Back-to-School Mentor Texts

I love a good book. A book with a great life lesson is even better! These books subliminally let your students “get” that a lot of reading is going to be happening in their classroom, and most teach a great lesson that will hopefully go with them forever.
We’ve been in school for three weeks, and I finally feel like human again…almost. I was more prepared for this year than I’ve ever been, and yet the back-to-school season still hits me like a ton of bricks. Many of you have already started, but I know there’s a few of you out there, that don’t start until after Labor Day. 
A few of the books are just fun, and quite frankly great ways to spend a few minutes in between teaching and practicing procedures and routines. Interested in a book? Just click the picture, and you’ll be able to order from Amazon!
 Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun might just be my absolute favorite back-to-school book. Lucy comes across as a bit strange, but finds courage, and is able to display kindness to a bully even when it’s not easy.
 The Name Jar celebrates differences, cultures, starting at a new school, and teaches a powerful lesson about being you.
 Being a Bucket Filler is what life’s about. Random acts of kindness, a smile, simple wave, and helping others. Have You Filled a Bucket Today teaches students how to be a bucket filler, and also what it means to be a bucket dipper. 
 I’ll never get tired of First Day Jitters, because I can certainly relate to Sarah Jane Hartwell! It’s such a great reminder that we’re all a little nervous and scared on the very first day.
 How Full is Your Bucket is another bucket filling book, that shares a story about a boy who is having a pretty rough day, until he remembers his grandpa’s words about invisible buckets, and his day starts to turn around.
 I love Kevin Henkes, and Chrysanthemum is a classic back-to-school book that is perfect for celebrating differences, and learning classmates’ names.
 Molly Lou Melon has a voice like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor, and quite a few other quirks. She is able to turn these quirks into strengths!
 Being a tattler is not a new concept, however, kids have to learn the difference between tattling and reporting. Even more than that, kids have to learn to be problem solvers! This book is perfect for understanding when to report/warn and when to keep it to yourself!
 How I Spend My Summer Vacation is a fun way for students to read about and then share their own summer vacation adventures.
 Brand-new Pencils, Brand-new Books is another great first day book!
 I love starting a chapter book in the first week of school, and the My Weird School Series is a fun start! We read a chapter a day, usually around dismissal time!
What’s YOUR favorite back-to-school book?
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