We love books! I absolutely adore children’s literature! Books are my happy place. As we kick-off this new school year, I wanted to share some of the best back to school books for 2020 with you!
I know that this year may look and feel very different from years past, but I also know YOU. You are going to do your best to give your students the best experiences possible.
As you begin the year, remember to be intentional in the books that you select to read to/with your students and with the books that you place in your class library (or book bins). Books that help students work through, and with, their feelings and books that impress the importance of social justice will be even more pertinent this year. Your sweet students have lived through 2020 with us, and are likely struggling just as much as we are.
When you plan, remember to allow time for students to share and talk about their feelings. Be aware of your own feelings, biases, and emotional needs. I encourage you to do the work to become knowledgeable on topics and questions that your students will want to talk about. Be honest, truthful, and factual when it comes to social justice and how crucial it is. Prepare yourself to hear comments that you may not have expected.
Here are some of the best back to school books for 2020. Let me know if you have read any of them and what you think of them.
Social-Emotional Learning
- Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun
2. Where Are You From?
3. All Are Welcome
4. I am Human
5. Our Class is a Family
6. Be You
7. I’m Gonna Push Through
8. A Girl Like Me
9. School’s First Day of School
10. The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes
11. The Day You Begin
12. Each Kindness
13. Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth
14. Ruby Finds A Worry
Anti-Racist or Social Justice
- As Good As Anybody: Martin Luther King Jr.
2. Vote for Our Future
3. Something Happened in Our Town
4. IntersectionAllies: We Make Room for All
5. Speak Up
6. Say Something
Culturally Responsive
- The Arabic Quilt
2. Alma and How She Got Her Name
3. Your Name is a Song
4. My Papi Has a Motorcycle
There are way too many amazing books to list, but these are a great start for the school year! Do you have any books that I should add to this list of the best back to school books for 2020?
Share your picks with us in the comment section.
In case you missed it, I shared the Ultimate Teacher Back to School Checklist. You can read it here.
Have an amazing school year! Happy reading!
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