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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1. Notre Dame Junior and Senior High School- Utica, New York
... Exam required for graduation must attend summer ... primarily designed for high school students ... etc.) at the home school for the balance of ... who accepts the invitation to participate in ...
http://www.ndjugglers.org/programs.htm

2. BCSD : Chipman Junior High School : Events
... the Convention Center Principal's Graduation Notes--Click Here Graduation Gowns -- Please pay your $16 in the office Highland High School-- Registration last names A-L on Wednesday May 4, last names M ...
http://chipman.bcsd.com/n ...ms/departments/events

3.
high school graduation invitation Contact Get Listed Disclaimer Partners Site Map Sponsored Links: Click here to find gifts for graduation! Graduation Graduations for all More pages from invite2 ...
http://www.karlwallinger. ...ation-invitation.html

4. Graduation Invitations, Photo Graduation Invitation, Graduation Announcement...
... NEW! Pick your colors custom photo 6x9" invitation 195-Grad Cap with Confetti 5x7 invitation 2218-Graduation Caps 5x7 invitation 973-Columns 5x7 invitation 819-Gold Rope and Tassel 5x7 invitation 71 ...
http://www.party-invitations.com/graduation.html

5. Thomas Jefferson High School Class of 1965 [ Home ]
... If you were a member of the 1965 graduation class of Thomas Jefferson High School you should have received an invitation from GreatReunions.Com, our reunion manager, and we hope you have saved the ...
http://www.tjhs1965.com/

6. The Strike at Imperial High School (1918): He Usually Lived With a Female
... and girls to return at once. The advice and invitation was acted upon immediately, and the students ... ... Most Beautiful Night of Their Lives A high school graduation in Brick's autobiographical novel ...
http://www.ulwaf.com/He-Usually/18strike.html

7. Bloomington High School North Alumni
... and/or families. Send the invitation at least eight to sixteen ... want to support Bloomington High School NORTH's tradition of ... updated full Name, Year of Graduation, and Address/Phone: Julie ...
http://www.mccsc.edu/~bhsnalum/

8.
Churchill High School SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS Churchill ... 3900 Grades 9 - 12 LPS high schools are organized ... credit required for graduation. The Programs of ... a magnet program by invitation which offers the ...
http://www.resa.net/livonia/high.htm

9. Graduation, graduation day, graduation supplies
... ap/ Graduation ideas Graduation speeches Graduation invitation High school graduation test Graduation clipart Graduation hats Graduation ceremony Graduation requirements Graduation photos Graduation ...
http://www.starwushu.com/graduation.html

10. High School Graduation Invitation Information
... infoion This website provides detailed information on high school graduation invitation. Invitation-help.info ::: Top Resources for High School Graduation Invitation Your #1 Source for High School ...
http://www.invitations-he ...ation-invitation.html

11. Amb. Li Zhengjun Attended Graduation Ceremony of Ecom High School
... Li Zhengjun Attended Graduation Ceremony of Ecom High School 2005/01/11 At the invitation of Mr. Stephen Pokawin, Chief of Staff of the Office of Prime Minister Somare, Amb. Li Zhengjun attended the ...
http://www.chinaembassy.o .../eng/xwdt/t179088.htm

12. Home - Christian Brothers College High School
... CBC Campus Facilities Graduation Requirements Guidance ... Campus Life 6 8 Clubs at CBC 8 School Day Contact CBC Fall Sports 6 ... Invitations Look for your invitation to the Auction to be mailed ...
http://www.cbchs.org/cbch ...7_c1_cbcspecialevents

13. Issaquah High School Class of 1977
... their copy of our graduation program at the ... each other in high school, but it didn't seem ... a sophomore at Issaquah High-I moved back to the ... surprise to see the invitation in the mail. Many ...
http://www.issy77.org/guestbook.html

14. Graduation Info : High School Graduation Announcements
... Graduation Party Ideas Graduation Party Invitation Graduation Party Invitations Graduation ... ... Songs Graduations Speeches Harvard Graduation High School Graduation High School Graduation ...
http://graduationinfo.com ...nouncements/index.php

15. The Talent Development High School Model: Context, Components, and Initial I...
... the model at the invitation of the organization ... Each Talent Development high school focused its ... of schools in a single school district at the early ... on track for graduation is encouraging ...
http://www.mdrc.org/publications/388/overview.html

16. Stirling High School -
... schooldays as a Pupil of the High School of Stirling, seldom ... List. He left school in 1928 and, following graduation, he ... 1937, he responded to an invitation to join Miss May Lindsay ...
http://www.stirling.stirl .../Heritage/duncan.html

17. Brookwood High School Graduation Invitation GI-B05
... Close Window Brookwood High School Graduation Invitation GI-B05 This invitation can be designed in your school colors. Graduation Invitation is printed on premium photo card stock paper. It measures ...
http://www.your-magicalmo ...ion_gib05_page_mm.htm

18. Ringgold High School Alumni - Ringgold, Georgia - Alumni, Reunion, Family Re...
... 2005. We will meet at the high school at 2:00 Friday to decorate ... We are extending a special invitation to those classmates who ... were in our class prior to graduation and may have moved to ...
http://www.ringgoldalumni.com/reunions.asp

19. Invitations - High School Graduation Invitation
... Sample Free Printable Graduation Invitation Sample Bridal Shower Invitation College Graduation Invitation High School Graduation Invitation Online Invitation Maker Party Invitation Wording Invitation ...
http://myweddingmydesires ...graduationinvitation/

20. Graduation ring
... grade graduation college graduation invitation graduation decoration hku graduation project ... ... graduation unique graduation gift graduation supply high school graduation speech graduation song ...
http://www.unclejohnspupp ...s/graduationring.html

21. Hoover High School Class of '74
... and extra long Ribbon Invitation to the Homecoming Float ... was bulldozed, we had our graduation in Balboa Park at the Organ ... final function together as High School students - the ...
http://www.hoover74.dvint.com/

22. Free Printable Invitation Card For Graduation
Free Printable Invitation Card For Graduation FireRocket Search Related Searches card graduation stamped card design free graduation invitation announcement graduation high make school 2005 high ...
http://www.card13.com/fre ...-card-for-graduation/

23. D.H. Conley High School Graduation Infomation
... June 9, at 8:00 pm Williams' Arena East Carolina University By invitation only Graduation Practice Thursday, June 8, 2006 5:00 PM © 2004 D. H. Conley High School This site maintained by McClish Studios.
http://www.dhconley.com/graduation.html

24. High school reunions
... STATION HIGH SCHOOL. ALUMNI DIRECTORY. By Graduation Year ... Nick Braun from Garland TX at 972 ... ... 0511_reunion.htm My high school reunion! When I received the invitation I thought it would be ...
http://www.tryemployment. ...-school-reunions.html

25. Chamisa Mesa High School
... Inherit? What Does All This Have to Do With High School? Chapter Five - Most Unique Features of ... ... Wise Elders Chapter Six - Curriculum, Graduation and College How Is The Curriculum Organized ...
http://www.chamisamesa.net/lsb.html

26. Skyline High School
... 2.5 units of credit toward graduation each of the qualifying ... in grades of 'P' or 'S'). Invitation to the 4.0 Academic Honors ... worn on the letter. SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE CHANGE PROCESS 1 ...
http://www.stvrain.k12.co.us/skyline/handbook.html

27. Welcome to Designs by Lisa
... But after receiving many compliments on an originally designed high-school graduation invitation, Fontana started designing her line of cards in earnest. Now she is making the rounds, trying to sell ...
http://www.lisafontana.com/

28. Gulf High School History, Page 1
... 10-5. April 29, 1924. Gulf's first real graduation ceremony takes place for the 11 seniors ... ... reports that "Gulf high school football players are elated over the fine invitation accorded them by ...
http://www.gulfhigh.org/history1.html

29. Dundalk High School -- Class of 1962
... We sell no tickets. Invitation is extended to spouses or ... Class of 64), Dundalk High School Alumni Association (DHSAA ... in green and gold. Our graduation year can be added. The ...
http://www.dundalkhigh62.com/archive.html

30. Cary High School
... to cover your graduation supplies. The ... High sweatshirt or Cary High t-shirt at the game ... GPA for the 2004-2005 school year will be honored ... did not receive an invitation, please leave your ...
http://caryhs.wcpss.net/Index1.php

31.
... complete high school graduation ... The Homeroom ... correspondence course high schoo e learning ... corner correspondence school stone | distance ... contact lens wedding invitation camera digital ...
http://distance-education ...e-course-high-school/

32. Personalized University, College and High School Graduation Gifts
... Personalized graduation gifts show how much you care for the man or woman graduating from high school, college or university. You can personalize the gift with a saying, the invitation, the ...
http://www.wealthwood.com/graduation_gifts.htm

33. A History of Chico High School
... and a student protest of the school cafeteria was noted in 1967 ... music department accepted an invitation to perform at the First ... Chico High students planned to go to college after graduation, 72 ...
http://dewey.chs.chico.k12.ca.us/chhist.html

34. Servite High School
... Curriculum Classes/Homework Honors Program Graduation Requirements Faculty/Staff Handbook Crest ... ... in the lobby of the Servite High School Theatre Special Invitation to the PresidentÄôs Dinner ...
http://www.servitehs.org/ways_to_give.jsp

35. High School
... Faculty High School General Graduation Requirements Grade 9 - 12 ... be supervised by adults. High school students from other schools ... Booths and Displays: "By Invitation Only". FurtherInformation ...
http://www.ssischool.org/ ...chools/hs/general.php

36. Family Photos
... Bill's Middleton High School graduation invitation F.W. (Bill) Morrison's graduation photo and Class of '34 emblem Violet LaPreal Noakes-Morrison, Bill's first wife who died on their 9th wedding ...
http://users.htcomp.net/dogpatch/family.html

37. Sweetwater Union High School District :: News :: Superintendent's Message Detail
... of a six-year plan to graduation, counselors work closely ... up the middle, junior high and high school experience. But it can ... vital link to school. And take us up on our invitation. Students & ...
http://www.suhsd.k12.ca.u ..._detail.asp?SMsgID=97

38. graduation invitation
... invitation, anniversary invitation, baby announcement, save the date announcement, high school graduation invitation, unique graduation invitation, bridal shower thank you card, 40th wedding ...
http://www.child-adoption ...raduation-invitation/

39. 95-4084 -- Bauchman v. West High School (Salt Lake City) -- 12/18/1997
... Choir during her senior year, she declined an invitation to audition for the 1996-97 Choir. In June ... ... performance of two songs at West High School's 1995 graduation, and more generally, to enjoin the ...
http://www.kscourts.org/c ...s/1997/12/95-4084.htm

40. Elegant Announcements :: Wedding Announcements - Birth & Baby Announcements ...
... Graduation Announcement 40th Birthday Invitation High School Graduation Announcement First Day of School Military Retirement Dreams - Invitation Retirement Dreams - Announcement Military Pride You ...
http://www.elegantannouncements.com/sitemap.php

41. Job search for high school student
... the eighth-grade graduation ceremonies in the ... imbecile (waste of any school's time). He must come ... the two Catholic high schools are non ... material? But the invitation is not to invidious ...
http://jobsearch.998guide ...-high-school-student/

42. high school graduation invitations
... Personalized Graduation Party Invitations - High School - College - Graduation invitations, High School graduation invitations, college graduation invitation, university graduation invitations ...
http://www.rexboothill.co ...tion-invitations.html

43. Langley High School Orchestra
... to welcome you to the Langley High School Orchestra for the 2005 ... Universitys School of Music. After graduation, I joined the ... at District Festival and an invitation to compete in the world ...
http://www.langleyorchestra.org/

44. Party Ideas - High School Graduation Party Ideas
... Party Ideas Hawaiian Party Ideas High School Graduation Party Ideas Holiday Party Ideas Home ... ... Party Ideas Party Ideas And Themes Party Invitation Ideas Party Snack Ideas Party Theme Ideas ...
http://www.partyideashq.c ...graduationpartyideas/

45.
high school graduation invitation Sponsored high school graduation invitation site Discount invitations save 30 percent - wedding invitations and more We have an extensive selection of wedding ...
http://invite2.theinvitat ...ation-invitation.html

46. Pope John Paul II High School
... red, white, and marble) to benefit Project Graduation. Sale begins Oct. 17th (for a Dec 2nd ... ... information including JPII's invitation to displaced High School students, community service ...
http://jp2hs.org/

47. Cedarcrest High School, Schools and Programs - Riverview School District
... Use | Test Scores | Invitation to Participate ... program availability, high expectations for ... As a comprehensive school, Cedarcrest offers a ... Class 28 Attendance/Graduation Average daily ...
http://www.riverview.wedn ...chools/school_chs.htm

48. High School Graduation Gifts - WestPortStyle.com
... Graduation Gifts High School Graduation Gifts College Graduation Gifts Graduate School Gifts House ... ... Envelope Seals Place Cards Printable Invitation Kits Thank You Cards Wedding Favor Gift Tags ...
http://www.westportstyle. ...ool-graduation-gifts/

49. Coral Gables Senior High School - Magnet Program
... Advanced Placement Testing Graduation Options Student Activities ... at Coral Gables Senior High School. 11. In what grade is it ... accepted the magnet invitation, change their plans for the ...
http://cghs.dadeschools.net/Academics/magnet/

50. 1923 Corsicana High School Graduation Invitation
1923 Corsicana High School Graduation Invitation Corsicana, Navarro County, Texas HOME Corsican Index || Corsicana High School Index || 1923 Corsican Extract From the collection of Edward L. Williams ...
http://www.rootsweb.com/~ ...n/1923/invitation.htm

51.
http://www.curiehs.org/student_services.jsp

52. Invitations - Free Printable Graduation Invitation
http://my-weddings-my-des ...graduationinvitation/

53. Cinco Ranch High School - Katy, Texas
... The Chorale is one of 4 high school choirs in the ... to receive this invitation. Spanish Honor ... Friday, also after school, in room 1214. Close ... your child's graduation requirements can be ...
http://schools.katyisd.org/campus/crhs/

54. High School Diploma Tassel Frames by Wordyisms
... With shadow boxes for your tassel, graduation photo, invitation and high school diploma, our memento frames are the perfect graduation gift for yourself or someone you admire. landscape (horizontal ...
http://www.wordyisms.com/high-school.html

55. De La Salle High School
... have throughout their high school career ... activities of both school and community. The ... who accept the invitation to audition are ... deliver before the Graduation Committee. After ...
http://www.dlshs.org/student/stuhdbk.html

56. Historical Memorabilia - Schools
... 6.00 DANBURY NEBRASKA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION INVITATION 1916 $9.99 TEXAS LONGHORNS MOUSE PAD LONG HORNS FOOTBALL MOUSEPAD $4.99 ANTIQUE U of P 1899 CLASS DAY PROGRAM IN WHITE LEATHER $6.19 PSU PENN ...
http://www.icollections.n ...rabilia/Schools.shtml