It has always been important to me to make the end of the year memorable for my students.
Reading special books during the last few weeks of school is a great way to close out the school year on a positive note and send kids some inspiring messages.
I’ve used different end-of-the-year read-alouds over the years, but this post includes a few of my current favorites.
You are reading: End of the year picture books
Some of these end-of-the-year picture books serve as a good starting point for talking about hopes and dreams for the future.
Some of these books are perfect to use as an orientation text for a type of culminating reading or writing activity.
and some of them are nice to use just as read-alouds.
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1. songbird
songbird by jenn larson (it’s me!) is a story about sydney sparrow, a little bird with an unusual dream! sydney wants to become a conductor after hearing the new york philharmonic orchestra play in central park near her home. With some courage and determination, she works hard, but can she make her dream come true?
I love using this book to talk to students about their hopes and dreams for the future!
2. the last day of school
louise borden’s last day of school follows mrs. Mallory’s third grade class as they count down the last days of school. With so much to do, third graders feel those bittersweet emotions that come at the end of a school year.
3. the book of knowledge
Rebecca Dotlich’s Book of Knowledge is a beautifully illustrated picture book about a young rabbit who travels the world and explores the unknown. Throughout his journey, the rabbit takes comfort in the knowledge that he has a place to call home and to which he will one day return.
See Also: Top 30 Best Spy Books Of All Time: Great Mystery Today 2022
4. breathe
breathe by scott magoon is a heartwarming story about a young whale’s first day out at sea on his own. Readers follow the whale as she discovers the world around her from a whole new perspective.
5. how i spent my summer
How I Spent My Summer by Mark Teague is a book you can use at the beginning of the year, but it’s also fun at the end of the year when you talk about the summer ahead. This over-the-top tale showcases the imagination of a young student when he’s asked to write about his summer vacation.
I love using this as a fun narrative or fantasy story writing activity that all kids can write about!
6. I wish you more
i wish you more by amy krouse rosenthal is a happy and positive book about endless good wishes. It’s a good way to end the year, wishing your students the best.
7. melancholy of the last day
julie danneburg’s last day blues follows mrs. Hartwell’s class. everyone is excited for summer vacation, but there is only one problem. kids don’t want their teacher to miss them while they’re gone.
8. the polar star
i always love peter h. Reynold’s Books! this one, the polar star, is a new edition of a universal fable. inspire dreamers young and old to listen to their hearts.
See Also: Steve Berry – Book Series In Order
9. the end
david larochelle’s ending can be used as a fun way to get kids talking about memories and events of the school year backwards, starting at the end of the year, just like this book!
This is another great one to use as inspiration for a writing activity.
10. Mrs. spritzer garden
mrs. spritzer’s garden by edith patton is a metaphor for teaching following mrs. spritzer while he takes care of his garden. she shows her tending her garden to watch it grow, just as a teacher nurtures her students throughout the year.
need some end of the year resources? here is one of my favorites! It’s a print and digital memory book your students will enjoy!!!
click here to take a look.
here are more end of the year resources:
End of Year Literacy Set End of Year Award Certificates – Editable End of Year Awards – Editable Time Capsule Doesn’t Open Until High School Graduation Project
Interested in some more ideas for the end of the school year? check out these blogs!
4 free upper primary activities to reach the end of the year
end of the year spread a little kindness by writing letters
Happy New Year! Thanks for visiting us!
See Also: 28 of 2020s YA Fiction Books to Read Before the Year Ends