50 Back-to-School Books About Mighty Girls' Adventures at Elementary School

Peppa Pig and the Busy Day at School

Kids sometimes struggle to find out where they fit in among the wider world of their peers. Peppa's school day is full of fun, but she's most excited for Special Talent Time, when each member of the class will get to show off something amazing they can do. But Peppa's excitement turns to worry when, one after another, other students pick her talents to demonstrate! Fortunately, with a little help from her sympathetic teacher, Peppa realizes that everyone has special gifts — and that even seemingly simple things like hopping in puddles can make for a special day at school.

Pearl Goes to Preschool

Pearl is the smallest ballerina at her mother's ballet school, but she loves practicing dance moves (at a barre she can't even reach) with her stuffed mouse Violet by her side. But when her mother suggests Pearl could try preschool, Pearl isn't sure. "Violet and I already go to school," she says. But Pearl's mother answers her questions about what this new experience would be like. pointing out that she will learn fun new things, like the alphabet, and counting, and even how to paint a sugar plum fairy! — and Pearl concludes that she and Violet are ready for preschool after all. This charming picture book, with its winsome illustrations, looks at the transition to preschool through a child's eyes in a way that's perfect for budding dancers!

Be A Star, Wonder Woman!

This little hero proves that the ideals that get Wonder Woman through a day of fighting supervillains can also get a kid through a tough day at school! She'll demonstrate her courage, leadership, compassion, and more as she helps classmates share, faces her nemesis (the playground ladder!), and tries again and again to get a project just right. A checklist at the end helps reinforce these heroic values! This book emphasizes the power of working together and positive choices to make any place better, making it the perfect choice for budding superheroes!

Lucía the Luchadora

When the boys at the school playground tell her that "girls can't be superheroes," Lucí­a suddenly doesn't feel so mighty in her long red cape. Then her grandmother lets her in on a family secret: Lucía comes from a long line of luchadoras, bold and valiant women from the Mexican lucha libre wrestling tradition! Lucía returns to the playground with a bold new identity that has the whole class buzzing. But when she witnesses an injustice in action, Lucía faces a moral quandary: does she break the sacred rule not to reveal the identity behind her mask, or does she do whatever it takes to support someone in need? Full of energy, this fun book gently tackles sexism, bullying, and the importance of standing up for people around you.

We Don't Eat Our Classmates

Penelope Rex is startled to discover her classmates are all children, so she does what comes naturally... and eats them. Children are delicious, after all! Her teacher immediately gets her to spit them out, and tells her firmly that classmates are not snacks. But Penelope is always hungry, and no matter how hard she tries, she keeps forgetting the rule — until an unexpectedly voracious class pet teaches her what it feels like to be eaten! Beloved author/illustrator Ryan T. Higgins has created a laugh out loud story with a gentle message about the importance of treating others how you want to be treated. Penelope returns in We Will Rock Our Classmates and We Don't Lose Our Class Goldfish.

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse

Lilly loves school, and her teacher Mr. Slinger — until he confiscates her wonderful, musical purse because she’s interrupting the lessons. Furious, Lilly channels her outrage into an elaborate drawing of “Big Fat Mean Mr. Stealing Teacher” that she slips into Mr. Slinger’s bookbag. But when she gets her purse back at the end of the day — with a kind note from Mr. Slinger tucked inside — Lilly has to figure out a way to make up for her impulsive act of revenge. This book is a great way to remind kids that mistakes can be forgiven if you’re willing to make amends.

And Then Comes School

Summer may seem to be in full swing, but this little girl notices hints that the season is changing, from the smell of ripening apples to the sight of sunflowers starting to droop. The days are hot but the nights are cool, and the ripe blackberries are perfect for making delicious jam. And she knows that soon there will be school supply shopping, picking the perfect first-day outfit, eating an extra-special breakfast, and finally, a trip on the bus to meet her new teacher! This picture book full of joyful anticipation, with a family that exudes love and calmness, is a lyrical ode to the transition between summer and fall — and the transition into a new school year.

The Night Before First Grade

Sometimes, your school adventure has to happen without familiar friends by your side! Penny is excited for the first day of grade one — until she discovers that her best friend has been assigned to the other class. Although she's temporarily upset and anxious, soon Penny is exploring everything her new classroom has to offer and making some new connections with other classmates. Imagine the fun stories she and her best friend can share when the school day is done!

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

Little Molly Lou has always been proud of who she is...even if she is tiny, buck-toothed, and clumsy. Even her singing voice is like nothing anyone's heard before! When Molly Lou moves to a new school and has to face a bully's jeers, she remembers her grandmother's advice and turns every "disadvantage" to good use. Soon, everyone at school has learned that you should never underestimate Molly Lou Melon! Kids will love feisty, funny, and completely confident Molly Lou and will enjoy figuring out their own ways that they can "sing out clear and strong." Fans of Molly Lou can also check out the sequel, Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon.

First Grade Stinks!

At first, Hayley is excited to return to school: kindergarten was fun, and she feels like an expert compared to the confused new kindergarteners. But first grade, with its increased structure, decreased playtime, and higher demands, is frustrating and upsetting for Hayley. Even storytime proves exasperating when Ms. Gray stops reading before the story ends! When Hayley's worries and anger bubble over, though, Ms. Gray is there to reassure her that first grade can be challenging but that exciting adventures — like reading chapter books all by herself — are on the horizon. This sympathetic story addresses a transition that's just as important, but less recognized, than starting kindergarten.

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa: School Days

Cowgirl Kate is finally off to school — but horses aren't allowed, which means that Cocoa has to stay at home. Cocoa is lonely, and follows Kate's bus to the school; he's also a bit jealous when he sees her making a new friend. And it's exasperating that she has to do homework when Cocoa just wants to ride! Fortunately, Kate is able to reassure Cocoa that he's always her partner...and when schoolwork is done, there's still plenty of time for them to adventure together! Fans of Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa will love this story, with short illustrated chapters that independent readers can even enjoy on their own!

Keena Ford and the Second-Grade Mix-Up

Keena Ford is ready for a fresh start: she has a brand new journal to write in, and in the second grade, she's hoping to do her best to change her reputation as a bit of a troublemaker. And even though her best friend, Eric, won't be in her class this year, her new teacher Ms. Coleman seems awesome. But then Keena accidentally mixes up her dates, making Ms. Coleman think it's her birthday... and next thing she knows, Ms. Coleman has a big chocolate cake, a sparkly crown, and other fun things for the supposed special occasion. Keena knows she should tell the truth, but the cake looks so good... Told through Keena's journal, with black and white illustrations throughout, this realistic predicament will ring true to young readers and inspire them to find their own way through tough moments.

Smashie McPerter and the Mystery of Room 11

Sometimes, school provides unexpected opportunities for adventure — like a mystery to solve! Smashie McPerter's class is not only facing the worst substitute in the world, Mr. Carper, but also dealing with the unexpected disappearance of the class hamster. As the students of Room 11 start peering suspiciously at one another, Smashie and her friend Dontel have to start puzzling out motivations, establishing alibis, and looking beyond immediate suspects if they want to solve this mystery! Fans of this book can check out the sequel, Smashie McPerter and the Mystery of the Missing Goop.

Gooney Bird Greene

When kids move into a new school, they have to find their place in a group that's already established. Watertower Elementary School isn't sure what to make of newly-arrived second grader Gooney Bird Greene: her wild outfits — never the same twice — make her stand out wherever she goes. But once she starts telling her "absolutely true" stories, her peers are fascinated. Most importantly, though, Gooney Bird's new perspective allows all of her classmates to see new potential in themselves.

Izzy Kline Has Butterflies

A class musical, a new girl in class (maybe a new friend?), changes at home...there's a lot going on in Izzy's life this year. No wonder she has butterflies! In a series of poems, Izzy wonders how many of these butterfly problems she can take, and contemplates how things are changing as she gets older and life inevitably gets more complicated. Thoughtful and gentle, this novel in verse explores all of the big and small moments that make up a school year — and celebrates the determination and resilience of kids who face their butterflies every day.

My Name Is Yoon

Yoon is a recent immigrant from Korea, and just wishes she could go back. Her name means Shining Wisdom, and written in Korean characters, it’s beautiful — but in English, YOON is just all sticks and circles. So at school, she tries other names like BIRD, CAT, and CUPCAKE. But Yoon realizes that, whether it’s written in English or Korean, Yoon is still Yoon — and that she can belong here just as she did in her previous home. For another book with a similar theme about appreciating your heritage in a new country or culture, check out The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi (age 4 - 8).

Willow's Whispers

If your child is shy or struggles with a speech disorder, she may want a book that features a Mighty Girl like her — or, for kids who don't wrestle with these issues, that same book can help build empathy for the challenges other children face. Willow's voice is so quiet that she's bared heard at home; in a busy, loud classroom, Willow gets drowned out completely. Her father reassures her that there's a big voice inside her, and that she'll find a way to let it out...so at craft time, Willow makes herself a magic megaphone that gives her the volume she needs. But when she breaks the megaphone, will Willow still have her voice? This book reminds kids that everyone deserves the chance to make themselves heard.

The Sandwich Swap

Culture clashes can appear in surprising places — even inside a lunch box! Salma and Lily are best friends until they get into a fight over whose lunch is better, Salma's hummus or Lily's peanut butter and jelly. Soon, their argument has polarized the school and resulted in a very messy food fight! Fortunately Lily and Salma realize that their friendship can overcome such minor differences and, before long, they're helping organize a multicultural lunch swap that celebrates everyone.

Stella Brings The Family

Everyone in class is excited about the big Mother's Day party... except Stella. She has two daddies who make her feel more loved than anyone else could. She also has lots of other people who love her: a large extended family who support her and encourage her in everything she does. But she doesn't have a mom to bring to the party. In the end, though, thanks to that same supportive crowd — and a little inspiration from a classmate — Stella finds the perfect solution to celebrate her very special family. This book provides a good reminder that there are all sorts of families behind the kids you meet at school.

Matzah Craze

p>Everyone at school usually shares their lunch, but one day, Noa refuses to swap food, and her friends wonder why. She explains it's because it's Passover, and explains the story of how Jewish people fleeing from Egypt ate unleavened bread because there was "no time for bread to rise." The story only piques her classmates curiosity even more, so all week long, she brings different kinds of matzah — "chocolate matzah, matzah brei… / then a matzah pizza pie!" — for her friends to try. Written in cheerful verse and with bright illustrations, this book is a fun way to introduce the holiday of Passover and encourage kids to share their own family's holiday traditions.

My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay

An important part of celebrating differences is making sure that everyone can participate in special events. Zulay is blind, but she can do everything her three best friends and classmates do, even though she feels a bit self-conscious about learning to use a cane in front of her peers. When their teacher starts talking about Field Day, Zulay decides she wants to run a race, but her classmates fall silent at the suggestion: how can she possibly do it? Fortunately, their teacher is confident that Zulay can find a way -- and with a little help, Zulay gets to cross the finish line to her friends' cheers! This joyful story is a great way to show how a little ingenuity can allow kids of all abilities to join activities.

Geraldine

Geraldine the giraffe is a bit of a drama queen, who brings her expressive neck to bear as she tells the story of her move from Giraffe City to a new town where she'll be the only giraffe at school! Being called "That Giraffe Girl" by her new peers turns Geraldine into a quiet, deflated, and lonely creature. Then Geraldine meets Cassie, who can empathize with being different: "I’m that girl who wears glasses and likes MATH and always organizes her food," she tells Geraldine. Soon, the pair has formed a fast friendship... and Geraldine is feeling much more at home. Clever (and funny) illustrations of Geraldine's melodramatic behavior will get kids giggling, but the story about the challenges of being the "new kid" or feeling excluded will resonate with many young readers.

The Pirate of Kindergarten

Sometimes a little creativity can make a difference into something fun! Ginny can’t figure out why she sees two of everything until vision screening day at school, when the nurse diagnoses her with double vision. An eye patch solves the vision problem, making reading, running, and scissor-snipping much easier, but Ginny wonders at first how her classmates will react. Soon, though, she comes up with a creative new identity: the Pirate of Kindergarten! This story provides encouragement for kids who are worried about how peers will react to their own difference.

Suki's Kimono

Some children love showing off their family's culture, even if it's different from the rest of their peers. Suki's obachan brought a beautiful blue cotton kimono when she visited over the summer, and Suki is determined to wear it to her first day of first grade, despite her sisters' protests and her schoolmates' laughter on the playground. But when the kids in class get to talk about favorite moments from the summer, the kimono is the perfect thing to wear as Suki energetically demonstrates a traditional dance! This book celebrates multiculturalism and pride in heritage, as well as all girls who dance to the beat of their own drummer.

Each Kindness

School may also be the first time children are exposed to people from different economic circumstances. In this book, Chloe and her friends refuse to play with the new girl, Maya, when they see her hand-me-down clothes and old toys. Every time Maya tries to join in, they reject her; soon, Maya doesn't even try, and eventually she stops coming to school altogether. However, a lesson from Chloe's teacher about the effects of small actions strikes home, and suddenly Chloe realizes what a kindness the simple act of playing with another child would have been. This stunning book is an excellent lesson in empathy, as well as a reminder to Mighty Girls that there are some actions you don't get the chance to take back.

My Name is Maria Isabel

Maria's name is long and important — Maria Isabel Salazar Lopez, from both her grandmothers, her grandfather, and her father. But when she arrives in her new class after moving from Puerto Rico, her teacher declares that there are too many Marias, so she’ll be called Mary. How can Maria explain to her teacher that her special name is a reminder of where she came from? Fortunately, when the class is assigned a paper titled “My Greatest Wish,” Maria finally finds the words to tell everyone how special her name is — and why she will always be Maria Isabel. Spanish-speaking Mighty Girl fans can read the Spanish-language version of the book, Me Llamo Maria Isabel.

Thank You, Mr. Falker

A great teacher is even more important when a child is struggling. Trisha is excited to go to school and learn to read — until she discovers that all the letters in her books are just a jumbled mess, no matter how hard she tries. Her classmates don’t understand and think she's stupid, and soon, she starts to agree with them. Fortunately, Mr. Falker, a new teacher at the school, is able to recognize what’s keeping Trisha from being able to read — and to identify her remarkable artistic talent. Based on author Patricia Polacco’s real experiences as a child with dyslexia, this book will teach kids that determination — plus support from a great teacher — can help anyone learn.

Mr. Wayne's Masterpiece

A good teacher can help kids test their limits and move out of their comfort zones! Trisha is dismayed when she ends up in drama class because she hates speaking in front of people. Mr. Wayne gives her a backstage job painting scenery, and she cheerfully works away while the actors rehearse — all the while unintentionally memorizing the lines. But a few days before opening night, the girl playing the lead suddenly moves away. Can Mr. Wayne help Trisha overcome her stage fright so that the show can still go on? It's a beautiful story for capturing a teacher's power to help kids build confidence.

The Story-Teller’s Candle/La velita de los cuentos

Librarians also play a special part in children’s lives at school. Hildamar is experiencing her first chilly New York winter after moving from Puerto Rico in 1929. She wonders how she can celebrate her beloved Three Kings Day in this strange, cold new home. But when librarian Pura Belpre, the first Puerto Rican librarian hired by the New York Public Library system, comes to Hildamar’s classroom, Belpre tells her that not only is the library open to children and non-English speakers, but also that it can be a place for everyone to learn about the heritage of their friends and neighbors. Soon, the whole class is helping with the Three Kings Day celebration at the library.

The Secret School

Once kids realize the value of education, they will do almost anything to get it — but fortunately, most children today don’t have to teach themselves! Ida wants to be a teacher — which means finishing 8th grade and going on to high school. So when her one-room schoolhouse in her remote Colorado town is closed, Ida figures there’s only one solution: keep the school open, even if it means keeping it secret. And since a school needs a teacher, Ida has to step in. But when the county administrator finds out, he gives her an ultimatum: he’ll keep their secret — but only if every student passes a final exam. If your Mighty Girl enjoys playing school, she'll love reading about a girl learning just how hard it is to be a real-life teacher.