This post is all about end of the year read alouds for the end of the school year.
9 end of year read aloud books
As the school year is coming to a close, it’s time to think about some engaging picture books to read at the end of the school year! I am sure your students have made so much progress this year. You should be so very proud of them (and of yourself as well!).
One of the best ways to wrap up the school year is to read a book together as a class one last time.
We have compiled a list of 9 books that will be great picture books to read at the end of the school year. These books are sure to inspire, entertain, and have your students reflecting on the wonderful school year they had.
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READ-ALOUDS FOR THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR Selection process
The end of the school year is such a hectic time for educators! From packing up your classroom to daydreaming about your upcoming beach vacation (jealous, by the way), you are a little busy. Not only is that understandable but it’s expected this time of year.
To help you make the best choice of what picture books to read to end the school year, these 9 books were selected.
To figure out if a book made the list, we asked ourselves the following questions:
Is it appropriate for the primary grades? This list features picture books that are more appropriate for students in the primary grade levels. That means the following books will not be too lengthy. They will have colorful illustrations and text that can be understood by little readers.
Is it entertaining and engaging? It is the end of the school year and attention spans are fleeting! Let’s select books that will excite and engage our readers. As they join you for one last read-aloud, let’s make sure it is a fun one! Not only are these books fun to read at the end of the school year, but they are also fun to listen to.
Is it inspirational and uplifting? Books for the end of the school year should have themes of growth, inspiration, and positivity. These themes of positivity and growth will help your students think about the past school year while preparing for their extended break at home.
Does it bring you happy thoughts about the past school year? Wrapping up a school year can bring a lot of mixed emotions. Some children are going to be very sad that the school year is over. Others will be so happy to embrace summer break. Let’s make sure the read alouds chosen are filled with positivity and happy thoughts.
I hope you enjoy this list of picture books for the end of the school year!
9 end of year read aloud books
I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
This book has such a sweet message that translates well into many of life’s milestones of change. The illustrations are absolutely lovely (it’s Rosenthal’s team after all!). “I Wish You More” is perfect for young children as the story is short with only about one sentence per page. There are so many ups and downs in life, but the message of encouragement and optimism in this book is so powerful.
Bonus tip: Because this book translates well into many of life’s milestones, it makes a great gift for baby showers, birthdays, and graduations.
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” is a perfect choice when you’re selecting a read-aloud for the last day of school. This read-aloud reminisces about the past school year, emphasizing all of the fun activities and hard work that has been done. It’s true, the students have worked so hard – and so have you! Because of your hard work, so many fun memories have been created.
I Knew You Could! by Craig Doorfman
“I Knew You Could!” is a perfect story when you are facing any time of major transition. With many of life’s larger transitions, it’s normal to feel a sense of doubt. Will I do okay? Am I doing enough?
I love this book as a picture book for the end of the school year because it gives a message of perseverance and positivity. Sometimes, we all need a reminder to approach each challenge in life one day at a time. I love that this book will give students the feeling that they can do anything!
I Will Always Be Proud of You by Michael Wong
This is a beautiful story, and I’m surprised it’s not more popular. It’s from a parent’s perspective, but it can absolutely be from a teacher’s perspective as well. The illustrations by Zina Iuagi are so stunning. Seriously, check out her other work.
The book encourages children to be all that they can be. Will they grow up to be a wonderful teacher just like you? Or will they instead become an artist or a composer?
What a beautiful message. It is definitely one of my new favorites.
The Night Before Summer Vacation by Natasha Wing
So many great rhymes are sprinkled throughout this read aloud book! If any of your children are planning to take a vacation over the summer, then this book is a great option.
Because this book is solely focused on summer vacation, it gives a great opportunity to discuss summer vacation plans and all the madness that sometimes may bring! For older children, you can turn this into a written reflection prompt. You can have children write about their summer plans – whatever they may be!
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
We see this book near the end of the school year and at graduation parties so often for very good reasons. Dr. Seuss delivers a message of resilience with words of encouragement and his classic witty rhyming. It is okay to be uncomfortable with change. If things don’t work out in your favor, keep trying.
What a great message to deliver to our little readers at the end of the school year. They are certainly off to great places, aren’t they?
See You Later, Alligator by Sally Hopgood
This one gave me a good laugh! Featuring a charismatic and friendly tortoise going on an adventure, this book has vibrant illustrations and a silly goodbye message to readers.
There are a lot of cute rhyme schemes in this book as well. “See You Later, Alligator” is an excellent end-of-the-year read-aloud book for children in younger grades, such as preschool to first grade. Little readers will surely love Tortoise and all of the friends he has to say goodbye to.
Goodbye Preschool, Hello Kindergarten by Sonica Ellis
This book is great for little preschoolers who are making the transition to kindergarten next year! It has plenty of rhyming words and colorful illustrations. The theme of change and transition makes this book a great way to wrap up the last day of preschool.
On the First Day of Summer Vacation by Tish Rabe
There are so many fun things to do during summer vacation! As you read this book, maybe your students will get some ideas of their own for fun summer vacation activities. These characters sure are busy, but they are having fun!
Hopefully, this list has provided you with some great options for read aloud options for the end of the school year! The right book can be a great source of reflection and inspiration.
With this in mind, I wish you…
Happy Reading!
9 End of Year Read Aloud Books to Wrap Up the School Year
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