By the time fourth graders arrive on the first day of school, they’ve heard many times the most popular first day of school books for 4th grade.
Therefore, teachers need to dig a little deeper to find 4th grade first day of school read-alouds that students have not yet heard.
This delightful collection of first day of school books for fourth graders solves the problem.
It consists of classic titles in addition to “new” finds that will engage fourth-grade students.
So keep this list handy as you plan for back to school.
First Day of School Books for 4th Grade
These 4th grade first day of school read-alouds would make a great addition to your list of first-day-of-school activities.
Dealing With First-Day Jitters
- A Tiger Tail (Mike Boldt)
A heartwarming children’s book about a little tiger named Max who goes on an adventure to find his missing tail, learning valuable lessons about friendship and self-acceptance along the way.
- Amelia’s Notebook (Marissa Moss)
In this book, students will get to know Amelia as she shares her thoughts, drawings, and everyday experiences through her personal notebook.
- Justin Case: School, Drool, & Other Daily Disasters (Rachel Vail, Matthew Cordell)
Students will follow the funny misadventures of Justin Case, a worry-prone third-grader, as he navigates the challenges of school life, friendships, and overcoming his fears.
Kindness/Bullying
- Do Unto Otters (Laurie Keller)
This charming picture book follows Mr. Rabbit as he learns valuable lessons about treating others with kindness and respect using the “Golden Rule”.
- The Juice Box Bully (Bob Sornson, Maria Dismondy)
A powerful and thought-provoking children’s book that addresses the issue of bullying in schools. It encourages a culture of kindness and inclusivity.
- The Twig (Aura Parker)
In this tale, students meet a stick figure named “Twig” who discovers her own unique qualities and learns the importance of self-acceptance and belonging.
Being Who You Are
- A Bad Case of Stripes (David Shannon)
The main character, Camilla Cream, catches a peculiar case of stripes, leading her on a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and embracing her true identity.
- The Best Part of Me (Genia Connell)
Through powerful photographs and heartfelt writing, students share the best parts of themselves, promoting self-esteem and body positivity.
- The Day You Begin (Jacqueline Woodson)
This read-aloud celebrates diversity and inclusion, encouraging students to find strength in their unique experiences and connect with others who may seem different at first.
- Different is Good (Rebecca J. Jackson, Phelan Good)
In this delightful tale, readers learn that embracing differences among themselves and others is a beautiful thing.
- Happy Dreamer (Peter H. Reynolds)
In this book, students will meet a spirited young dreamer who encourages them to embrace their passions and celebrate their imagination.
- I Wish My Teacher Knew: How One Question Can Change Everything (Kyle Schwartz)
Through heartwarming and candid notes from her students, a teacher gains insight into the challenges they face outside the classroom, prompting empathy.
- Ish (Peter H. Reynolds)
In this encouraging tale, Ramon learns to embrace imperfection and find joy in his creative expression, teaching young readers the value of creativity and self-belief.
- Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration (Samara Cole Doyon, Kaylani Juanita)
This vibrant and celebratory picture book honors the beauty of diverse skin tones and promotes self-love, affirming that every shade of brown is magnificent.
- Nerdy Birdy (Aaron Reynolds, Matt Davies)
Follow Nerdy Birdy on a journey to find where he truly belongs, learning valuable lessons about friendship, acceptance, and the importance of being yourself.
- Rot, the Cutest in the World! (Ben Clanton)
Students will meet Rot, a mutant potato, as he discovers his uniqueness and navigates the ups and downs of friendship.
- Sticks (Diane Alber)
In this imaginative book, sticks come to life, sparking young readers’ imagination and inspiring them to see art and fun in everyday objects.
- Your Name is a Song (Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow)
This story follows a young girl as she learns to embrace her unique and beautiful name, inspiring readers to appreciate their own names and cultural heritage.
Chapter Books
- EllRay Jakes Series (Sally Warner, Jamie Harper)
EllRay Jakes, a relatable third-grader, navigates school life, friendships, and growing up.
- Frankie Sparks and the Class Pet (Megan Frazer Blakemore)
Frankie Sparks, an aspiring inventor, takes on the challenge of caring for the class pet, leading to an exciting and educational journey.
- Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (Judy Blume)
Peter Hatcher, a fourth-grade boy, shares his interesting experiences.
- Who’s Afraid of Fourth Grade? (Nancy E. Krulik)
A young girl named Katie magically swaps places with her fourth-grade teacher, gaining a new perspective on school and life.
- Wonder (R.J. Palacio)
A story that follows August Pullman, a fifth-grader with a facial difference, as he attends school for the first time. This book teaches lessons about empathy, kindness, and acceptance.
- The World According to Humphrey (Betty G. Birney)
Students will have a chance to see the world through the eyes of Humphrey, the classroom hamster, as he observes and interacts with the students in Room 26.
Growth Mindset
- A Little SPOT of Optimism (Diane Alber)
The colorful SPOT character spreads optimism and positive thinking, encouraging young readers to see the bright side of life.
- After the Fall (Dan Santat)
This picture book follows Humpty Dumpty after his famous fall, as he must overcome his fears and find the courage to reach new heights.
- The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes (Mark Pett)
Beatrice Bottomwell, a girl known for her perfect record, learns the value of embracing imperfection and accepting that it’s okay to make mistakes.
- Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind (Judy Fincher)
Miss Malarkey, a dedicated teacher, encourages her students to discover the joy of reading.
- Whatever You Are, Be a Good One: 100 Inspirational Quotations Hand-Lettered (Lisa Congdon)
This book presents a collection of 100 inspirational quotes, reminding readers to strive for goodness, kindness, and the pursuit of their dreams.
- Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It (JoAnn Deak Ph.D., Sarah Ackerley)
This book teaches children about the marvelous capabilities of their brains and how they can grow and develop their intelligence through effort and perseverance.
Ice Breakers/A Good Laugh
- Dear Teacher (Amy Husband)
In this heartwarming story, Michael writes a letter to his new teacher, expressing his worries and excitement about starting school, ultimately discovering that the teacher has similar feelings.
- The Exceptionally, Extraordinarily Ordinary First Day of School (Albert Lorenz)
Sally navigates the ups and downs, surprises, and small adventures of a typical first day of school.
- Splat the Cat: Back to School, Splat! (Rob Scotton)
Splat the Cat, a quirky feline, experiences his first day of school, conquering his fears and making new friends.
Rules/Behavior
- Being Frank (Donna Earnhardt, Andrea Castellan)
Join Frank, a young boy who has a unique way of expressing himself, as he learns the value of honesty and the importance of being true to himself and others.
- Decibella and Her 6-Inch Voice (Julia Cook, Anita DuFalla)
Follow young Decibella as she discovers the appropriate volume to use in different situations, teaching children about the concept of inside and outside voices and the importance of being mindful of their volume.
- Mr. Peabody’s Apples (Madonna)
In this thought-provoking fable, Mr. Peabody, a beloved teacher, imparts a powerful lesson about the consequences of spreading rumors, emphasizing the value of honesty and integrity.
- My Mouth is a Volcano (Julia Cook)
This humorous and relatable book follows a young boy named Louis, who struggles to control his urge to interrupt, teaching children the importance of listening and respecting others’ turns to speak.
- Officer Buckle and Gloria (Peggy Rathmann)
Students will meet Officer Buckle and his safety-conscious police dog, Gloria, as they work together to teach safety tips to children.
- Seven Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break If You Want to Survive the Cafeteria (John Grandits, Michael Allen Austin)
Students will join Kyle on his first day at a new school, where his brother gives him seven hilarious, but essential, rules for surviving the cafeteria. This book is a very relatable read for kids.
- Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break If You Want to Survive the School Bus (John Grandits, Michael Allen Austin)
In this humorous book, Kyle is back, and this time his brother gives him ten rules for surviving the school bus ride, filled with laugh-out-loud situations and valuable lessons.
Teamwork
- The Gigantic Turnip (Aleskei Tolstoy, Niamh Sharkey)
In this fun tale, a farmer tries to pull a gigantic turnip from the ground, requiring the help of his friends and animals.
- Narwhal (Ben Clanton)
Students will explore the underwater world of Narwhal and Jelly, a narwhal and jellyfish duo, as they embark on fun adventures and celebrate the joy of friendship.
Virtual Learning/Building a Community
- A Little SPOT Learns Online: A Story About Virtual Classroom Expectations (Diane Alber)
In this cute book, students meet a lovable SPOT character as it navigates the world of virtual learning.
- All Are Welcome (Alexandra Penfold)
In this picture book, children from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate their differences.
- Our Class is a Family (Shannon Olsen)
Students in Room 206 create a supportive and caring classroom community, learning to embrace each other’s differences and work together as a family.
Final Thoughts On 4th Grade First Day of School Read-Alouds
Set a positive and welcoming tone on the first day by reading some of these fourth-grade first day of school books to students.
There’s a book to fit every situation and topic; planning back-to-school activities just became a bit easier.
If you would like more 4th grade first day read aloud ideas, see favorite back to school read aloud books from teachers.