30+ Best Kids Books to Read This September
Reading aloud is an excellent way to build connections and foster learning with the whole family. There are amazing benefits to reading picture books at bedtime or sharing your favorite chapter books. That’s why I’ve committed to sharing some of our favorite books with you every month in a printable format you can take to the library or bookstore.
As interest-led learners, we like to choose books that spark our curiosity and feature interesting topics, characters, and plots. Choosing books that line up with the seasons and upcoming events in our lives increases engagement in our unit studies and homeschool lessons. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!
September is filled with fun days to celebrate and important historic moments to learn more about with our families. Check out my September list with more than 30 fascinating titles for kids of all ages including books for the first day of Autumn, September 11, Johnny Appleseed’s birthday, and Talk Like a Pirate Day.
The Best Books For Each Month Of The Year!
If you love books that inspire curiosity and imagination, you’re going to love this printable list! I’ve gathered together 30 great stories you’ll want to add to your TBR list this September. Discover picture books with beautiful illustrations, chapter books with fascinating new characters, and creative graphic novels you can’t put down.
Grab my printable monthly book list for September and go searching for some of our favorites at your local library or favorite bookshop. We know these books will inspire your family to fall in love with reading this Autumn.
30+ September Books for Kids of All Ages
This curated list of Septmber books has titles for kids from preschool through high school. Whether you’re searching for picture books, chapter books, or graphic novels, there’s something for everyone on our printable book list.
Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel
On the first Monday in September, we celebrate Labor Day. This holiday is the annual celebration of American workers’ achievements over the years. It’s the perfect time to explore workers’ rights and learn about labor unions and equality in your homeschool.
Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel is the true story of a young immigrant girl who led the biggest strike of female workers in American history. She never accepted that girls should be treated poorly and paid little.
Instead, Clara worked diligently and went to night school while working in the shirtwaist factory. Then, in 1909, she led the largest walkout of women workers our country had ever seen, inspiring American workers to stand together against mistreatment and low wages.
Corduroy by Don Freeman
On September 9, we celebrate National Teddy Bear Day, a day to commemorate one of our favorite childhood toys. It’s the perfect day to read Corduroy, a classic picture book by Don Freeman. Fall in love with Corduroy the teddy bear again as you introduce your kids to this beloved character.
Johnny Appleseed by Steven Kellogg
Did you know Johny Appleseed’s birthday is in September? September is the height of apple season so it’s the perfect time to celebrate this American legend with your family as you enjoy the beautiful illustrations in Steven Kellogg’s Johnny Appleseed picture book.
Mmm, Cookies! by Robert Munsch
One of our favorite silly holidays is National Playdough Day. It’s celebrated on September 16 each year. It’s the perfect day to make your own playdough or open your favorite dough kit and get creative while building fine motor skills.
Everyone will laugh as you read Robert Munsch’s hilarious picture book Mmm, Cookies! about a mischievous cookie playdough creation everyone “loves.” Then, grab some play dough printable activities in my Purposeful Preschool curriculum for more learning fun.
Night Job by Karen Hesse
Labor Day is a great time to teach children about different careers and jobs in our community. In Karen Hesse’s picture book Night Job, you’ll meet a very special Dad who works the night shift as the school custodian. Kids will love the magic of playing basketball in the school gymnasium at night and reading books in the library after hours.
On Our Way to Oyster Bay: Mother Jones and Her March for Children’s Rights by Monica Kulling
Another good picture book for Labor Day is On Our Way to Oyster Bay by Monica Kulling. We love using picture book biographies to learn more about history and this is a favorite. It’s an excellent way to explore the history of child labor and children’s rights and learn more about Mohter Jones with your homeschoolers this September.
Play Dough On Strike by Jennifer Jones
Need another fun playdough book? You’ll laugh out loud as you read Play Dough On Strike by Jennifer Jones. It’s part of a colorful series of school supply books that will have your kids giggling as you celebrate National Playdough Day this September.
Rain Makes Applesauce by Julian Scheer
Apples are everywhere in September, so this picture book classic by Julian Scheer is the perfect read-aloud for your library list this month! Rain Makes Applesauce is a Caldecott Honor Award Book featuring gorgeous illustrations and imaginative verses that have inspired generations of children. It’s definitely a must-read for kids of all ages.
Survivor Tree by Marcie Colleen
Every year on September 11, Americans remember the victims of a tragic terrorist attack and the brave heroes who gave their lives that day. Talking about September 11, 2001, with our children is difficult, especially when they’re young. Marcie Colleen’s book, Survivor Tree, is a hopeful resilient story about a tree that grows at the base of the Twin Towers will help children ages 4 to 9 understand the impact of September 11 on our nation.
Thanks to Frances Perkins: Fighter for Workers’ Rights by Deborah Hopkinson
Deborah Hopkinson’s engaging picture book biography of Frances Perkins is an excellent history lesson for homeschoolers this September. Perkins was the first female US cabinet member, she helped to create the Social Security program and worked as the Secretary of Labor for President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Thanks to Frances Perkins: Fighter for Workers’ Rights tells the story of Perkins’ vision for an America where no one is left out and the Social Security program she created to change the lives of Americans for generations. This fascinating book is also an excellent way to introduce kids to financial literacy, Roosevelt’s New Deal, economics, and the Social Security Act.
The Autumn Visitors by Karel Hayes
September 22 is the first day of Autumn, so it’s the perfect day to read The Autumn Visitors by Karel Hayes. It’s the final book in his Visitors series about an adventurous family of bears. In this book, the bears enjoy New England Autumn traditions, including sneaking into a country fair. Kids will fall in adore reading about these loveable bears as they enjoy the season and avoid the humans.
The Legend of the Teddy Bear by Frank Murphy
The Legend of the Teddy Bear by Frank Murphy is the perfect historical picture book for National Teddy Bear Day. This is part of a series of picture books filled with myths, legends, fairytales, and folktales. Your whole family will love reading about the legendary day “Teddy” Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear and how it led to the creation of America’s favorite stuffed animal: the teddy bear.
Johnny Appleseed by David R. Collins
Picture books aren’t just for young children, they have amazing benefits for learners of all ages. We love picture books because they combine both visual and auditory learning styles to ensure we’re both getting what we need.
However, if you’re searching for a chapter book to read this September, don’t miss David R. Collins’ Johnny Appleseed. This longer version of Johnny Appleseed’s story features more mature themes for middle-grade readers and facts from history to make it the perfect addition to your September lesson plans.
Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie
September 19 is Talk Like a Pirate Day, so it’s the perfect time to snuggle up together and use your pirate voices to read J. M. Barrie’s classic, Peter Pan. In 2015, MinaLima published a beautiful new illustrated version that’s interactive and it’s excellent!
Follow Peter Pan and Wendy to Neverland to meet all your favorite characters with a detailed map of the island, a Croc o’clock with moveable hands, and your own copy of Peter’s shadow. It’s the perfect way to experience Peter Pan. For more learning fun, discover 50+ book and movie combos just like Peter Pan to add to your homeschool plans this year.
Pirates Past Noon by Mary Pope Osborne
If you love The Magic Treehouse Series by Mary Pope Osborne as much as we do, you won’t want to miss book four: Pirates Past Noon. In this book, Jack and Annie embark on a high-seas adventure with secret maps, buried treasure, and pirates. It’s perfect for Talk Like a Pirate Day!
Then, enjoy more Magic Treehouse inspired adventures with our Passport to Adventures interest-led curriculum based on these award-winning books. With 66 fiction books and 44 nonfiction books in the series, there are enough Jack and Annie stories to enjoy all year long!
Race to the Bottom of the Sea by Lindsay Eagar
Who doesn’t love reading about pirates and buried treasure? There are just so many excellent pirate-themed books to discover! Don’t miss Race to the Bottom of the Sea by Lindsay Eagar.
This novel for 8 to 12-year-old readers follows a young inventor on a thrilling sci-fi sea adventure to discover the heart of gold hidden deep within a ruthless pirate named Merrick the Monsterous.
Teddy & Co. by Cynthia Voigt
Older kids can get in on the fun for National Teddy Bear Day with Teddy & Co. by Cynthia Voigt. Read along as a thoughtful teddy bear learns to adapt to new toys joining his untidy band of lost toys, changing the community forever. This charming story is illustrated with beautiful illustrations, making it perfect for kids who are just beginning chapter books or reading aloud together as a family.
The Impossible Rescue: The True Story of an Amazing Arctic Adventure by Martin W. Sandler
Nonfiction books make great read-alouds too. Middle school readers will enjoy The Impossible Rescue: The True Story of an Amazing Arctic Adventure by Martin W. Sandler.
This book tells the story of 3 heroic men sent by President McKinley to rescue 300 American sailors whose ships were trapped in ice off the Alaskan coast in September 1897. It’s the perfect living history read-aloud featuring real photographs, maps, newspaper articles, and journal entries from one of the rescuers.
The Last Apple Tree by Claudia Mills
In The Last Apple Tree by Claudia Mills, you’ll meet a 12-year-old girl named Sonnet who has just moved across the country to live with her grandfather in his apple orchard. The orchard is being turned into a housing development and only one heirloom apple tree remains. Follow along in this middle-grade apple story that’s perfect for September all about unexpected friendship, compassion, growing old, and family memories.
Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes
It won’t take you long to see why Towers Falling is a Teacher’s Pick for teaching students about September 11, 2001. Award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes writes about a fifth-grade classroom in New York filled with students who can’t remember the event but still experience the aftermath. This novel is perfect for exploring the cultural shift in America post-9/11 with your upper elementary and middle-grade homeschoolers.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
One of my favorite pirate books is Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. If you haven’t read it yet, add it to your September lesson plans for Talk Like a Pirate Day.
This classic novel has kept readers on the edge of their seats for more than a century! Read along as young Jim Hawkins goes in search of buried treasure with the help of an old sea captain and a map.
Winnie the Pooh
The best chapter book for National Teddy Bear Day has got to be A. A. Milne’s classic, Winnie the Pooh. Even if you’re not a fan of the Disney movie version, I know you’ll love reading about Pooh, Piglet, and Christopher Robin’s adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood this September.
Graphic novels make it easy to explore different mediums for storytelling. They’re ideal for reluctant readers and quirky kiddos because they appeal to every learning style.
Graphic novels help kids identify context clues and onomatopoeia, helping them develop critical reading skills. Discover some of our favorite graphic novels for September below.
Apple Crush by Lucy Knisley
Apple Crush is the second book in Lucy Knisley’s Peapod Farm Series of middle-grade graphic novels. It’s a great graphic novel for apple-picking season and back-to-school days.
Kids will love the characters: Jen and her stepsisters, Andy and Reese. Read along as they start sixth grade and learn new things about growing up together.
Compass South by Hope Larson
This New York Times Bestselling middle-grade graphic novel is filled with pirates and adventure for September! Compass South is the first book in the Four Points Series by Hope Larson.
Follow twins Alex and Cleo as they join up with the Black Hook Gang to pull off a heist and get caught by the police! Then, travel with them to New Orleans where Alex gets kidnapped and made to work on a ship traveling to San Francisco. Next, Cleo stows away on a steamer to New Granada searching for her brother.
Throughout the book, the twins are being followed by pirates they must outwit at every turn. This colorful graphic novel is action-packed and filled with US Geography learning opportunities for middle schoolers!
I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001 by Lauren Tarshis
The I Survived Series exposes kids to important historical events with age-appropriate adaptations through the eyes of fictional children who survived the events. I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001 is a bold graphic novel full of action, historical facts, and a nonfiction section for further learning.
Louie & Bear Bite Back by Brady Smith
Ok, so the bear in Brady Smith’s Louie & Bear Bite Back, book 2 in the series, isn’t a teddy bear. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t add this series to your September book list. These whimsical graphic novels are perfect for reluctant readers!
Louie & Bear is full of hilarious characters like “Hairy Larry” and “Panda Brain” living together in the exciting Land of Anything Goes. Follow along as they work to stop the villainous Panda Brain from using a device called the Imaginator to create whatever crazy things he imagines. Laugh it up as you read about Panda Brain’s imaginings, including a lightning-generating monster, a world without burritos, and fish raining from the sky.
Tank & Fizz: The Case of the Tentacle Terror by Liam O’Donnell
The fifth book in Liam O’Donnell’s Tank & Fizz series is a great choice for graphic novel fans to enjoy on Talk Like a Pirate Day. In this novel, Tank and Fizz, two crime-solving monsters get tangled up with a band of ruthless pirates while trying to solve a brand new mystery.
The Dangerous Alphabet by Neil Gaiman
Fans of award-winning author Neil Gaiman will love his graphic novel The Dangerous Alphabet. This book makes a great family read-aloud because it’s accessible for young readers and entertaining for older readers too. We love the whimsical verses and imaginative illustrations in this pirate adventure story told in 26 alphabetical lines.
The Unsinkable Walker Bean by Aaron Renier
Another book to check out this September is The Unsinkable Walker Bean by Aaron Renier. This graphic novel tells the story of Walker Bean, a meek young boy who becomes a pirate to save his grandfather. The whole family will love this graphic novel filled with adventures, magic, and ancient legends.
This Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews
One more graphic novel you’ll want to check out this month is Ryan Andrew’s This Was Our Pact. This middle-grade book takes place during the Autumn Equinox in late September. As the town gathers for the equinox festival, the main characters make a pact to follow the river on their bikes as long as it takes them to discover the truth about a local legend.
More Activities for Learning this September
Discover even more fun learning activities in our FREE bundle of September Homeschool Printables! These printables and activities are easy to take with you for learning on the go this fall. If you have a favorite September book for kids that isn’t on my list, share it in the comments so we can check out all your favorite books too!