The end of the school year is the perfect time to pull out some end of the year books. As classrooms start to feel different, bulletin boards come down, kids start counting down the days, you might find yourself staring at a room of young readers who are equal parts excited and emotional. It’s a whirlwind—the final days of school are full of energy, nostalgia, and a whole lot of packing up.
Reading some end of the year books together is the perfect way to help make this transition better for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned kindergarten teacher or about to finish your first year in first grade, reading aloud during the last week of school can help everyone process the change, celebrate the past year, and look forward to what’s next.
Read on for the perfect end of the year books to read to your students, as well as some companion activities!
These end of the year activities are ready to print and go! Get ready to make some core memories.
Click to jump to:
- Why The End Of The Year Transition Matters
- Why Read Alouds Are A Must For The End Of The Year
- End Of The Year Books To Try This Year
- Tips For Reading End Of The Year Books
- Saying Goodbye To Your Students
Why the End of the Year Transition Matters
Students spend over 180 days in your classroom. That’s a long time for a young child. The routines, the friendships, the structure—all of it becomes a big part of their world. So, when the end of each school year comes, it’s not just the beginning of summer vacation; it’s also the end of a safe space.
Even kids excited for the next grade may feel nervous about leaving their teacher and classroom behind. For some, the last days of school can be tough. That’s why helping them mark the transition with some thoughtful, funny, or emotional end of the year read-alouds can make a real difference.
Teachers can also use this time to create rituals or class traditions that honor the past year. Think autograph books, goodbye letters, memory walls, or even a class awards day where everyone is celebrated. These small, consistent practices paired with great end of the year books can give closure and reinforce positive memories.
Why Read-Alouds Are A Must For The End Of The Year
Reading aloud is a daily part of many elementary classrooms, but during the final weeks of school, it becomes something more. It’s a way to slow down, reflect, and connect. A great book can open up conversations about change, growth, and saying goodbye.
End of the year books are also a great way to support young readers who may have complicated feelings about summer break. Some kids love it. Others dread it. Picture books about big transitions lets them know those feelings are okay.
And let’s be honest—we teachers need this too. Sharing a sweet end of the year book with your class gives you a chance to pause and feel all the things that come with saying goodbye to your students. It’s also a great reminder of why we love teaching in the first place.
End of the Year Books To Try This Year
There are so many special books out there, but these end of the year books are some of my favorite read-alouds to pull out in the final days. I’ve broken them down into a few categories to help you pick the perfect book for your classroom.
Some of these end of the year books also have wonderful companion activities to make your end of school celebrations even more fun!
Here are some end of the school year read alouds about getting excited for what's coming next, celebrating the year you've had together, and saying goodbye.
Getting Excited for the Future
It's so important to remind students that they have lots to look forward to at the end of the year. Even though they're time with you might be ending, you can show them that the future is bright and full of wonderful opportunities!
Our World Needs You
This sweet book reminds students that their unique gifts and talents are made to be shared with the world. Let students know that they are so special, and that you can't wait to see what they do next!
You can pair this book with this fun and inspiring craft and display, where students think about what they want to do for the world when they grow up.
The Night Before Summer Vacation
A heartwarming book wishing your students hope and joy as they move on from your classroom.
I Wish You Happiness
This book is a wish for a future filled with joy and purpose. Send your students off with a sweet message of love and happiness as they finish the year.
Summer Days
Get your students excited for summer with this book that celebrates the season of summer and all the things there are to look forward to!
Celebrating the Year
These end of school books are perfect for celebrating all the growth and learning you've done together over the year. You can use these to help your students reflect on their learning and how far they've come. I've also included some possible companion activities to use with them as well.
A Letter From Your Teacher On The Last Day Of School
A sweet message from a teacher on the last day of school, writing to her students about the amazing year they've had together.
I'm Glad I Was Your Teacher
A teacher reminiscing about all the wonderful memories her and her class have made together during the school year.
Memory Jars
This sweet story follows a little girl who wants to save every memory. It’s a great way to talk about all the moments that made this school year special.
Doing a memories craft is a great way to remember the year and celebrate the good times you've had together. Here is a memories flower craft where students share a favorite memory on each petal of the flower.
Saying Goodbye
These end of the year books are especially helpful to students who might be having a hard time saying goodbye at the end of the year. They emphasize that it's not really “goodbye”, it's just “see you later”!
Last Day Blues
This book is funny, relatable, and captures how students (and teachers!) feel during the last days of school. It’s also a great book to ease the emotions that come with change.
Goodbye For Now
A teacher says goodbye to her students and lets them know that they will still see her and she will still be cheering them on!
Instead Of Goodbye
A lovely book to help students who are having a hard time with saying goodbye. This story reminds students that this isn't the end, but instead it's a new beginning!
This yearbook is a great way to help younger students say goodbye to one another. Students swap booklets and draw a picture and write their name in their classmate's book. The perfect keepsake!
Tips for Reading End of the Year Books
Here are some things to keep in mind when you're choosing end of the year books to read with your class.
- Choose books that fit your class vibe. Every group is different. Some might love a funny story like “Last Day Blues,” while others connect more with a sweet story like “Our Class Needs You”.
- Use books as a jumping-off point. After reading “Memory Jars,” have your students create their own jars or write about their favorite memories. It’s a great way to reflect on the past year.
- Make it part of your countdown. If you do an ABC countdown or another fun way to end the year, include a special book for each day.
- Let the kids choose. Put out a few options and let your class vote on what to read. This gives them ownership and gets them excited.
- Connect it to next steps. If you’re sending kids off to the next grade, middle school, or even high school, pick stories that get them thinking about the journey ahead.
Saying Goodbye
Reading end of the year books is more than just a way to fill time during those hectic last weeks of school. It’s a great way to honor your students' growth, say goodbye with love, and get them excited for new adventures.
Whether you’re flipping through picture books during the last day of school or sharing a sweet book during the final days of school, these stories can help everyone process the emotions that come with change. They remind us that each ending is also a beginning.
So go ahead—grab one of your favorite books, gather your young readers on the carpet, and make those last moments count. The end of the school year only comes once a year, and these end of the year books make it unforgettable.
Note: This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. But rest assured, I only recommend the books I truly love and would use in my own classroom.
Have you seen my latest book yet? Our World Needs You is the perfect end of the year read aloud!
Which of these books are you going excited try this year? Let me know in the comments! xoxo Laura
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