As the school year winds down, I find myself reflecting on how much my kids have grown—not just in inches and shoe sizes, but in heart, spirit, and curiosity. These early school years are so fleeting, and I often wish I could bottle them up forever.

That’s why I love this simple, meaningful tradition:

A book of teacher messages, gifted to my child when they graduate high school.

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The Heart Behind It

At the end of the school year, I will tuck a carefully chosen picture book into my child’s backpack with a little sticky note asking their teacher/s to write a message on one of the pages. It can be a sentence, a paragraph, a little doodle—whatever feels right to them.

Over time, these pages fill up with handwritten notes from the people who poured into my child during some of their most formative years.

“You lit up our classroom with your kindness.”

“Never stop asking great questions.”

“Your smile made my day so many times this year.”

Can you imagine how treasured this will be in 13 years?

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The Perfect Graduation Gift

When high school graduation rolls around, this book becomes more than just a keepsake—it becomes a celebration of who they are.

Page after page will reflect 13 years of teachers who saw the best in them, encouraged their growth, and believed in who they were becoming.

Whether they’re heading to college, trade school, or stepping into the real world for the first time, they’ll be walking forward with the well wishes and memories of the people who saw the best in them and helped shape them—right in their hands

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How It Works

1. I suggest picking a day to send the book in before the end of the school year. April or early May are the best times before teachers are bombarded with teacher appreciation, end of the year requests, final assessments/exams, report cards, and organizing their classrooms for the summer.

2. Write a short note to the teacher explaining your tradition.

3. Use a sticky note to mark a blank page or inside cover.

4. Remind them it doesn’t have to be long or fancy. Just a little memory, a piece of encouragement, or advice for the road ahead.

5. Tuck the book away after each school year. I keep ours in a special memory box

📕 I suggest purchasing two copies of each book in case one gets damaged or lost

📗 I also suggest taking a photo of each note and storing it in an album on your phone

📘 Notes can be left by babysitters, teachers, coaches, and tutors! Anyone who you felt was important!

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Why This Matters

Our children won’t remember every math lesson or spelling word, but they’ll remember how their teachers made them feel. Having those voices—preserved from kindergarten through senior year—is a powerful reminder of the village that helped raise them.

On the day they toss that cap in the air, they’ll have this book in hand. And I have a feeling it’ll mean more to them than any other gift they receive.

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Choosing The Right Book

Below are some book options with brief descriptions. Click on each photo for the Amazon link.

1. Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Author: Dr. Seuss
This timeless classic is a beautifully whimsical and inspiring journey through life’s ups and downs. With playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, Dr. Seuss reminds readers of all ages that challenges are part of the adventure—but so is the incredible potential that lies ahead. This is why it has been the most obvious choice over the years for this tradition.

2. The Wonderful Things You Will Be. Author: Emily Winfield Martin

A gentle, lyrical celebration of childhood potential, this beautifully illustrated book captures the hopes, dreams, and unconditional love parents have for their children. Its timeless message and charming artwork make it a perfect keepsake!

3. I Knew You Could! Author: Craig Dorfman

Inspired by The Little Engine That Could, this uplifting story uses a train’s journey as a metaphor for life’s challenges and triumphs. With encouraging rhymes and positive messages, it’s a perfect gift to remind children they’re capable of anything.

4. Be You! Author: Peter H. Reynolds

A vibrant and empowering book that encourages kids to embrace their uniqueness, follow their dreams, and stay true to themselves. With simple, heartfelt messages and cheerful illustrations, it’s a beautiful reminder that the best thing to be is yourself.

5. I wish You More Authors: Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld

A sweet and uplifting collection of wishes for a child’s life, filled with hope, love, and wonder. Its gentle words and whimsical illustrations make it a heartfelt gift for any milestone.

6. Only One You Author: Linda Kranz

Filled with colorful illustrations and heartfelt wisdom, this book offers gentle life lessons about being yourself, making good choices, and embracing your uniqueness. A meaningful gift for graduations and new beginnings.

7. All the Ways to Be Smart Author: Davina Bell

This joyful and inclusive book celebrates the many different ways children can be smart—from singing and storytelling to kindness and creativity. A wonderful reminder that intelligence comes in many forms, and every child has something special to offer.

8. I’m Glad I Was Your Teacher Author: Brianna Frizzel

This is a heartfelt book that captures the special bond between teachers and their students. Through warm and reflective messages, it offers a meaningful way for educators to express their appreciation and pride in their students’ growth over the school year. Perfect as an end-of-year gift, this book serves as a lasting keepsake that celebrates the unique journey shared in the classroom.

9. A Letter From Your Teacher: On the Last Day of School Author: Shannon Olsen

This heartfelt picture book, written from a teacher’s perspective, offers a touching farewell to students at the end of the school year. Through rhyming text and inclusive illustrations, it reflects on shared memories, celebrates growth, and provides encouragement for the future. A blank space on the final page allows teachers to personalize the message, making it a cherished keepsake for students. Ideal for elementary classrooms, this book beautifully captures the bond between teachers and their students.

10. The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be Author: Joanna Gaines

This vibrant picture book by Joanna Gaines, illustrated by Julianna Swaney, follows a group of children as they each build their own hot-air balloons. As the kids work together, leaning into their unique skills and processes, the story celebrates how creativity and acceptance can come together to make for a bright and beautiful adventure. With its timeless message of embracing individuality and the power of teamwork, it’s a perfect read for children aged 4–8 and a thoughtful gift for milestones like graduations or the start of a new school year. 

11. An empty journal or scrapbook Author: You!

Create a special end-of-year scrapbook page for each of your children as a keepsake they’ll treasure forever. Each page includes a few favorite photos from the school year, a list of what they learned or loved most, and a heartfelt note from their teacher. It’s a beautiful way to capture growth, memories, and milestones in one meaningful snapshot—year after year.