Blue Willow's Graduation Gift Guide
What a strange season we've been living through, friends. The world is upside down, but certain familiar milestones keep marching on unhindered. A birthday comes and goes. A holiday. An anniversary. For the bookstore, this time of year always finds us making recommendations and wrapping gifts for graduates. (It's one of the few gift-giving occasions where everyone else seems to agree with us: Books really do make the best gifts!) The class of 2020 is stepping out into the world at a troubling, unprecedented moment in our history. Still and all, books can offer some help. The right book, read at the right time, can inspire, comfort, empower, give solace, unite.... Below are a few of our very favorite titles for graduates. We hope it helps you find the perfect choice for the young people in your life.
Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss
Where else to begin? This is the classic graduation picture book, whether for grade school or high school. We can all appreciate the narrative of stretching, growing, and wide open roads. Combine that message with Dr. Seuss' whimsical, iconic illustrations, and this should be a staple on every graduate's shelf.
Order your copy on our website.
Make Your Bed & Make Your Bed: A Daily Journal by Admiral William H. McRaven
Retired Admiral William H. McRaven delivered the keynote address in 2014 to the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin. With a simple message, he exhorts graduates to follow ten basic principles in life. And who can argue with the first one? His new companion journal is a small diary that helps graduates reflect on things that they are proud of and passionate about in their lives.
Order the book and the journal on our website.
Becoming & Becoming: A Guided Journal for Discovering Your Voice by Michelle Obama
We are all familiar with the incredible success of Michelle Obama’s book, which chronicles her life and exhorts the reader to stretch and achieve their dreams. The accompanying journal inspires the reader to write down their goals and desires. For a young woman stepping out into this new normal, it will be read and read again.
Order the book and the journal on our website.
Sometimes You Fly by Katherine Applegate; illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt
A beautiful picture book that is perfect for this wonderful transition from one period of life to another. is It is an inspirational tribute to the universal struggles and achievements of childhood. With a personal inscription from you, it will become a family heirloom.
Order your copy on our website.
The Little Engine That Could by Wally Piper; illustrated by Dan Santat; introduction by Dolly Parton
It’s the 90th anniversary of this classic story of determination. Any parent of a certain age can remember reading this inspirational story many times. Its timeless story of an engine that no one believed could make it over the mountain will be loved by all.
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Now Is the Time for Dreams by Danielle Leduc McQueen; illustrated by Chris Ballasiotes
Affirmations will inspire your reader to fully expand their mind—and keep coming back for more inspiration time and again. This works for high school and college grads.
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Roadmap by Roadtrip Nation, Brian McAllister, Mike Marriner, Nathan Gebhard
From the creators of the award-winning documentary series, this is the current generation’s What Color Is My Parachute. Full of short stories with engaging anecdotes, the reader can dip in at any point in this book and be guaranteed plenty to think about.
Order your copy on our website.
Do One Thing Every Day to Change the World: A Journal by Robie Rogge & Dian G. Smith
PERFECT for a Stratford grad (green, gold, and white), this fill-in-the-blanks journal is a personal diary designed to help a graduate write down their thoughts and goals. The low price—this one is just $12.95—makes it perfect to give to all the neighbor kids who are headed to college in the fall.
Order your copy on our website.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
An internet sensation last fall, this fable is destined to become a modern classic. Love, kindness, and friendship are the themes which are accessible to the young reader. You can read this as a child or an adult—there are lessons here for all.
Order your copy on our website.
Navigate Your Stars by Jesmyn Ward; illustrated by Gina Triplett
Jesmyn Ward delivered a stirring commencement speech at Tulane University. This lovely gift edition encapsulates her message of respect for oneself and others. While small, it packs an intense, brave beacon for those going out into this strange, new world.
Order your copy on our website.