggliano, the first-grade teacher, tells her class to make this the best year of school ever. But all great things must come to an end. When the last day of school arrives, Lizzie is dismayed. How can this be? It was supposed to be a whole year! But good news soon arrives and Lizzie, along with Miss G., finds herself in a different classroom and eager to learn!
The Last Day of School by Louise Borden
The school year is coming to an end, and everyone at Albert E. Chapman Elementary School is counting down, including Mrs. Mallory’s third grade class. In the last weeks of school there is much to be done, from putting away supplies to cleaning out desks to finding a summer home for the class pet, Rhoda. Now — finally — the last day is here! Matthew Perez, one of Mrs. Mallory’s students, has a perfect good-bye gift for his teacher, and he can’t wait to give it to her. But when is the right time? Not in the morning when other kids are giving their gifts. Not during the Last Day fun of kickball and ice-cream treats. Will Matt get his chance before the school day is over?
Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Last Day of School by Julie Gassman
Another year of learning is in the books, and it’s time to celebrate! Dragon loves parties and picnics and playgrounds and is ready to celebrate too. But is it smart to bring a dragon to the last day of school?
Goodbye for Now by Madison Rowe
teThe last day of school is always so bittersweet! Teachers and students spend all year growing and taking care of one another, learning with each other, and making fun memories that will last a lifetime. “Goodbye For Now” is a book with bright, playful illustrations and a charming message that you can deliver to your students from the teacher’s perspective. It recalls all the ups, downs, highs, lows, and FUN that your class had together over the school year! While reading this story to your classroom kiddos, they will be reminded of just how much their teacher loves them, and how their teacher wants them to accomplish amazing things as they get ready to move on to a new school year.xt
Books about Graduation
For those of you who do a graduation ceremony with your students, these books with some familiar characters would be a great addition to your read aloud time.
The Berenstain Bears’ Graduation Day by Mike Berenstain
It’s the end of the school year and Bear Country School is holding a graduation ceremony for all the students. This year, Brother and Sister will get to wear a cap and gown—and get a diploma. But what about Honey Bear? In this story, the Berenstain Bears learn about the true meaning of the end of the school year.
Junie B. Jones is a Graduation Girl by Barbara Park
It’s kindergarten graduation, and Room Nine is getting bright white graduation gowns. Mrs. says to keep them in their boxes until the big day, but Junie B. Jones just can’t help herself. Then—uh-oh!—an accident happens! Will graduation be a spotty dotty disaster?
Need activities to pair with this book? Take a look at this book companion.
Books That Inspire
If you’re looking for an alternative to Oh, The Places You’ll Go then check out these inspirational books.
I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
This exuberant, inspirational book for kids holds more than a single wish or even three wishes—it is filled with endless good wishes. Wishes for curiosity and wonder, for friendship and strength, laughter and peace.
Whether celebrating life’s joyous milestones, sharing words of encouragement, or observing the wonder of everyday moments, this sweet book is for wishers of all ages! I Wish You More is the perfect graduation gift or baby shower book as well as an uplifting read sure to bring positivity to all who read it.
Curious You: On Your Way by H.A. Rey
Curious You: On Your Way! is a great book for students entering a new phase of their lives. Follow along with George as he provides words of congratulations and encouragement to anyone who has accomplished much, but still has many things to see, to do, and to dream!
Only One You by Linda Kranz
There’s only one you in this great big world. Make it a better place. Adri’s mama and papa share some of the wisdom they have gained through the years with their eager son. Their words, simple and powerful, are meant to comfort and guide him as he goes about exploring the world.
The North Star by Peter H. Reynolds
It is often said that life is a journey, and it’s true. But sometimes it’s hard to know which path to follow, when signs point in so many directions. This book encourages readers to observe, to wonder, and to consider diverging from the well-worn path—to pursue their dreams.
I hope you have found one of your favorite read aloud books on this list. Let me know what books YOU love to read at the end of the year.
You can find all of these books on my Amazon page.
Try pairing one of these books with a writing craft.
Happy Reading!
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