24 Graduation Books for Kids of All Ages As Chosen by Teachers
Skip to main content
Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
Celebrate those important milestones with a great book.
As you near the end of the school year and graduation is on the horizon, you may wonder what gift to give the soon-to-be graduates. What better way to celebrate than with books? We’ve rounded up our favorite graduation books for students of all ages.
Check out the best titles for elementary graduation, 5th grade graduation, 8th grade graduation, and high school graduation.
The Best Pre-K and Elementary Graduation Books
Look How Much I’ve Grown in KINDergarten by Vera Ahiyya
It’s a KINDergarten story about celebrating all the amazing ways children grow—inside and out—throughout the year. This reassuring story reminds young children that we all shine in different ways. Find even more titles written by this Instagram influencer affectionately known as the Tutu Teacher!
Kindergarten Graduation! A Little Golden Book by Jennifer Liberts
Matteo can’t believe it’s almost time to move from kindergarten to first grade! He and his classmates have learned so much and they’ve had a lot of fun. Now they’re getting ready for their graduation celebration. Matteo is especially going to miss the class guinea pig, Gus. But maybe guinea pigs can graduate too!
Wherever You Go (An All Are Welcome Book) by Alexandra Penfold
From the creators of the bestselling All Are Welcome series comes a modern and inclusive picture book that celebrates the many milestones of a child’s life, ranging from a school play to graduation, with an emphasis on kindness and community. It’s a stand-out for graduation with its loving and inspiring message: Wherever you go, whatever you do, I want you know I’m so proud of you.
The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
Nostalgic illustrations combined with whimsical text about the possibilities that lie ahead make this a perfect graduation book for the younger set.
The Spark in You by Andrea Pippins
This jubilant picture book filled with powerful affirmations celebrates the beautiful magic that makes each of us special. This is the perfect heartfelt gift for a birthday, graduation, or other new beginnings.
The Blur by Minh Lê
Meet a child with superhero-like abilities … and the parents who are racing to keep up with her in this sweetly funny picture book about the blur of childhood. From the award-winning creators of Drawn Together, this is a perfect gift to celebrate all our special milestones, from graduations to birthdays and beyond!
Graduation Groove by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook
In this joyful read-aloud, a fun and diverse group of kindergartners gets ready for first grade.
Celebrate You! by Sherry Duskey Rinker
We love the way this rhyming read-aloud recognizes first milestones as important while also recognizing the many more milestones to come.
Step Into Reading: Graduation Day! by Candice Ransom
The school year is nearly over, and little bro is ready to graduate kindergarten! He and big sis head off for the very last day of school. He learned so much and can do so much on his own now. His cubby is cleaned out, he has his cap and gown, but—oh no!—his shoe is untied! No worries, he’ll show everyone what he can do!
The Best 5th Grade Graduation Book
Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers by Michelle Obama
Michelle Robinson was born on the South Side of Chicago. From her modest beginnings, she would become Michelle Obama, the inspiring and powerful First Lady of the United States, when her husband, Barack Obama, was elected the forty-fourth president. They would be the first Black First Family in the White House and serve the country for two terms.
Do Your Best Every Day to Do Your Best Every Day by John Cena
Bestselling author and entertainer John Cena motivates and inspires readers with this illustrated book of uplifting encouragements adapted from his popular Twitter feed. The perfect gift for graduations, birthdays, and life’s biggest celebrations! The key message: hope + Effort = Making the impossible possible
Superpowered by Renee Jain and Dr. Shefali Tsabary
This New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller is the perfect tool for children facing new social and emotional challenges in an increasingly disconnected world! This how-to book from two psychology experts–packed with fun graphics and quizzes–will help kids transform stress, worry, and anxiety.
Memories and Life Lessons From the Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
These are just a few of the lessons that Magic Tree House fans will learn on their magical journey through this book. Mary Pope Osborne, beloved author of the #1 bestselling Magic Tree House series, shares the wisdom she’s gained from her own childhood and 30 years of whisking Jack and Annie away in the Magic Tree House. Perfect for grades 2 and up
The Best 8th Grade Graduation Books
Dreams from My Father (Adapted for Young Adults) by Barack Obama
Now adapted for young adults—the #1 New York Times bestselling memoir, which Toni Morrison called “quite extraordinary,” offers an intimate look at Barack Obama’s early days. This is a compelling journey tracing the future 44th president’s odyssey through family, race, and identity.
It’s All Love by Jenna Ortega
An empowering collection written by Jenna Ortega, the award-winning actress starring in the hit Netflix series WEDNESDAY. These deeply personal stories and quotes are accompanied by beautiful illustrations that explore Jenna’s struggles with depression, experiences falling in—and out of—love, the loss of close family members, and growing up Latina in Hollywood.
The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman
The book edition of the inaugural poem can also serve as encouragement for newly minted high schoolers.
You Are Awesome by Matthew Syed
A growth-mindset guide for middle graders that will encourage them to learn from setbacks.
The Best High School Graduation Books
The College Wellness Guide by Casey Rowley Barneson and The Princeton Review
A guide that helps overwhelmed students manage their mental, physical, and social health, and reach and maintain a healthy balance in their college lives.
Everything I Need To Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow
Filled with humorous, practical tips for getting the most out of life, this Little Golden Book “guide to life” is the perfect keepsake gift to celebrate birthdays and other new beginnings and milestones for readers of any age who cherish the classic little books with the gold foil spines!
All These Wonders edited by Catherine Burns
Send high school graduates off with these inspiring real-world stories about facing the unknown.
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletters to find out when more book recommendations are posted!
Brenda Gray is a news writer for the Hold Tight Podcast. She writes about sports, education, and tech, with a focus on local stories that impact her community. Brenda has been writing for over 10 years and uses her skills to help inform the public about important issues. She also has a passion for playing the piano and enjoys spending time with her family when she's not working!