10 Graduation Gift Books for Your Preschool, Kindergarten, and Middle School Graduates

Yay, You! Moving Out, Moving Up, Moving On, by Sandra Boynton
Yay, You! brings young graduates things we’ve come to love about author and illustrator Sandra Boynton: hippos, barnyard animals, easy rhymes, and playful advice. This short and cheery book is the perfect little gift to celebrate preschool and kindergarten graduations.

I Knew You Could! A Book for All the Stops in Your Life, by Craig Dorfman and Cristina Ong
It turns out that the Little Engine That Could did, and he’s tooting his comforting message of confidence in this inspiring picture book. As he shares his “I think I can” message as kids of all ages approach what’s next, his journey will inspire them along life’s winding path and keep them chugging along.

Only One You, by Linda Kranz 
This beautiful picture book is one you want in your kids’ library, especially after their first graduation milestone from preschool or kindergarten. With colorful illustrations of a rockfish under the sea, these inspiring words from a Mama and Papa sharing wisdom with their eager son are a special guide for any young person getting ready to take on the world.

First Grade, Here I Come!, by Tony Johnston and David Walker
This upbeat, rhyming picture book is perfect for the kindergarten graduates in your life. With kindergarten behind him, the ginger-headed boy in this story takes on making friends, reading, counting, show-and-tell and all the potential that first grade has to offer with gusto. The book’s infectious enthusiasm and excitement will have your soon-to-be first graders ready to zoom off into their new school year without fear.

Curious You: On Your Way!, by H.A. Rey
Whether you’re a toddler, tween, or teen, this colorful and insightful picture book teaches us that no matter what we’ve accomplished in life, there are always new things to see and do and new ways to dream. The world’s favorite curious monkey shares a lot of lessons for a recent graduate of any age.

Dream: A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom, and Wishes, by Susan V. Bosak
This illustrated book of free verse poetry is an inspirational fable for young readers of any age. Fifteen well-known illustrators take readers on a magical and thought-provoking journey through all the stages of life, with the various hopes and dreams that come with each one. Young readers will love its colorful pages while older children may connect deeply to its powerful message. And aspiring young artists will find much to love in this dreamscape of illustration.

Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration, by Meera Lee Patel
This interactive journal is the perfect gift for young graduates who are aspiring artists, writers, and thinkers. With prompts, exercises, and inspirational quotes, this book encourages reflection through drawing, writing, and more, to nurture the imagination as young creatives move on to the next phase in their lives.

What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions, by Randall Munroe
Perfect for the inquisitive graduates and aspiring young nerds in your life, the creator behind the popular xkcd web comic features never-before-answered questions paired with his iconic stick-figure drawings about science, technology, language, and love. It will make them laugh, hurt their heads, and encourage their questioning natures for years to come.

I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World, by Malala Yousafzai and Patricia McCormick
This memoir from the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize is sure to inspire middle school graduates as they make their way into the world. After being shot in the head by the Taliban while riding home from school, Malala, a young Pakastani girl, not only survives, but goes on to become a global symbol of peaceful protest. This inspiring book proves that young people can be heard, and have the power to change the world.

The Elements of Style, by William Strunk, E.B. White, and Maira Kalman
It might not gain you any popularity points in the gift-giving department, but this important handbook will follow (haunt?) middle school graduates through their academic lives and, without a doubt, get a ton of use. With some nerdy wit and charm, Strunk and White will walk your young academic through the principles of the English language and help them articulate their thoughts and ideas. Kalman’s quirky, offbeat illustrations are the perfect accompaniment.
What books do you love to give recent grads?