The Best Graduation Gifts

By Holly E. Newton

The end of the school year connotes graduation time, celebrating many different levels of school completions. Books, as always, are the perfect gift and help commemorate this important event in a young person¹s life. Here is a list of some outstanding picture books celebrating the graduate.

For the younger reader celebrating a change in schools, here is a simple tale about judgment.

Zen Shorts, by widely acclaimed author Jon J. Muth, is a story that involves three tales. Three children become friends with a giant panda. He imparts a clever story for each child. One of the tales expertly demonstrates how we need to forgive. A young monk criticizes an older monk for carrying an unappreciative traveler over rain puddles, as he says, "She didn't even thank you!" The wise older man replies, "I set the woman down hours ago." The older monk was able to forgive and forget, while the young monk was still learning this lesson of forgiveness.

Another perfect book for the younger child is This Little Light of Mine. This picture book is based on the familiar song of the same title and is illustrated beautifully by the acclaimed E. B. Lewis. The words of the song describe how the light from within will shine on and on. But, the pictures tell much, much more. A young boy sees another youngster sitting alone, appearing dejected as he is slumped with his head in his hands. As the song progresses throughout the book, the boy invites the sad fellow to join his friends and before long a smile shines through the sad face. This book will surely strike a chord with all ages!

Sometimes it's the wordless books that seem to have the greatest message. Home, by Jeannie Baker, shows the progress of life through an open window. Ms. Baker has small remnants of a girl's life on the windowsill, displaying her growth though the years. For instance, the book begins with congratulations for the birth of a baby girl. Through the window, you see the proud parents in their back yard holding this new baby. There are older looking vehicles on the street beyond the yard. Several pages later, there's the girl as a teen putting makeup on in a mirror that's sitting on the windowsill. Beyond the yard is a full garden and beyond that newer looking cars on the street. There's much to observe and reflect on one's own growth throughout the years.

Sometimes biographies are the perfect inspiration for graduates. Walt Whitman: Words for America, by Barbara Kerley, is a look into the life of one of America's best and most famous poets. His poetry reflected the feelings of our country during the tumultuous Civil War. I found it fascinating that when Walt was young, he loved words and loved to read. He was always writing down feelings and expressions in his little notebook. In the Author¹s Note located in the back of the book, he states that when he was eleven years old, he was given a library card. Later he added, it was ³...the signal event of my life up to that time." Brian Selznick beautifully illustrated the pictures throughout the book, and he studied many historical documents and locations to accurately reconstruct this amazing poet¹s life.

Here is a perfect companion to Walt Whitman¹s biography. When I Heard the Learn¹d Astronomer is a wonderfully illustrated book by Loren Long, based on Walt Whitman¹s famous poem. This poem celebrates the amazing imagination that is budding in all of us. The incredible pictures take you to a young boy's experience as he ponders life and the stars, ³In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, look'd up in perfect silence at the stars.²

Mother Teresa, by award winning Demi, is an inspirational account of one humble woman serving those much less fortunate and extremely poor. This incredible woman gave all that she had throughout her life. Included here is wisdom that we can glean from her: ³Life Is An Opportunity --Avail It. Life Is Beautiful --Admire It. Life Is A Challenge --Meet It. Life Is Costly --Care For It. Life Is A Promise --Fulfill It. Life Is Sorrow --Overcome It. Life Is Too Precious --Do Not Destroy It.²

And lastly, here's a book celebrating and exploring the endless possibilities of life. Imagine a Day, by Sarah L. Thompson, and creatively illustrated by Rob Gonsalves, will spark your imagination --beyond imagination. ³Imagine a day Š when a book swings open on silent hinges, and a place you've never seen before welcomes you here.² Give a great gift to your graduate. Give a book to inspire, motivate and celebrate!

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Remember your Grad but don't forget Dad! One click gets you access to all the best Father's Day gift ideas on the web.
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1. Saint Michael's College - Graduation Outcomes
... Law School Ph.D Programs:* Boston College Cornell University ... Maryland ©2005 Saint Michael's College One Winooski Park, Colchester ... Ask Us FAQs Directories Home> About SMC> Graduation Outcomes
http://www.smcvt.edu/about/gradoutcomes.asp

2. FairTest: What's New
... Sense -an electronic newsletter on testing and college admissions. DeTest: Think outside the Oval The ... ... Phoenix. "Adios, Escuela," on Boston's dismal Hispanic graduation rate Great animated cartoon ...
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3. Dave
[ Home] [ Up] [ Dennis] [ Dave ] [ Carolyn] [ Laura] [ Mary] [ Chris] [ Dan] David Ellinghaus Head Coach Head coach David Ellinghaus joined the Marlins in 1990 after his graduation from Boston College ...
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4. <!-- InstanceBeginEditable name="Page Title" -->AAG Upper School Colle...
... or not. Take appropriate AP exams. June GraduationCongratulations! The AAG College ... ... College (2) Bennington College * Bentley College (4) Boston College Boston University (2) Bowdoin ...
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5. Untitled Document
... 345.4100 Paul became a member of the Mountain Valet team following his graduation from Boston College where he earned a degree in Computer Science. After working as both a valet and manager for the ...
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6. Sports Gift, Gift For Dad, Jerseys, Watches
... our most requested gifts are graduation gifts or a gift basket for ... Sports Display Cases NCAA College Teams Air Force Alabama ... Arkansas Army Auburn Baylor Boston College Brigham Young Cal ...
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7. CampusChamps.com - Boston College Athletics
... teams at Boston College compete in the NCAA Division I (Division I-A football) Big East Conference. BC ranks sixth in the nation in terms of Division 1 student-athlete graduation rates; its ...
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8. Academe - Nota Bene
... Universities Contingent Faculty Win Legal Victory in Washington Antigay Controversy Bedevils Boston College Graduation Rates Are Not Falling, New Report Says New Rules Threaten Political Advocacy by ...
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9. Boston Baptist College
... enroll in the Youth Ministry program of Boston Baptist College not only get an accredited degree, but ... ... to exercise their gifts in ministry before graduation. There are four key areas in which student ...
http://www.boston.edu/youthministry.html

10. Partners
... for over 20 years. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, cum laude, from Boston College. After graduation he worked with Deloitte & Touche, formerly Touche Ross & Co., in the audit function ...
http://www.bcacpa.com/partners.htm

11. ESPN.com: EOE
... He joined the Globe in 1968 as a summer intern, following his graduation from Boston College, and as a reporter covered the Celtics and Red Sox. He is the author of nine books (eight basketball, one ...
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12. - Academic Achievement Award
... players, including eight institutions that had a graduation rate of 90 percent or better. Schools in the 90 percent group are: Boston College, Duke, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Penn State, Rice ...
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13. Boston College Italian Charm at JJ Kent Italian Charms
... your own custom bracelet now - add this Boston College Italian Charm using our free customization ... ... Photo Charms +JJ Kent Original Designs - Graduation and School - Angels and Religious Charms ...
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14. Dorchester school's seniors all accepted to college - Boston.com - Boston Gl...
... and math MCAS tests, a state graduation requirement. The students ... graduating class will earn college degrees in five years, six at ... an electronic reprint from The Boston Globe. Click here to request ...
http://www.boston.com/new ...ints/062005_tracyjan/

15. Shaheen & Gordon, P.A.
... After graduation from Boston College Law School in 1994, Bill joined Shaheen & Gordon where he has focused his practice in criminal defense and complex civil litigation. Bill s main practice area is ...
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16. mtvU.com
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17. MHS Grads 1960's
... com URL: Date: 07/12/04 Name: Bill Celestino Year of MHS Graduation: 1969 College: Boston University/Boston College Occupation: Latin Teacher Date: 11/22/01 Comments Living outside of Los Angeles ...
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18.
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19. The Mokotoff Family
... Jessica. Jessica, Gregory, Alexis at Greg's graduation, University of Vermont, 1995. Mark & Jessica Gary's mother, Ruth, Alexis, Jessica at Alexis' graduation from Boston College Law School, 1996.
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21. Welcome to the Virginia Tech Monogram Club
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22. Live College Basketball
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23. DUI drunk driving defense lawyers
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24. college graduate gifts
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25. KRT Wire | 10/26/2005 | Heartbreak gives way to big break for O'Brien at Bos...
... Dad will belt out carols as the family Christmas shops at the mall - and shows off their Boston College graduation pictures; he showcases the game balls from five victories over Notre Dame. Since ...
http://www.charlotte.com/ ...el=charlotte_colleges

26. Hockey East Online - Weekly Column
... injuries. NU is 0-6-1, its lone tie an impressive one at home against Boston College. But having lost a large class to graduation as well as the clubís leading returning scorer Mike Morris (off ...
http://www.hockeyeastonli .../men/multi/column.php

27. BPL - Trustees - William M. Bulger
... Upon is graduation from Boston College High School in 1952, President Bulger enrolled at Boston College. His undergraduate career was interrupted when he joined the United States Army in 1953. He ...
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28. NIU Huskie Football | niuhuskies.com
... Grid Program Cited By VFCA For Top 25 Graduation Rate (71.4%) In 1999-2004 (7/14) DeKALB, IL ... ... University, Vanderbilt University, Boston College, Wake Forest University, etc. Story Link ...
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29. Massachusetts Business Schools. Find The School That Is Right For You.
... from Gibbs College (no obligation): Gibbs College Boston ITT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE The ITT Technical ... ... to prepare students for success after graduation, and includes an externship to insure that ...
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30. Boston university at Lets Fix Our Schools - Boston university Information an...
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31. Diversity Innovations | Student Involvement and Development | Recruitment, R...
... by the Office of AHANA Student Programs at Boston College is significantly higher than the national ... ... covered by the report was 54 percent. The graduation rates for white students during the same ...
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32. Tervis Tumbler Boston College from the Collegiate Collection
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34. Miscellany...: December 2004 Archives
... ThereÄôs the good (college graduation, two Boston championships), the bad (the economy / job market, and pretty much everything not in the sports section of the newspaper) and the ugly (everything ...
http://www.danieleldridge ...nal/archives/2004/12/

35. About OpenPages -- Governance, Risk and Compliance Management (GRCM) Solutions
... He embodies the New England ideals of his Boston youth with a passion for putting powerful ... ... of the Year award. Following his graduation from Bentley College in 1979, Duffy joined Xtra ...
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36. WMUC Sports - Terps Sports and More
... Sue is also the executive producer for the college. Darren Gorden Class of: 2005 Contact ... ... Director. After graduation, Gordon spent the summer working for the Boston Red Sox, where he ...
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37. Been There - Obituaries
... a number of banks in Greater Boston and Massachusetts. Bill was ... and two in Kirkland House. At college, he belonged to the Young ... Pudding and S.A.E. After graduation, he received his DDS degree ...
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38. About CityKi
... management, Cornell has come back to the Boston inner city neighborhoods to lead by example ... ... Cornell spent his college free time selling Kirby vacuums; and upon graduation, he started a pager ...
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39.
Boston College Boston College is a private university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Its historic campus, one of the earliest examples of Collegiate Gothic architecture in North America, is set on ...
http://www.worldhistory.c .../B/Boston-College.htm

40. Tuition and Fees | Urban College of Boston: A Two-Year College
... semester Student Activity Fee Other Fees $20 Graduation Fee Transcript Fee: UCB will provide one ... ... for any check returned to the Urban College of Boston for insufficient funds. urbancollege.edu ...
http://www.urbancollege.edu/tuition.htm

41. NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH, The Official Athletic Site
... Experience November 2, 2004 - Student-Athlete Graduation Rate Is Second Nationally November 1, 2004 ... ... Feature On Ara Parseghian During Notre Dame-Boston College Game October 21, 2004 - Tony Rice, Mirko ...
http://und.collegesports.com/genrel/nd-genrel.html

42. Uncommon Sense
... Two more apprenti arrived at the Institute already old hands in the book publishing worldóJim David worked for the marketing department of Houghton Mifflin after his graduation from Boston College in ...
http://www.wm.edu/oieahc/uncommon/115/apprenti.htm

43. Late for the Sky Boston College Eagles B.C.OPOLY Board Game
... This B.C.OPOLY board game is perfect for Boston College alumni, students and future grads! Game includes Alarm Clock, Pencil, Gym Shoe, Bicycle and Graduation Cap tokens as well as popular campus and ...
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45. 102.9 DRC-FM
... In a high school play called "Gallows Humor" (see Beth's bio for reference to this photo) At graduation from Boston College with Mom and Dad. In "Pippin" performed at Lyndon State College. Can you ...
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46. NCAA > Boston College Eagles - MajorLeagueGear.com
... to hang. Please Specify year or graduation below and Undergraduate / Graduate as Universities change their diploma size from year to year. Buy Now! Boston College Mascot Adjustable Visor Price: $14 ...
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47. Boston College Official Athletic Site
... Recognition ï College Football's Best Graduation Rate (100%) ï Ranked 6th Nationally in ... ... 6 Co-ed Sailing 1 W Sailing 14 W Soccer 14 Boston College Announces Food Drive at Upcoming Home ...
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48. Boston College Graduation
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49. FRBB: Boston Fed Presidents
... on April 8, 1879. After graduation from Clinton High School ... studied economics at Columbian College (George Washington University ... of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston; later, he added the title of ...
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50. Moots, Pellegrini, Mannion, Martindale & Dratch Law Firm | Individual Client...
... School, received his bachelor's decree from Boston College in 1967, and received his law degree from St. John's University in 1974. Prior to his graduation from law school, he served on active duty ...
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51. Wolff and Samson: Lori Grifa
... Samson. Upon graduation from Boston College School of Law, she served as Law Clerk to Hon. Elbert Tuttle, Superior Court of Massachusetts from 1988-1989. Ms. Grifa sits on the New Jersey Supreme Court ...
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52. Oakwood Lexington - Lexington Massachusetts Hotels - Hotels Search Engine
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53. CT Central - Commencement 2005
... Index ï Ceremoniesï Graduation roundup ï Feature: Billionaire Universities ï High Schools ï Photos 47 U.S. schools now have $1 billion endowments Boston College president the Rev. William ...
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54. Bulger Awarded Degree By National University Of Ireland
... On graduation from Boston College High School in 1952, President Bulger enrolled at Boston College. His undergraduate career was interrupted when he joined the United States Army in 1953. He returned ...
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55. Best Western Adams Inn, Quincy, MA
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