QRB 2020 Graduation Gift Book Guide
When it comes to gifting graduation books, one size does not fit all. We’ve all been there, searching for the perfect message for that special graduate, and becoming overwhelmed by too many unknown choices. Well, here’s a short hand-picked list of 10 graduation gift books I’ve vetted for you in a variety of themes, formats, and writing styles to help you along in your process of picking. Hopefully, you will find something here that you AND your graduate will love. Congratulations to you both as you celebrate their wonderful achievement! Woo-hoo!! Go Class of 2020!!!
TEN.
Whatever You Are Be a Good One: 100 Inspirational Quotations Hand-Lettered by Lisa Congdon By Lisa Congdon (Chronicle Books)
Whatever You Are Be a Good One is an eclectic assortment of little nuggets of wisdom said or written by various famous people. Some were familiar quotes, but most were new to me. Lisa Congdon took these favorite quotes of hers and penned them in quirky lettering. They range in subject and tone--from witty to sentimental to literary--but consistently manage to deliver words intended to inspire spirit and action.
The Message: Quotes about living courageously and positively from various famous people.
NINE.
Oh, the Places You'll Go! By Dr. Seuss (Random House Books for Young Readers)
It feels almost obligatory to include Oh, the Places You'll Go! on any list of graduation gift books. However, it is a 30-year old classic for a reason; it’s solid. Dr. Seuss starts out by saying “Congratulations” and then proceeds to lay out the triumphs and the failures, the wins and the losses that anyone setting out to cover new ground in their lives can expect to experience. Set to his signature rhymes, the pages are also filled with whimsical colorful illustrations. Seuss doesn’t neglect to tell the reader that there will be the in-between times, too--times of confusion, waiting, spinning in place, being stuck, where they will be responsible for prying themselves out of those tough spots with their own sheer will and personal effort.
The Message: Be the hero of your own life.
EIGHT.
Yay, You!: Moving Up and Moving On By Sandra Boynton (Little Simon)
On the surface, Yay, You!: Moving Up and Moving On is a quick read about decision-making. With cute illustrations and lighthearted rhymes Sandra Boynton uses simple ideas to lead us to a place of deeper introspection. She presents the very real questions we all must ultimately face. Who am I? What do I want & need out of life? It’s a surprisingly sophisticated book about defining ourselves through our decisions.
The Message: Know yourself to shape your best life.
SEVEN.
Congratulations, by the way: Some Thoughts on Kindness By George Saunders (Random House)
Congratulations, by the way is a manual for those who aspire to become more emotionally intelligent. It is the book we need, especially in current times--a transcript of George Saunders’ convocation speech to the Syracuse University class of 2013 about the value of kindness. Saunders breaks down in clear, thoughtful, straightforward language what it means to be truly kind. Not simply nice, in the “I smile and am mildly polite to you” way or the “I won't actively hurt you in word or deed” way, but kind in the genuine “I am extending myself and hope to change another person’s life" way.
The Message: Kindness is one intelligence that everyone needs to cultivate and grow.
SIX.
Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World By Admiral William H. McRaven (Grand Central Publishing)
Make Your Bed is based on the 10 life lessons discussed in the commencement speech delivered by Admiral William H. McRaven to the University of Texas’ graduating class of 2014. As you might expect from a career Navy SEAL, discipline is discussed and military stories are shared. But this book is so much more than that. It’s a practical guide with good advice about inner toughness and integrity. McRaven advises graduates to be their best in their darkest moments, to stand up to bullies, to put heart into their efforts to achieve their dreams, and to move beyond failure, among other things. The original speech is found at the end of the book. My advice: Read this first. It’s fantastic. It also helps put everything else in the book into context.
The Message: We have a responsibility to ourselves and to others to make the world better.
FIVE.
Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for Me & You By Lin-Manuel Miranda and Illustrated By Jonny Sun (Random House)
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s anthology of Tweets, Gmorning, Gnight!, is entertaining and fun. I really enjoyed this little book of daily encouragements. Miranda presents us with one poem to start the day (inhale) and one poem to end it (exhale). Coupled with imaginative line art, these short sweet notes are reminiscent of Shel Silverstein minus a bit of the utter ridiculousness, but plus a shot of maturity and self-care. Reading this, I felt like these were missives sent from myself to myself.
The Message: How you begin the day and end the day is just as important as what happens in the middle. And tomorrow is another chance to try.
FOUR.
Navigate Your Stars By Jesmyn Ward and Illustrated By Gina Triplett (Scribner)
Navigate Your Stars is a reflective, biographical essay about life choices and gaining perspective. Written with sincerity, candor, and humility, Jesmyn Ward talks about how adaptation, hard work, risk-taking, and persistence are the keys to creating the life you want. First though, Ward had to humble herself and begin from a foundation of appreciation. Appreciation for her beginnings, for her roots, for the sweat she had to invest, and for the process itself. Gorgeous bold artwork from cover to cover transforms this work into a stunning adult picture book.
The Message: Patience above all. With self. With others. With life in general.
THREE.
Zero By Kathryn Otoshi (Ko Kids Books)
Zero is an inspiring story about one number’s search for fulfillment and discovering her purpose. Kathryn Otoshi explores the trials and discomfort associated with trying to force oneself to fit into a mold made for someone else. Illustrated in a drybrush style with brightly colored strokes, this book deftly handles the themes of self-image, finding value in oneself, and the need to belong, while at the same time managing to not be contrived.
The Message: We are whole from the start; we are all filled with potential.
TWO.
Instructions By Neil Gaiman and Illustrated By Charles Vess (HarperCollins)
Neil Gaiman’s Instructions is an adventure tale which places the reader smack dab at the center of the action. Replete with magical tokens, secret passages, fantastical landscapes, wolves and dragons and all manner of other terrible creatures, this storybook is a profound metaphor for how to navigate the surprises and intrigues of life. Bravely, cautiously, respectfully, compassionately, generously, and with manners of course! The classic fairytale style illustration artfully complements the storybook theme.
The Message: In the end, life is about hope, heart, instinct, and appreciation for the journey.
ONE.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse By Charlie Mackesy (HarperOne)
Incredibly beautiful and moving, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is one of my new favorite books. We get to know the Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse through a series of intimate little scenes that give us life lessons on love and friendship, the challenges of togetherness, the need to be accepting of difference in ourselves and in others, and embracing help along the way. Gentle and philosophical in nature, this book reminds me of The Little Prince. It’s also infused with a subtle, quiet humor. There’s something very compelling and personal about the gestural quality of Charlie Mackesy’s pen & ink drawings and his hand-lettered text. He uses color sparingly and strategically throughout the book to highlight strong emotion. This is a book that I want to give to everyone that I know and love, and then to everyone I don't know and love yet but will eventually. My favorite quote of the entire book is: “ ‘Sometimes I feel lost,’ said the boy.[...] ‘but we love you, and love brings you home.’ “
The Message: Friendship reflects our true and best selves back to us.
