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!

Visit Holly's Web Site!

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.
Click here for great Father's Day Gift Ideas!

1. Zanesville High School | Graduation Requirements
... Elementary Schools Zanesville High School Home Academics ... concerning graduation requirements, vocational school information ... calendar of college entrance exam dates and deadlines, classroom ...
http://www.zanesville.k12 ...3450/site/default.asp

2. Register domain names
... liberty high school auto trader ontario collector cars for sale orlando cabrera alabama high school graduation exam slate floors employee recognition plaque time warner cable new york america first ...
http://register-domain-names.agroinzert.sk/

3. High School Graduation Project
... > High School > High School Graduation ... by the end of the school year, the principal ... a failing grade for "Graduation Project", or ... panel during the final exam time of the student's ...
http://www.centralcolumbi ...raduation/project.htm

4. Alvania.net » Weblog » School
... 1 Comment ª AHSGE Posted in School on March 8th, 2005 (aka The Alabama High School Graduation Exam) In Alabama, students take the graduation exams in parts (there are five parts: math, science ...
http://www.alvania.net/blog/index.php?cat=8

5. Alabama Department of Youth Services...School District
... Although DYS schools may graduate students who meet the Alabama State Department of Education (SDE) standards in relation to earned Carnegie units and Alabama High School Graduation Exam, the sending ...
http://www.dys.state.al.us/school.htm

6. Alabama high school graduation exam
alabama high school graduation exam distance learning introductory computing air discount philippines travel avon party games photos mercedes cls italy car rental hp keyboard drivers 1988 chevy truck ...
http://alabama-high-schoo ...ation-exam.gypc.info/

7. CAHSEE and high school graduation
The California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), High School Graduation Requirements, and Students with Special Health Care Needs/Disabilities What happens when your child is ready to complete high ...
http://www.supportforfamilies.org/cahsee.html

8. Decatur High School : Home
... offers. Decatur High School had 99% of its seniors pass the Alabama High School Graduation Exam. The Drama department had a very successful spring production of The Music Man . The DHS Scholars Bowl ...
http://www.dcs.edu/school ...ool/decatur/home.html

9.
alabama high school graduation exam used travel trailer ford f 150 car paint texas commercial printing company waterfront property north carolina map of miami2c florida cobalt boats san francisco mp3 ...
http://alabama-high-schoo ...uation-exam.fluky.nl/

10. NBC 4 - Education - Court Reinstates State High School Exit Exam
... 4 - Education - Court Reinstates State High School Exit Exam Thursday, June 1, 2006, 2 ... senior class, leaving 47,000 high ...
http://www.nbc4.tv/education/9268799/detail.html

11. Karen Ruffner REALTOR: East Brunswick High School Graduation 2005
... were up to their usual best. Graduation Photographs East Brunswick ... School Sites East Brunswick High School National Competition ... SAT Scores East Brunswick AP Exam Scores Merck State Science Day ...
http://www.eastbrunswicki ..._ebhs_graduation.html

12. Chenille bed jacket
... contemporary bar furniture on line radio stations viking football pictures alabama high school graduation exam chicago electric power tools audio pro country french dining set alabama football ...
http://chenille-bed-jacket.mekka.zgora.pl/

13. October 15, 1998 - Anguilla Local News
... Lewis for this news tip. High School graduation was Wednesday ... celebrated exuberantly! The graduation was in October instead of ... graduate in Anguilla, and the exam results don't come in until ...
http://news.ai/news981015.html

14.
... Biology. Students in the High School Program may select the two ... Education toward state graduation requirements; RRISD ... of three or higher one AP exam with a grade of three or ...
http://schools.roundrocki .../gradrequirements.htm

15. ALSDE - Classroom Improvement Publications
... rtf (369 KB) Pathways-Kindergarten: Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE) Standards and Objectives 1/26/2001 9:34:00 AM 7/11/2000 9:34:00 AM 0J-AppB.rtf (38 KB) Pathways-Kindergarten: Resources ...
http://www.alsde.edu/html ...rt=11&footer=sections

16. Opp City Schools
... 2 (C) Alabama High School Graduation Exam Percent passed 100% (A) (#1 In the State) Direct Assessment of Writing (5 th Grade) A (#4 In the State) Direct Assessment of Writing (7 th Grade) A- Percent ...
http://www.oppcityschools.com/

17. MSBAnet.org -- News
... to take a college-entry exam, such as the ACT. ìSchools and ... more demanding courses in high school,î King says. ìIt is clear ... into the workforce after graduation.î There are no related ...
http://www.msba.gen.mo.us/news/news.asp?ID=274

18. Newtown High School :: Graduation Requirements
... Programs Technology Video Graduation Requirements Required ... MINIMUM CREDITS 44 credits Exam Requirements Regents Diploma ... History | Contacts Copyright © 2005-2006 Newtown High School
http://www.newtownhighsch ...ex.php?id=requirement

19. High school boys
... installation honda element canada adipex without a prescription stardust casino alabama high school graduation exam calcium channel blockers viagra british west indies airlines proxy server definition ...
http://high-school-boys.gzmk.info/

20. Center console boats
... florida best online casino seneca niagara casino reviews of digital cameras alabama high school graduation exam hustler casino romantic horoscopes airline consolidators allegiant airlines custom ...
http://center-console-boats.fluky.nl/

21. Alliance for Excellent Education
... thrive. October 1, 2005 Los Angeles Times 20% of Seniors Flunk High School Graduation Exam: Nearly 100,000 California 12th graders ó or about 20% of this year's senior class ó have failed the state's ...
http://www.all4ed.org/resources/headlines.html

22. Alabma High School Graduation Exam Language Practice Test and Tutorial
Alabama High School Graduation Exit Exam Test Prep Materials Educators at over 150 Alabama high schools have discovered that students need . . . Practice to Succeed! AHSGE Language Practice Test with ...
http://www.sassered.com/

23. Questionmark - Case Studies - Alabama Online High School
... All public schools in the state, by legislative mandate, administer the Alabama High School Graduation Exam to high school juniors and seniors on an annual basis. The test poses 100 multiple choice ...
http://www.qmark.com/us/c ...ama_december_2004.htm

24. Palo Alto Unified School District - Parents - Curriculum - High School - Gra...
... to have a minimum of 210 semester credits for graduation. Included in these credits are the subject ... ... of 2004, students will need to pass the High School Exit Exam to earn their diploma in the state of ...
http://pausd.org/parents/ ...m/high/grad_req.shtml

25. Vocational, College & State Exam Preparation eBooks
... satisfied! Exam Study Guides and Practice Tests for Allied Health & Medical Fields Exam Prep for Teacher and Educator Licensure Exams AHSGE - Alabama High School Graduation Exam ASVAB - Armed Services ...
http://www.learningchoices.com/secrets_ebooks.htm

26. Patriot Blog :: General :: 20% of Seniors Flunk High School Graduation Exam
... wiscoblogs # > 20% of Seniors Flunk High School Graduation Exam October 3, 2005, 4:05 pm Posted by James Hohmann in General Rating: 0/5 Votes : 0 Nearly 100,000 California 12th graders Äî or ...
http://www.patriotblog.co ...chool-Graduation-Exam

27. Alabama directv - Direct TV satellite service for Alabama
... DIBELS Stanford-10/ARMT Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing (ADAW) Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE) [PDF] Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing:File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ...
http://alabama.sedirectv.com/

28. Tamalpais High School - Graduation Requirements
... Portfolio High School Exit Exam Star Testing Computer Literacy Exam Page 1 of 5 The Tamalpais Union High School District graduation requirements reflect the skills and knowledge described in the ...
http://www.tamhigh.org/in ...view&id=61&Itemid=108

29. Policy on minimum competency requirements for graduation from high school
... as a requirement for high school graduation. The graduating class ... ninth grade in the 1999-2000 school year) and subsequent ... Test standard until the Exit Exam is administered statewide and ...
http://sbepolicy.dpi.stat ...cat=N&pol=004&acr=HSP

30. 20% of California Seniors Flunk High School Graduation Exam | The News is No...
... by digitalfog John Hinckley and the RV Lifestyle by digitalfog 20% of California Seniors Flunk High School Graduation Exam by digitalfog in Stories or Footage 20% of California Seniors Flunk High ...
http://www.nowpublic.com/node/20370

31. Test Preparation
... SAT II ACT CLAST exam LSAT exam MELAB Exam MAT Test PSAT exam LSAT exam TASP exam LSAT exam High School Graduation Study Guides AHSGE study guide CAHSEE study guide CHSPE study guide COOP study guide ...
http://www.test-preparation.ca/

32. Oakland Rising - 20% of Seniors Flunk High School Graduation Exam
... 20% of Seniors Flunk High School Graduation Exam By Duke Helfand L.A. Times October 1, 2005 Nearly 100,000 California 12th graders or about 20% of this year's senior class have failed the state's ...
http://www.oaklandrising. ...mode=&order=0&thold=0

33. High School Diploma - Education - School Graduation
... You? Extracurriculars Balancing High School and Part-Time Work ... the Perfect Summer Job Summer School How to Find an Internship ... Technique Communication Skills Exam Day: I Will Survive Ten Ways ...
http://www.collegeboard.c ...3868,2-9-0-31,00.html

34. Great Valley High School 2003 Graduation
... Edition "Contents" Schedule: Exam Schedule Summary Complete ... a larger version We made it! Graduation a big success. more ... crew. more. Great Valley High School, located in Malvern, PA, is ...
http://www.gvsd.org/gvhs/ .../indexgraduation.html

35. American Book Company - Passing the New Alabama High School Graduation Exam ...
... 5877! Passing the New Alabama Graduation Exam in Mathematics 230 pages, 8 1/2" x 11" #AL-M019N Download Sample Pages (145 KB, 20 pages) Our Basics Made Easy Series is perfect for reviewing foundation ...
http://www.americanbookcompany.com/AL/ALmath.html

36. Desert Sands Charter High School Graduation Page
... toward passing the exit exam shall be available. 5. Any ... the Desert Sands Charter High School Senior Portfolio. 6. Any ... shall complete a graduation exit assessment using the ...
http://www.dschs.org/graduation.html

37. Florence City Schools -- Career Tech
... at least 16 years old Provide their own transportation to work Not be deficient on the High School Graduation Exam Be physically and mentally capable of performing the tasks of the career objective ...
http://www.florencecareer ..._Education/index.html

38. Marietta High School - Guidance: Graduation Requirements
... programs. Students must also pass the graduation exit exam requirement in order to receive either diploma. Marietta High School Graduation Requirements - Click here to download. CEEB #111990 Top ...
http://www.marietta-city. ...idance_graduation.htm

39. PACERS - Small Schools Cooperative
... Using existing technology and personnel, high schools can expand their capabilities to allow students to catch up, take summer classes, prepare for the Alabama High School Graduation Exam, and take ...
http://www.pacers.org/resources.html

40. We present Air conditioning contractors license test
... picture portable thermal transfer printers high schools stafford high school alabama high school graduation exam auto parts online catalog 1987 nissan pathfinder dash kits toyota 4runner california ...
http://air-conditioning-c ...cense-test.gzmk.info/

41. ADAH: Alabama Moments (Introduction--Organization)
... 18) and Standards and Objectives (Social Studies) for Alabama High School Graduation Exam (Alabama State Department of Education, Bulletin 1998, No. 13). The components of each Moment may vary, but ...
http://www.alabamamoments ....us/Organization.html

42. Quantum card printers
... modern wall clock make money stuffing envelopes old mustang cars air force alabama high school graduation exam csc erp finance skin in the game mp3 car stereos occupational health nursing 16 in ...
http://quantum-card-printers.gzmk.info/

43. APEX Test Prep for the AHSGE Exam
... taking destiny: I offer the only independently researched study guide for the Alabama High School Graduation Exam that is guaranteed to increase your score. Now, obviously, you don't know who I am ...
http://www.apexprep.com/ahsge/

44. BPL's CyberTeen -- Homework Help
... Up Words Compare Colleges / Find a Career Get Science Help Translate Text Alabama's High School Graduation Exam (Get Adobe Acrobat Reader) Birmingham Public Library 2100 Park Place Birmingham ...
http://www.bplcyberteen.org/homework/

45. Test and Exam Preparation - Downloadable Study Guides
... tuition! Accuplacer AHSGE - Alabama High School Graduation Exam ASSETÆ - Placement Tests ASVAB - Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery CAAP - Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency CAHSEE ...
http://www.4education.us/exam_preparation.htm

46. Princeton Consultants Inc.
... Ghana. She was her high school Valedictorian, and achieved second place in the nation's High School Graduation Exam. - Return to top - June 2, 2004: Princeton Consultants is pleased to welcome Michael ...
http://www.princeton.com/docs/news.htm

47. Graduation i : High School Graduation Exam
... Graduation Invitations College Graduation Party College Graduation Rings College Graduations Fall Graduations Football Graduation Rates Georgia High School Graduation Test Good Graduation Songs<
http://graduationi.com/hi ...duationexam/index.php

48. Graduation HQ - High School Graduation Gifts
... Wishes Harvard Graduation High School Graduation High School Graduation Announcements High School Graduation Exam High School Graduation Gift High School Graduation Gift Ideas High School Graduation ...
http://www.graduationhq.c ...choolgraduationgifts/

49. Chevy truck floor mat
chevy truck floor mat sauber mercedes racing 1968 chevy caprice disney hotels in orlando ford 69 diesel alabama high school graduation exam vioxx heart attack claim yeah usher mp3 chronic sinus ...
http://chevy-truck-floor-mat.gzmk.info/

50.
... Home 2005 Georgia Graduation High School Test 2005 High School Graduation Gift Alabama High School Graduation Exam Alabama High School Graduation Exam Science Alabama High School Graduation Exam Social ...
http://www.mygraduationgi ...highschoolgraduation/

51. Cram for Tests - Pass Your Entrance Exams and Certification Tests
... Assessments AHPAT - Allied Health Professions Admission Test AHSGE - Alabama High School Graduation Exam AP - Advanced Placement for high school students wanting college credits ASSET ...
http://www.cramfortests.com/

52. High School Graduation Invitation
... graduation rate high school graduation ring high school graduation requirement alabama high school graduation exam high school graduation picture high school graduation high school graduation card high ...
http://www.high2.com/high ...raduation-invitation/

53. Hickam air force base
... boats independence airlines little caesars scandinavian airlines sydney maps alabama high school graduation exam pennsylvania high school football washington high school digital camera compare san ...
http://hickam-air-force-base.fluky.nl/

54. Press Release
... Programs for the Georgia CRCT (grades 3 ñ 8), Enhanced Georgia High School Graduation Test, Alabama Reading and Mathematics Tests (ARMT, grades 3 ñ 8) and the Alabama High School Graduation Exam will ...
http://www.ncecorp.com/Press Release_TFI1.htm

55. The Seattle Times: Nation & World: One in 10 California high school seniors failed exit exam
... One in 10 California high school seniors failed exit exam Home delivery Contact us Traffic ... One in ten California ...
http://seattletimes.nwsou ...76_webexitexam01.html

56. http://www.elkmonthigh.org/
... Help. Elkmont High School has purchased an online review website from USATestPrep to help students pass the Alabama High School Graduation Exam. ªmore Emergency Email List Need to know about emergency ...