The days leading up to the last day of school are a great time to reflect on the school year. This post shares popular last day of school books for kids that elementary teachers often use as read alouds this time of year. All of the picture books on this list lend themselves to this topic really well. Take a peek below to learn more about these last day of school books for kids!
5 Last Day of School Books for Kids
Below is a list of some of our favorite last day of school books for kids at the elementary level. Check them out below!
1. Last Day Blues by Julie Danneberg
Last Day Blues by Julie Danneberg is about Mrs. Hartwell and her students who have reached the end of the school year and summer vacation is quickly approaching. Although the students are looking forward to their summer vacation, they worry that Mrs. Hartwell will be sad and lonely all summer. The class decides to make their teacher a gift to cheer her up.
On the last day of school, the students are ready to give Mrs. Hartwell their gift. She is happy to see they made her a poem listing all their best memories from the school year. As the students make their way home for summer vacation they consider how sad all the teachers must be. Little do they know, the teachers are just excited about summer vacation and ready to celebrate! This book makes a great read aloud for the end of the school year!
Check out these Last Day Blues lessons and activities to help you plan and deliver highly engaging interactive read aloud lessons!
2. Lizzie and The Last Day of School by Trinka Hakes Noble
Lizzie and The Last Day of School by Trinka Hakes Noble is about a girl named Lizzie who has always loved school. She loved preschool and was very sad when kindergarten was over. When it came time for first grade, Lizzie was excited to be in school for a whole year! Lizzie’s teacher was Miss G and this was her first class. Over the year the class shared many memories together: reading 100 books, learning to hop, skip, and jump, planting a garden, and eating all their vegetables before dessert at lunch.
She then asked students to bring in a bag since it was almost the last day of school and they would be taking their supplies home. Lizzie really struggled with first grade being over, and she left on the last day without saying goodbye! Lizzie decides to sneak back to school to give Miss G a hug, and she finds that Miss G is also sad about the last day. Suddenly, the two find out Miss G will be teaching summer school in the park! Lizzie is happy she gets to go to school over the summer with Miss G!
Check out these Lizzie and The Last Day of School lessons and activities to help you plan and deliver highly engaging interactive read aloud lessons!
3. When It’s the Last Day of School by Maribeth Boelts
When It’s the Last Day of School by Maribeth Boelts is about how it’s the last day of school and James is so excited he runs all the way to school. As a student that typically misbehaves, James’ has big plans for the last day of school. He won’t talk during silent reading, he will complete all his work on time, and thank the lunch ladies in the cafeteria. Throughout the day, James thinks about his exciting plans for summer, like riding bikes, camping, looking for crabs and watching fireworks.
Throughout the school day James is a respectful and well behaved student. When the last bell rings, James gives his teacher Mrs. Bremwood a big hug goodbye. As he leaves the school for summer, James explodes with excitement! This book makes a perfect read aloud for the last day!
Check out these When It’s the Last Day of School lessons and activities to help you plan and deliver highly engaging interactive read aloud lessons!
4. A Letter From Your Teacher on the Last Day of School by Shannon Olsen
A Letter From Your Teacher on the Last Day of School by Shannon Olsen is a beautiful story written as a letter from a teacher to her students. Set on the last few days of school, the teacher reminisces about Crazy Hair Day, field trips, and Science Fairs. She acknowledges students’ mistakes, their successes, and the fact that they have become a family.
Check out these A Letter From Your Teacher on the Last Day of School lessons and activities to help you plan and deliver highly engaging interactive read aloud lessons!
5. Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Last Day of School by Julie Gassman
Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Last Day of School by Julie Gassman is a story that the narrator writes to remind students how dangerous it can be to bring a dragon to school! This silly story shares the cause and effect of bringing a dragon to school. From awards to cleaning out desks, there is always something that will go wrong when a dragon is involved!
Check out these Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Last Day of School lessons and activities to help you plan and deliver highly engaging interactive read aloud lessons!
Grab the Free Reading Resources!
In closing, we hope you found this list of last day of school books for kids helpful! They are part of our Starts With a Story collection. If you want to get more book ideas to read aloud to your elementary students, then grab this reading freebie. It includes read aloud books lists, reading logs, and reading challenges for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classroom teachers. It will have you covered for the entire school year, as well as the summer months! Grab this free elementary reading packet now!
