It’s hard to believe, but we’re almost to the end of the 2021-2022 school year, and that means graduation is on the horizon! What’s a better way to celebrate than with books? Below, our favorite graduation books for students of all ages.
(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)
The Best Preschool and Kindergarten Graduation Books
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.
What Would You Do in a Book About You? by Jean Reidy
This sweet rhyming read aloud asks kids to imagine themselves as the heroes of their own stories.
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.
Kindergarten, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg
A series of short poems celebrates everything that is great about kindergarten. (Don’t miss First Grade, Here I Come!, either!)
The Night Before Kindergarten Graduation by Natasha Wing
Part of Wing’s charming “The Night Before” series, students will relate to this story about all the emotions and tasks involved in graduation prep!
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 to come.
The Best 5th Grade Graduation Books
Be You! by Peter H. Reynolds
As kids head off into middle school, it’s important for them to hear the message to stay true to themselves, and that’s exactly what this graduation book celebrates.
What the Road Said by Cleo Wade
This exchange between a traveler and the road they’re traveling will inspire fifth graders to keep going, no matter the obstacles they face.
Dear Girl, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal
A lovely reminder for girls of all ages that they are smart, strong, and capable. (There’s also a Dear Boy version.)
Surviving Middle School by Luke Reynolds
This funny field guide to middle school covers topics like bullying, peer pressure, parent relationships, and grades.
The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School by David Borgenicht, Ben H. Winters, and Robin Epstein
Graduating fifth graders will learn how to survive homework overload, bullies and cliques, and more in this installment of the “Worst Case Scenario” series.
The Best 8th Grade Graduation Books
The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman
The book edition of the inaugural poem can also serve as encouragement for newly minted high schoolers.
97 Things to Do Before You Finish High School by Steven Jenkins
This fun bucket list has categories for personal development, family, community, and more.
You Are Awesome by Matthew Syed
A growth mindset guide for middle graders that will encourage them to learn from setbacks.
How to Be a Person by Catherine Newman
Newman covers many of life’s basics (such as thank you notes and calculating tips) in a fun, graphic-novel style format.
The Best High School Graduation Books
Carpe Every Diem by Robin Rogge
This compilation of best-ever graduation speeches is a great gift for a student tasked with writing one of their own.
Do Your Laundry or Die Alone by Becky Blades
If you’re looking for a cheeky but still inspirational choice, check out this book of mom-inspired advice for high school graduates.
All These Wonders edited by Catherine Burns
Send high school graduates off with these inspiring real-world stories about facing the unknown.
You Will Leave a Trail of Stars by Lisa Congdon
We love the brightly colored graphics and smart pieces of advice in this collection.
How to College by Andrea Malkin Brenner and Lara Hope Schwartz
College-bound graduates will appreciate this practical guide to life on campus, which covers both general and academic topics.
Assume the Worst by Carl Hiassen
This irreverent guide takes on cliché graduation advice such as “live each day as if it’s your last,” offering a funny but realistic view of what it really means to follow your dreams.
We’re curious. Are your favorite graduation books on our list? Let us know in the comments.
Plus, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more book recommendations.
