Graduation & Moving-Up Books

Wherever You Go (An All Are Welcome Book)

Wherever You Go (An All Are Welcome Book) By Alexandra Penfold; illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

From the creators of the bestselling All Are Welcome 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.

Where will you go?
Who will you be?
I savor the moments
that you’re here with me.

Follow a set of kids and their families through the big and small moments with colorful illustrations and beautiful, rhyming text--a book that parents and teachers will love reading over and over to their kids--both young and old.

With a gorgeous fold-out spread, this is a great gift for any occasion, but 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.

Look How Much I've Grown in KINDergarten

Look How Much I've Grown in KINDergarten By Vera Ahiyya; illustrated by Joey Chou

Written by the kindergarten teacher and Instagram influencer affectionately known as the Tutu Teacher, comes a KINDergarten story about celebrating all the amazing ways children grow-- inside and out-- throughout the year.

Spring has sprung in KINDergarten! Flowers grow just outside the classroom. The trees are budding, and even baby birds begin to chirp, but Mason isn’t feeling very cheerful. Mason sees her friends getting better at everything, but she doesn’t think she can do anything right.  

But Mason's favorite teacher Ms. Perry has an idea... a growth chart! It’s not like other growth charts that measure how tall children grow, it’s a place for students to put how they each want to change and grow over the next few months. Sure, some students want to get taller, but others have different goals. Reynaldo wants to learn the sound of every letter in the alphabet, Irene wants to learn how to ride a bike without training wheels, and Mason, well Mason wants to grow in every way!

This reassuring story told by Vera Ahiyya and brought to life by Joey Chou's exuberant illustrations will help every young reader feel more comfortable in kindergarten by reminding them that we all shine in different ways. And as kind Ms. Perry says, “It is always ok to ask for help. Seeds don’t grow all on their own. They need the help of the sun, good soil and water to grow—— just like you!”

The Spark in You

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.

There is a spark in you!

The spark in you shines when you smile. It sparkles when you dance. It glimmers and shimmers, zings, and pops! Your spark is festive and joyous and burns brightest when you are authentically being you.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Carnival, a little girl uses all her creative energy to get ready for the big parade. Through the eyes of this vibrant character, the story celebrates individual expression and creativity as well as the explosion of light, color, and flavor of the festival.

Leaning into her Brazilian heritage, creator Andrea Pippins shares a window into the world of a young girl as she joins in the excitement of the parade. The spare text leaves room for the striking artwork to shine in a powerful display of community, individuality, and spirit.

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Oh, the Places You'll Go! By Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss’s wonderfully wise Oh, the Places You’ll Go! is the perfect gift to celebrate all of our special milestones—from graduations to birthdays and beyond!

“[A] book that has proved to be popular for graduates of all ages since it was first published.”—The New York Times

From soaring to high heights and seeing great sights to being left in a Lurch on a prickle-ly perch, Dr. Seuss addresses life’s ups and downs with his trademark humorous verse and whimsical illustrations.

The inspiring and timeless message encourages readers to find the success that lies within, no matter what challenges they face. A perennial favorite and a perfect gift for anyone starting a new phase in their life!

Down to Business: 51 Industry Leaders Share Practical Advice on How to Become a Young Entrepreneur

Down to Business: 51 Industry Leaders Share Practical Advice on How to Become a Young Entrepreneur By Fenley Scurlock and Jason Liaw

You have a start-up idea but ... where do you go from there? Two teen entrepreneurs bring together 51 influential business leaders for Q&As about starting a business, finding success, and, yes, making money.

Fifteen-year-olds Fenley Scurlock and Jason Liaw had both started businesses by the time they'd reached middle school. In this groundbreaking book, these young entrepreneurs interview leaders involved with brand-name businesses like MasterClass, Hallmark, IKEA, Parachute, and more.

They ask questions every burgeoning exec wants to know: How can I get started? Is college worth it? What skills do I need? How did YOU make it big?

In a book that's unlike any book out there--for kid or adult entrepreneurs--Fenley and Jason give readers access to leading innovators, inventors, and executives as they tell their stories and provide tips to a new generation of bosses.

Random House Teachers and Librarians