I can hardly believe the end of the school year is already here! The days may feel long, but somehow the year always seems to fly by. With all the excitement (from award ceremonies and field trips to end of the year testing), it can feel a bit chaotic and overwhelming. Here are some of my favorite end of the year picture books for the last week of school. I like to incorporate lots of read-alouds during the final weeks. They bring a sense of calm, spark meaningful conversations, and help us savor these last days together.
Perfect End of the Year Picture Books
1. You’re On Your Way!
by Melanie Watt
If you have been following me over on Instagram, you already know I LOVE Melanie Watt’s first week of school book, You’re Finally Here.
And now I am SO excited that she has written the perfect last week of school sequel! You’re on Your Way is a fun way to celebrate all your students’ successes!
2. A Letter From Your Teacher
by Shannon Olsen
This one is a bit of a tear-jerker, but a must on any teacher’s last week of school list.
Olsen tells this story from a teacher’s point of view and reflects upon the student’s growth, accomplishments, and how they will be missed.
It leads to great discussions about memories and goals.
3. Last Day Blues
by Julie Danneberg
For fans of First Day Jitters, this lighthearted story follows Mrs. Hartwell’s students as they come up with a plan to help her not miss them so much over summer vacation.
The storyline is funny (for both teachers and students), and the illustrations are super engaging. We always find something new to laugh at on each page.
4. Goodbye for Now
by Madison Rowe
Goodbye for Now is the perfect send-off to summer vacation! It’s an easy read that allows students to focus on the positives of the year.
The illustrations are fun and bright, and the message is the perfect reminder as studnets prepare for a new year. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later!
5. Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Last Day of School
by Julie Gassman
If you need a break from the bittersweet farewell books, this is a great one to throw into the mix!
It rhymes, involves dragons (who doesn’t like dragons?), AND depicts last day emotions in a fun and engaging way!
6. I Believe in You!
by Marianne Richmond
This heartwarming story is a wonderful end-of-the-year picture book to read during the last week of school.
The author acknowledges the roller coaster of emotions and experiences, but spreads the message of hope and encouragement.
7. The Night Before Summer Vacation
by Natasha Wing
The Night Before Summer Vacation is another lighthearted end-of-the-year story that helps build anticipation for the long-awaited summer vacation.
It’s great as a precursor for discussing everyone’s summer plans!
8. Last Day, Hooray!
by Nancy Poydar
This one is great for the younger kiddos (K-1), and is perfect to read on the morning of the last day of school.
The book follows Ivy and her friends as they get ready for summer vacation and find out one final surprise!
9. Junie B. Jones Is a Graduation Girl
by Barbara Parks
Junie B. Jones is about to be a 1st grader! Follow along in all her misadventures surrounding graduation!
Your students will giggle throughout this chapter book while making valuable connections to how they are currently feeling.
10. Lizzie and the Last Day of School
by Trinka Hakes Nobel
This last week read aloud follows Lizzie, a school-loving first-grader, as she experiences the emotions of the end of the school year.
Your students will surely be able to relate to how she feels!
11. Goodbye, School
by Tonya Lippert
Like Lizzie (the above character), Franny loves everything about school. She is moving to a new school and working through the emotions of change.
It’s a great read aloud to discuss periods of transition, whether it’s a new school or simply a new grade.
12. And Then Comes Summer
by Tonya Bolden
This book is great for getting your students excited about all things summer vacation!
The author covers a wide variety of activities, from running lemonade stands to riding bikes, so your students will easily make connections and brainstorm new ideas.
Plus, you’ll love the nostalgic memories it brings back from your own childhood outdoors!
13. Summer is Here!
by Heidi Pross Gray
During the school year, time outside can be limited. Summer is Here is a great option for encouraging your students to spend time in nature during summer break.
It’s an underrated favorite of mine!
14. Be You!
by Peter H. Reynolds
This is one of my favorite end of the year picture books. Reynolds is always a favorite author in my classroom! Be You! reminds readers that they are special just the way they are.
It’s an uplifting read to send your students off to the next grade level!
15. I Wish You More
by Amy Krause Rosenthal
Another inspiring send-off, I Wish You More is a wholesome read-aloud about all the good wishes.
It’s a perfect segue into a writing activity about your students’ summer wishes.
16. I’m Glad I Was Your Teacher
by Brianna Frizell
A short and sweet read-aloud that is perfect for the younger grades! I’m Glad I Was Your Teacher celebrates the years’ accomplishments, reflects on the good memories, and acknowledges the bittersweet feelings.
I have been known to shed a tear or two during this read-aloud/discussion.
17. Memory Jars
by Vera Brosgo
Every teacher should implement a memory jar in the last week of school!
This book introduces the idea wonderfully, and the memories that you’ll read are priceless. Some are tear-jerkers, while others are hilarious!
18. The End is Just the Beginning
by Mike Bender
And last, but certainly not least, The End is Just the Beginning needs to be in your last week of school read-aloud collection.
This one is sure to tug on all the heart strings as the author describes how beautiful and ending can truly be.
More of My Favorite Read-Alouds to Add To Your Classroom Library!
I’m a firm believer that some of the best lessons in the class come from a read-aloud! Here are some of my favorite picture books that should be added to your library!
- 10 Read Alouds About Telling Time
- Gingerbread Man Books (Perfect for comparing different stories!)
- Social-Emotional Learning Books for the Classroom
- 15 First Day of School Books
I hope you’ve found some end of the year picture books that you can add to your last week of school plans!
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