Thank You, School by Louise Borden, illustrated by Paige Keiser (Holiday House, 32 pages, ages 4-9). As they go through their day, kids thank all the adults in their lives who help make school a positive experience for them. Dylan and Madeleine say thank you to a teacher rushing out her door at 7:15 a.m. Other kids take it from there, offering appreciation and gratitude for bus drivers, crossing guards, custodians, cafeteria workers, nurses, and all kinds of teachers. Last of all are the parents (and others) who pick their children up at the end of the day, admire work, and listen to stories about school.

Perfect for the end of the school, this book could inspire children to think about the adults in their lives who make school feel safe, fun, and interesting, and to figure out ways to express their gratitude.

Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkellner (Labyrinth Road, 176 pages, grades 3-7). Readers are introduced to members of the graduating eighth grade class as they walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. There’s Maya, the queen bee, and her cousin Paul, who only hangs out with his gaming friends online. Best friends Juhi and Liv have their celebration cut short when Juhi tells Liv her family is moving to London in three weeks. Rose feels invisible, as usual, when the principal skips over her name during the ceremony, and Dustin is nervous about his pool party after a humiliating incident went viral on social media. The book is divided by hour, and as the party progresses, there are surprising secrets revealed and new connections made. By the time the sun sets and the kids get ready to go home, it’s clear they’re ready to start a new chapter in their lives as they move on to high school.

This fun and lighthearted graphic novel with its summer setting is perfect for beach reading, showing kids that the end of each school year not only closes one chapter but opens a new one full of possibilities.