For parents and caregivers
What is a good gift for a teenager finishing Year 12?
A good gift for a teenager finishing Year 12 is one that helps with what comes next without telling them what to do. Start Where You Are is written for that moment: it treats every path as valid and gives them small, practical steps for building their own.
Why it suits school leavers
- It speaks to young people going to university, starting a trade, working, playing sport or still working it out
- The chapters on finding your path, failure and resilience suit the year after school
- It's short and can be opened at any chapter
Make it personal
Chapter 10 suggests writing a gratitude letter to someone who has mattered to you. Turn it around: tuck a short letter inside the cover about what you've noticed in them and what you're proud of.
Price and delivery
$25, with free shipping in Australia and New Zealand on orders of four or more. Shipping is also available worldwide.
Quick answers
Is it only for students going to university?
No. It's written for every path.
Can I order several for a group?
Yes. Groups of 10 or more get a discount.
Related questions
Why people trust Start Where You Are
- Written by Ash Manuel, a former PE teacher and founder of Growing With Gratitude, which has reached more than 1 million young people across 1,205 schools in 80 countries.
- Foreword by Dr Phil Cummins of the University of Sydney and the Sydney Character Initiative.
- Shaped by conversations with young people about what they actually wanted from a book like this.
- Published by Amba Press and featured on 9News Adelaide.