It is almost that time of year when little and big ones will be stepping up to a new grade or having a graduation. We often celebrate life events and holidays with books for kids.
Whether you have a preschooler, grade school child, high schooler or college graduate moving on to the next phase of their life, give one of the books on this list to mark the occasion!
Graduation Books
If you want the latest and greatest, check out the 2018 release of Sometimes You Fly by Newbery Medalist, Katherine Applegate. The book starts with the major accomplishments of learning to eat all the way to eating that graduation cake. We have lots of messy starts to accomplish great things. It’s one of my new favorites.
From Tree to Sea by Shelley Moore Thomas encourages readers to look around the world and learn. Trees show us how to stand tall and soil shows us to support the things around us. It’s a beautiful story for a graduate of any age.
Be Happy! by Monica Sheehan is a wonderful simple reminder of all the things to do for a happy life including: be grateful, be kind and be brave! A perfect book for graduates of all ages.
Reach for the Stars by Serge Bloch shares advice for the journey of life. There is no better time in life to reach for the stars than when you embark on a new adventure.
What Do You Do With An Idea? by Kobi Yamada is a wonderful and inspirational book about nurturing new ideas and watching them grow. It is a great reminder not to discount an idea that seems to big, too hard or too odd. Give it time and space then watch it grow!
Go Get ‘Em Tiger! by Sabrina Moyle is pure celebration and encouragement. It’s just what every new graduate needs. It’s bright and bold and full of positivity so “Go Get ‘Em Tiger!”
How Big is the World? by Teckentrup is the story of a mole who sets off to discover how big the world really is. On his way, he meets lots of animals who have different perspectives on the size of the world. While exploring he realizes he misses his family. He learns that you can always return home. The world is as big as you want to make it!
Oh the Places You’ll Go! is probably the classic graduation book to give graduates. I know I received a copy when I graduated! Dr. Seuss takes us on a humorous journey of the ups and downs of life.
Another classic author, Sandra Boynton, brings us Yay! You It’s a nice short and sweet book about moving up and moving on with your life. This is a great pick if the graduate grew up with Boynton books when he was little!
The North Star by Peter Reynolds is about knowing which path to follow because it isn’t always easy to know! The reader is encouraged to wonder, observe and dream to find her right path.
The Treasure by Uri Shulevitz might not seem like a traditional graduation gift book, but it has a wonderful message for new graduates. A man travels far away after being led by a dream to find a treasure. He soon learns that the greatest treasures can sometimes be found in the least expected places and might not be so far away.
Only One You by Linda Kranz is one of my favorites. It instills that there is only one YOU in this great big world so go out and make a difference. Beautiful illustrations paired with great advice about life fill the pages of this book.
A more recent find is Little Tree by Loren Long. It’s the story a little tree amongst other little trees. When it’s time for Little Tree to drop his leaves, he doesn’t want to. All the other trees grow and Little Tree doesn’t because he keeps clinging to his leaves. Eventually, he sees the other tress growing and allows his leaves to drop so he can flourish too. This is a great book about going with the flow of the seasons, having faith that everything will be ok even during turbulent times, and enjoying the growth that will happen naturally.
A newer find is The Knowing Book by Rebecca Kai Dotlich. It’s all about savoring the journey of life. It celebrates all that you know and all the new things you will discover. Plus, the illustrations are beautiful.
Just in Case You Want to Fly by Julie Fogliano reassures us that no matter what we want to try or where we want to go that we always have someone who will be waiting for us at home.
Finally, the late Amy Krouse Rosenthal and her daugher Paris Rosenthal wrote a book that every girl deserves to own. It’s a book about celebrating you, your strength, and the important place you hold in the world. It’s called Dear Girl,. Now, there is also Dear Boy.
Special Graduation Book Ideas
- Don’t forget to write a special note inside the book for the reader!
- Another idea is to choose one of the books when your child starts school. Each year have your child’s teacher sign the book. When your child graduates from high school, he will have a wonderful memory book!
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY ENJOY
Printable and Editable Literacy Certificates (perfect for graduates)
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*This post was first published on Growing Book by Book 4/6/15.
Susan Bednarz says
I like to give /read “I wish you more” by amy krouse rosenthal & tom lichtenheld. “You can be anything” by charles schultz is another good choice.
Bonnie says
This is a great list! Just in time for several graduations I will be attending in the near future.
I also like the suggestions for my 4-year-old granddaughter. Thanks!
Cristy Lean says
I think that books as a graduation gift are a good choice.every senior deserve such of a gift.
Jodie Rodriguez says
Yes, I agree!
Crystal says
Thanks for a fabulous list! This is just what i was looking for!
Jodie Rodriguez says
Crystal, I’m so glad that it will be helpful to you. Enjoy!
Kate says
What a great book list idea!