As the school year winds down, your classroom transforms. Desks are cleaned, anchor charts come down, and the walls echo with memories. Whether you’re teaching littles or big kids (like my fifth graders), the end of the year carries weight. It’s filled with hugs, laughter, maybe a few tears—and the perfect opportunity to bring in some meaningful picture books.
These end of the school year picture books are more than read-alouds—they’re moments of reflection, closure, and celebration.
Here are five heartfelt titles that will help you and your students close out the year in the most beautiful way.
📘 A Letter From Your Teacher on the Last Day of School by Shannon Olsen
A Hug in Book Form
This tender follow-up to Shannon Olsen’s classroom-favorite is a perfect way to end your school year. Written as a heartfelt letter from teacher to student, this story honors growth, connection, and the special journey you’ve shared. It’s packed with emotion and sincerity—truly a Confetti Moment waiting to happen.
💌 Want a free activity?
I created a meaningful Letter Writing Activity to pair with this book. Students write their own letters back to their teacher—sharing memories, what they’ve learned, and their favorite classroom moments.
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📕 This is a Moment by Micah Player
Mindfulness Meets Milestone
This poetic picture book is a gentle nudge to slow down and savor each moment—something we all need at the end of a fast-paced school year. With whimsical illustrations and lyrical language, it invites students to reflect on the now while anticipating the journey ahead. Read it aloud and let it linger.
Activity: Capture a Classroom Moment
Invite students to illustrate or write about a moment from the school year that they want to hold onto forever. It can be joyful, funny, or even a little emotional. Hang these on a bulletin board titled “Moments That Matter.”
📗 What the Road Said by Cleo Wade
For the Students Asking, “What’s Next?”
Change can feel uncertain. What the Road Said is a warm, reassuring invitation to step forward with courage and curiosity. Cleo Wade’s lyrical text and vivid illustrations offer comfort and inspiration, making this a perfect last-week-of-school read. It’s a story about trust—trusting yourself, the path, and all the possibilities that await.
Activity: Map Your Road Ahead
Give each student a blank “road map” template. Along the path, they draw or write milestones they hope to reach next year (new friends, trying new things, joining clubs, etc.). Optional: have them color the road as a symbol of their unique journey.
📗 The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi
Perfect for What Comes Next
Though not technically about the end of school, this empowering book is perfect for transition times. It reminds students that they might not be able to do everything… yet. I use this to encourage a growth mindset before summer and to frame the year ahead with hope and excitement.
Activity: “My Yet Journal”
Invite students to create a “Yet Journal” page. Have them write or draw something they couldn’t do at the beginning of the year but can do now—then, add something they can’t do yet, but want to learn. This simple reflection helps celebrate growth while planting the seed for future learning goals. Display them under a bulletin title like “Our Yets Turned Into Wows!”
If you love The Magical Yet (and who doesn’t?!), you’ll fall in love with The Curious Why—another gem by the amazing Angela DiTerlizzi! 💫 It’s all about embracing curiosity, asking questions, and celebrating the magic of wonder. I created a free and paid classroom resource to pair with it as part of my Open the Magic Day celebration.
Angela is a true joy to work with, and her books bring such heart to every read aloud. 📚💛
📙 Maybe: A Story About the Endless Potential in All of Us by Kobi Yamada
Dream Big, Sweet One
Maybe is the kind of book that leaves a lump in your throat—in the best way. It celebrates each child’s uniqueness and limitless potential. On the last day of school, I love to read this and have students write their own “maybe” statements about the future. It’s a beautiful way to honor who they are becoming.
Activity: “Maybe I…” Writing Prompt
After reading, give students the sentence starter: “Maybe I was born to…” and have them complete it with their dreams or gifts. They can write a few sentences or decorate a star-shaped paper with their dream in the center.
📘 Last Day Blues by Julie Danneberg
This humorous and heartwarming story is a perfect read-aloud for the final days of school. Told from the students’ perspective, the class worries about how sad their teacher must feel about the year ending. With playful illustrations and a surprise twist, Last Day Blues reminds us that goodbyes are hard—but also full of love, laughter, and lasting memories.
Activity: “You Thought I’d Miss…” Letters
After reading, have students write or illustrate their own “Last Day Blues” letters to you, listing silly or sweet things they think you’ll miss most about them or the class. These can be compiled into a booklet titled “Our Teacher’s Summer Blues.” It’s a lighthearted, personal keepsake that will make you smile for years to come!
📒 Wherever You Go by Pat Zietlow Miller & Alexandra Penfold
A Joyful Sendoff
With rhythmic rhyme and playful illustrations, this book is an uplifting message for students about to venture into new territory. It’s perfect for graduates, movers, or anyone turning the page. I love how it celebrates the road ahead—twists, turns, bumps and all. It’s a cheerful, emotional ride that’s just right for the end of the year.
Activity: Class Travel Poster
Create a collaborative poster with the title: “Wherever We Go…”
Each student adds a mini sticky note with a place they’re excited to go—physically or metaphorically (e.g., “middle school,” “science camp,” “summer vacation,” or “a new soccer team”). It becomes a joyful send-off piece for your classroom wall or door.
Why These Stories Matter
Endings are hard. So are goodbyes. But with the right picture book, we can turn those moments into celebrations. These end of the school year picture books help us reflect on what we’ve built, while giving kids the courage and comfort to keep going. Not quite ending the year? You can try these May National Days or Our Favorite Day of the Year! Starting to plan for next year? Check this recommendation out to start your read aloud game strong!
In your final days together, read aloud. Share stories. Create Confetti Moments that students (and you!) will carry long after the classroom lights go out.
