Beautiful library photo credit 

One thing I love about public libraries is that I can borrow ebooks from any place in the world. Sure, it is kinda annoying how I can only get a few chapters at a time, but you can’t beat the free price. I also download books from Amazon onto my kindle when books are free or on sale as well as get free classics. SO WHAT WILL I READ?

Generally during the school year my brain is so overloaded I nearly always read fiction books.  Sure I read a ton of non-fiction blogs and whatnot, but at the end of the day I am usually looking for a little escapism.  During the summer I have more mental freedom and I like to find a little teaching inspiration.

The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller- If you are looking for a little inspiration for your classroom reading program, you can probably find it here.

How Children Succeed by Paul Tough- This book answers the question of “Why do some children succeed while others fail?” I’ve read that this book is full of fascinating research but very little how-to. I hope it will give me some inspiration and perhaps my fellow teacher friends and I can think of ways to put it to use.

The Death and Life of the Great American School System by Diane Ravitch- I follow her blog and she always has important insights into the American school system.

What Keeps Teachers Going? by Sonia Nieto– I’m always looking for a little teaching inspiration and I’ve enjoyed reading some of Nieto’s other work.

Teach Like Your Hair’s On Fire by Rafe Esquith- I’m a little worried about the reviews that say he is full of himself and that the book is full of name dropping, but I’m excited to read about his ideas.

The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator’s Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child by Ron Clark- rules for teaching manners, respect, and responsibility in the classroom

The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. Wong- This is a book that I always take a look at right before school gets started.

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson- I have had this book on my ipad seemingly forever and I keep meaning to read it. I hope to read this inspirational story sometimes this summer.

Teach like a Champion by Doug Lemov- Strategies for driving achievement in any classroom.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson- A memoir written in free verse, Newberry Honor Book, and highly recommended by quite a few friends.

Daily Rituals: How artists work by Mason Currey- This is another book that I have had on my ipad reading list for a while. This is a book of routines and habits that lead to success. I’m wondering if these can be applied to my life as a teacher or my goal to make a regular habit out of working out.

Fostering Grit by Thomas Hoerr- This book seems similar to “How Children Succeed”, but with some additional how-to advice.

Rhythm and Resistance: Teaching Poetry for Social Justice By Linda Christensen– I love poetry and everything else published by Rethinking Schools so I really hope I can get my hands on this one. Also Christensen works with my beloved graduate school so I gotta show some support!

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho- I know a ton of people who have read this book, but I have tried to start it a few times without luck. People seem to either love it or hate it and I want to know where I stand on this supposedly inspirational book. This is the only fiction book on this list even though I know I will randomly read other fiction books, but I am going to force myself to read this one.

Share below! What are you reading this summer?