Whether leaving preschool or high school, every graduation is a rite of passage--a moment to celebrate-- and what better way to do that than through an inspirational book! Read the list below to find great books to give to your favorite grads!
1. Whatever You Are Be a Good One by Lisa Congdon
This beautifully hand-lettered book of quotations is a great gift to give any graduate, as they will look back on them through the years when needing a little extra boost. Including quotes like "Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood" by Marie Curie, your graduate will always be able to turn to this book for inspiration.
2. The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College by Harlan Cohen
This guide makes an excellent gift for any high school grad headed to college. Curious about the bathroom situation in dorms? Want to know how to find the best loans and grants? With information on everything from dorms to dating, this book is a must-have!
3. The Little Things in Life by Catherine Hapka
Winnie the Pooh always takes time to stop and enjoy the small things in life. Among the best books for graduation gifts, this will encourage your grad to do the same!
4. Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps by Kelly Williams Brown
Graduating from college and being expected to enter day-to-day adult life can be intimidating--How do you dress for job interviews? What should you look for in an apartment?--But you can make it a bit less scary for your grad with this entertaining, detailed how-to adult book.
5. Hello World! by Kelly Corrigan
From bestselling author Kelly Corrigan comes a colorful book about all of the people you will connect with in the world when you embark on any new adventure. Great for children graduating from preschool or elementary school!
6. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Encourage your grad to focus on the little moments in life by giving this charming book in which Gretchen Rubin vowed to focus on all things that made her happy for an entire year. This updated version includes a helpful Happiness Manifesto to which all readers will gravitate.
7. I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life by Anne Bogel
Give your book-loving graduate this book to encourage them to carry this passion into the rest of their life. I'd Rather Be Reading asks readers to remember that first book that made them love reading and to never let go of that feeling. It will take a treasured spot on your grad's bookshelf amongst all their other treasures.
8. Gmorning, Gnight! Little Pep Talks for Me and You by Lin-Manuel Miranda
This best-selling book is full of little daily aspirations to inspire graduates each and every day! Lin-Manuel Miranda took the best of his positive, life-affirming Tweets and included them in this neat book.
9. Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I'm Learning to Say by Kelly Corrigan
Focusing on twelve phrases to live life by, this best-selling essay collection will help any grad get through difficult times. It focuses on essential phrases we all struggle with, like the simple "No" to the hard to utter phrase "I Was Wrong."
10. What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Bolles
This updated career-advice book is perfect for any grad looking to enter the workplace. It focuses on the current workforce, giving information on things like creating online resumes and utilizing social media.
11. Do Your Laundry or You'll Die Alone: Advice Your Mom Would Give If She Thought You Were Listening by Becky Blades
Marketed toward the female adult graduate, this book is full of advice, oftentimes hilarious, and always practical. From where to park your car to qualities to look for in a spouse, this book covers every topic you could imagine.
12. Advice from My 80-Year-Old Self by Susan O'Malley
This book is full of both practical advice as well as advice that reminds us to enjoy the little things in life, like sugar in our tea. O'Malley gathered information from people of all ages to create an insightful look into humanity.
13. 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die by James Mustich
Book lovers will love this exhaustive list of book recommendations they must-read that covers every genre you can imagine! It also includes helpful information like which edition of a book to read to other books by the same authors you love.
14. Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life and Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven
Based on a graduation speech written by a Navy Seal that went viral, this bestselling book should be read by all, both those in the military as well as those leading a civilian life.
15. Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
College graduates will appreciate this book about learning to be vulnerable in their adult lives. Many readers state that every person should read this book at some point because it can teach us all valuable lessons.
16. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Randy Pausch's last lecture titled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams," is one his students will never forget, and neither will anyone who read this book. This is the perfect gift to remind college grads to make the most of their time, as they never know how much they have left.
17. That's Me Loving You by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Good for any age, remind them that no matter where they go, you'll always be there.
18. The Defining Decade: Why the Twenties Matter by Meg Jay
Encourage your grad to make the most of their 20s, and not throw away this important decade, with this pivotal book.
19. Do Over by Jon Acuff
Letting grads know career changes will happen, this book offers practical career advice for any recent high school or college grad.
20. Make Trouble by John Waters
Living a creative life can sometimes mean embracing the chaotic, which John Waters encourages in this book. With witty advice, like eavesdropping and listening to our enemies, all grads will enjoy this book.
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