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. Marian Catholic High School | Hall of Fame 2002
... Week II was the theme when the Marian ... as one of the best high schools in the state ... college and graduate school, but most importantly ... a decade after graduation, Gleason remains ...
http://www.marianchs.com/ ...all_of_fame_2002.html

2. Graduation HQ - High School Graduation Gifts
... Thank You Graduation Thank You Cards Graduation Theme Graduation Themes Graduation Verses Graduation Wishes Harvard Graduation High School Graduation High School Graduation ...
http://www.graduationhq.c ...choolgraduationgifts/

3. High School Information
... Engineering Engineering: Mechanical Engineering: Theme Park Engineering English: Creative Writing ... ... Undergraduate Women's Studies GPA High School Graduation -Year- 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 ...
http://uosr.csulb.edu/Beach_Info/High_School/

4. Goochland County Teacher Portal - Goochland High School Digital Graphics - C...
... secure jobs after graduation. Contact your ... and Brittany. Texas high school computer ... for a look at another school system. DG4 students ... be discussing their theme and color theory ...
http://www.glnd.k12.va.us:8200/Members/kbachmann

5. Valley Stream Central High School District: News - District News
... increasingly rigorous NYS graduation requirements. Explore the ... year was to be mailed to all high school district parents and senior ... the calendar with the theme of Highlighting Guidance ...
http://www.vschsd.org/news/index.html

6. Leuzinger High School Class of 1981 - 1981 in Review
... significant events of your graduation year here Here is a time ... our years at Leuzinger High School... Entertainment: 1977 ... Bros.) Song of the Year: 'Love Theme From A Star Is Born ...
http://www.leuzingerhigh1981.com/yearreview.php

7. High School Graduation Theme
High School Graduation Theme FireRocket Search Related Searches graduation balloon centerpiece graduation centerpiece to make graduation party centerpiece idea table centerpiece for graduation ...
http://www.graduation1.co ...ool-graduation-theme/

8. Los Angeles Public Library | Central Library | Electronic Information Magnet...
... subject materials of the high school curriculum, students will ... of California requires for graduation will be expanded to ... and government agencies. Themes Theme for 9th Grade: Questioning and ...
http://www.lapl.org/central/eimhs.html

9. Freshmen Courses - Counseling at Community High School
... the elements of plot, theme, characterization ... of Science, a 3-year high school science ... University of Michigan School of Education/HiCE ... of Fitness fulfills graduation requirement and ...
http://www.communityhigh. ...vice/freshmen-cources

10. High School Graduation Gift Idea
... idea graduation party food idea graduation party theme idea graduation craft idea bridal shower gift ... ... idea for graduation graduation decorating idea high school graduation party idea unique ...
http://www.idea7.com/high ...graduation-gift-idea/

11. Southeast Raleigh High School
... Site Mission Magnet Theme Policies PTSA School Improvement Plan ... Development Team 2005-10-28: Graduation Project Judges Needed 2005 ... Events Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School 2600 Rock Quarry Road ...
http://rr.srhs.net/

12. North Community High School
... electives that support the SLC theme. Each small learning community ... and district standards for graduation and requires that students ... apprentice programs. North High School staff challenges students ...
http://highschoolchoice.m ...f26d081f.html?NodeId=

13. Jostens High School: Graduation Products
... Templates 5.5 x 8.5 inch Graduation Text Templates Clipart ... Book that is uniquely you. Theme-focused design kits, such as ... Rep Employment International High School Homeschool College ...
http://www.jostens.com/designit/page_designs.asp

14. High School English-Language Arts - Program of Studies
... are required for high school graduation. These courses are English ... of English/ Language Arts. High School English/Language Arts ... terms and concepts (e.g., theme, character, point of view ...
http://www.education.ky.g ...rogram+of+Studies.htm

15. High School and Self-Education Board
... 27 ( 0) I'd like to change my coputer's desktop theme, any great sites to download different ones ... ... high school? m - colette 16:15 Oct 26 ( 0) No law says you have to go directly to college after graduation ...
http://wtmboards.com/HSboardOct21/

16. ☺ We've got high school graduation gift ideas - UK
... high school graduation gift ideas at our online store and get next day delivery. Our helpful pixies will help you whether it be buying a gift for a troublesome nephew, or organising the office theme ...
http://www.jolly-japes.co ...ation-gift-ideas.html

17. Publications - Central Catholic High School
... of these Brothers. The theme for the day s liturgy ... Drive during Lent, our school community raised ... senior schedule & graduation information. The ... to Central Catholic High School. The Symposium ...
http://www.pittcentralcat ....org/publications.htm

18. Helena High School Scholarship List 2004-2005
... photography) that reflects the theme ìMaking the World a Better ... May 30, 2006 Must be a high school senior planning to continue ... to attend college after graduation. Must write an essay (600 ...
http://www.hhs.helena.k12 ...ment/scholarship.html

19. Madison High School Reunion Web Site :: James Madison High School Grad's are...
... 02, 2005 - 07:26 AM Madison High School Reunion Web Site Memory ... you have some advantages like a theme manager, comments ... it'll be my first! e-mail: Graduation Year: 1978 Barb (Hoffmann ...
http://mightymadison.com/ ...stguestbook&func=main

20. Dundalk High School -- Class of 1962
... net. Next Get Together - 60's Theme I don't mean the 1960's. It is ... 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

21. High School Programs
... Brochure Early Graduation Option (EGO) at ... to graduate from high school in three years. It is ... project. St. Petersburg High, the first IB program ... designing costumes for theme parks and touring ...
http://www.pinellas.k12.f ...gnet/highschools.html

22. AboutSchool.com: High School
... Big Day: Are you ready for Graduation Day and College? Need some ... bus safety rules! Does your school have a Web site? If it does ... Change your AboutSchool.com theme! Where did your name come from ...
http://www.aboutschool.com/twelve1.htm

23. Southeast Raleigh High School - Academics - Graduation Project
... Theme Policies PTSA School Improvement Plan History AP Pre-Course Work Media Resources Graduation ... ... Team Overview 2005-2006 Southeast Raleigh High School requires each graduating senior to ...
http://www.srhs.net/acade ...radproj.tf/index.html

24. CAMPION Jesuit High School Nostalgia Page
... Graduation Commencements Graduation Commencements '17 '70 '72 ... Ash Tray Campion College/High School Post Cards Coaches The ... from 1938 Year Book Our Theme from 1960 Year Book. Daring ...
http://www.campion-knights.org/

25. Columbus High School (CHS) Yearbooks And Logs Historic Columbus Indiana
... 1944 Log The 1945 yearbook theme was "Life," and had him (or ... on a "new" Columbus High School on 25th Street, and showed ... yearbook. The 1957 senior graduation class walked through the ...
http://www.historiccolumb ...arbooks/yearbooks.htm

26. Coral Gables Senior High School - Home of the Cavaliers
... Magnet Program Advanced Placement Testing Graduation Options Student Activities Athletics Clubs & ... ... High School's homecoming has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 19th. This year's theme is ...
http://cghs.dadeschools.net/home.htm

27. Reunion planning help and reunion idea for your high school class reunion
... s favorite songs from your graduation year, also hire a karaoke ... Classical Are you planning a high school class reunion with a ... consist of an International theme? Let Gigmasters make you the ...
http://www.gigmasters.com/Events/Reunion.asp

28. South Brunswick High School - SPS - Policies
... for success on this graduation requirement. Those ... to South Brunswick High School. Our goals are ... an interdisciplinary, school-wide project in which ... a topic around a common theme, such as "systems" or ...
http://www.sbschools.org/ ...urse_requirements.php

29. KCSOS : High School : High School Graduation Requirements
... prior to receiving a diploma of graduation from high school, shall meet or exceed the rigor of ... ... at 12:16:24 PM This site is using the KCSOS Default Valley Oaks [M] theme. Membership: Join Now : Login
http://www.valleyoakschar ...raduationrequirements

30. Dana Hills High School
... of cars after graduation so that the buses ... also brought her own high school yearbook ... used them at Back to School Night last week and ... open at 5:30 p.m. Color theme is red, white and ...
http://www.dhhs.net/activ .../gradnite/minutes.htm

31. High School Graduation Gift Ideas - FindGift.com
... Graduation Gift Ideas High School for Him for Her ... with graduate's name, school and year for a male ... by Annette ($10.95) Graduation cartoons comes ... Gift Ideas Autumn Theme See this month's Top ...
http://www.findgift.com/O ...aduation/High-School/

32.
http://web.gwhs.org/www/a .../course_offerings.php

33. Loretto High School: Academics
... is a core requirement for graduation and may be taken in the ... women in the final year of high school. The impact of contemporary ... action" will be an underlying theme of the course. 5046-04 SOCIAL ...
http://www.loretto.net/academics/theology.aspx

34. Chatsworth High School
... the High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) is part of the graduation ... for pick-up at LUNCH or AFTER SCHOOL in the Health Office - A7 ... this is your chance!! The theme for this year's competition is ...
http://www.chatsworthhs.org/apps/news/

35. Temple High School
... the best decorated door in the school using the theme. Winter Band and Chorus Concert on December 15 ... ... the greatest gains on the Georgia High School Graduation Test based on the top 5% of schools ...
http://ths.carrollcountys .../home/new/default.asp

36. CyberPlainsman - Laramie High School - Front Page
... News) 'Roaring 20s' theme of homecoming Oct. 17 ... 22 at Cheyenne East High School. full story > ... years ago, the all-school musical, the first ... Day Oct. 11, graduation orders, an article ...
http://www.myhighschooljo ...m.org/wy/laramie/lhs/

37. Party Ideas - High School Graduation Party Ideas
... Patrick's Day Party Ideas Super Bowl Party Ideas Theme Party Ideas Toga Party Ideas Unique Party Ideas ... ... Western Party Ideas Suggest Category High School Graduation Party Ideas Party411 Party Games - A ...
http://www.partyideashq.c ...graduationpartyideas/

38. Shepparton High School - Graduation Ceremony
... Ceremony | Orientation The graduation ceromony proceedings ... students. It continued with school captains', Allison Luscombe ... on her experiences around the theme friendship in a very friendly ...
http://www.shs.vic.edu.au ...uation/graduation.htm

39. White Station High School Memphis, TN
... Money for the Hurricane Victims Theme: Halloween Program: Songs and ... support is available for high-school students with ... City School Board MCS Dress Rules Calendars and Graduation ...
http://www.mcsk12.net/sch ...public_html/wshs.html

40. West Lafayette Junior / Senior High School Clubs
... the fall term, the theme of the book is ... comprised of high school students who ... pep sessions and other school events. Debate ... English and graduation credits are earned ...
http://www.wl.k12.in.us/hs/admin/clubs.html

41.
... first to hear whats happening at Home Decorating Tips Home / decorating ideas / high school graduation decorating theme ideas Decorating Ideas We all want to make our homes look great but sometimes we ...
http://www.home-decoratin ...ating-theme-ideas.htm

42. AVALON HIGH SCHOOL. Home Page, Welcome.
... provide activities whereby high school students learn to confront ... and Issues Analysis graduation standards. Note: During the ... around the National History Day Theme. They will work independently ...
http://www.avalonschool.org/seminars.html

43. union jobs in wisconsin high school cedar grove stars wisconsin schools
... University of wisconsin graduation announcements ... games wisconsin dells big cheif theme park - Madison wisconsin ... escortswisconsin - Best high schools in wi wisconsin ...
http://union-jobs-in-wisc ...isconsin-escorts.biz/

44. High School / Graduation Sayings - Rub-ons from Me and My Big Ideas
... Paper Paper Piecing Stickers Tags Templates Shop By Brand Shop By Theme Sale Items Clearance Items High School / Graduation Sayings - Rub-ons from Me and My Big Ideas $3.75 RO-05 Each package of ...
http://www.cropaholics.com/product2478.html

45. Servite High School
... Honors Program Graduation Requirements ... with that notion as our theme, ÄúForming Faith ... the advancement of the school. Our emphasis on the ... and life beyond high school. Underlying all ...
http://www.servitehs.org/principals_message.jsp

46. Welcome - First Colonial High School
... a Student Fine Arts Foreign Languages Gifted Graduation Req. Guidance HS That Work How To Enroll ... ... High School web site, please e-mail the webmaster if you have any questions. The theme this ...
http://www.firstcolonialhs.vbschools.com/

47. Regional Guidance Programs
... through their middle and high school years. The G.A.L. stays with each student upon high school graduation. Theme areas in the G.A.L. are: Self Knowledge - Career Development & Planning ...
http://valnet.mtvalleyhs. ...S/Guidance/oxford.htm

48. St. Monicas Catholic High School Class of 1985 - 1985 in Review
... High School Class of 1985 - 1985 in Review Capture the significant events of your graduation ... ... COOL IT NOW New Edition (MCA) 27. MIAMI VICE THEME Jan Hammer (MCA) 28. LOVER BOY Billy Ocean ...
http://www.stmonicahs1985.com/yearreview.php

49. Joliet Township High School
... for a tour of JT and return to high school with an assembly in the ... the doors on Eastern Avenue. School gets out early so lunch will ... BBQ buffet with a tropical theme. The price includes soft ...
http://www.jths.org/jths/alumni2/reunion.asp

50. School Graduation Party Theme Banner - College Graduation Banner - High Scho...
... l Banner Planning Guide What a Graduation Party Theme Banner does for you? Banners to announce the ... ... graduation banner, a middle school graduation banner, a high school graduation banner, a ...
http://www.thatsawrapper.com/BannersGraduation.htm

51. Tips and Tricks to Create a Better Class or High School Reunion.
... and other stuff from our graduation year on the website and it ... was for so many things (food, theme, music, entertainment and so ... who had a connection to the school feel like they were part of ...
http://www.reunions.myeve ...1/better_reunions.htm

52. High School Graduation
... School Graduation Supply High School Graduation Tassel High School Graduation Test High School Graduation Theme High School Graduation Trip Illinois High School Graduation Requirement Inspirational ...
http://www.mygraduationgi ...highschoolgraduation/

53. Saint John High School
... the second very succesful graduation class event of the year ... graduates of Saint John High School for study in the 2005-06 ... Penny Pitch kicked off the SRC theme week for October, pro ...
http://www.sjhigh.ca/news.php

54. DESCRIPTION OF COURSES AT HELIX HIGH SCHOOL
... and carrying out the Scottish theme of Helix. Individual ... to the second year P.E. graduation requirement. 9 th and 12 ... Prerequisite: Middle school music, high school music, or ...
http://www.helixcharter.n ...riptions_9thgrade.htm

55. Bloomington High School North Alumni
... are endless! Have a theme, display memorabilia, conduct ... 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/

56. Colonial Forge High School Home
... they will be handed out at Graduation practice. Senior ads can be mailed to Colonial Forge High School , c/o Apollo Yearbook ... ASPA) awarded Outstanding Theme 2004. Furthermore, the ...
http://www.cfhs.org/Yrbook_2005.htm

57. Weehawken High School
... party and Project Graduation are all part of ... States. Weehawken High School was awarded a ... and time to help both school and community ... Each year a different theme is decided upon ...
http://www.weehawken.k12. .../xtra_curricular.html

58. g
... golf course locator grants for individuals graduation photos grants pass, oregon graduation theme grant high school graduation quotations graduation prayer grant prideco grants for business georgia ...
http://www.educationkey.com/education/g.htm