Working with a group of strong, smart women who read is one of my life’s greatest joys. Because I work with readers, writing a blog about books pretty much writes itself. But! Before you enjoy the list of professional and “for fun” books we are currently reading, we’d like to highlight one book on the list that has brilliant brains buzzing. Teachers, administrators, parents, and thought-leaders are talking about The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness (and are starting to implement the changes the author suggests).
Until then…enjoy reading!
| We’ve also created a Padlet version of this reading list for ready sharing! |
Books for Professional Learning
The Advocate Educator’s Handbook: Creating Schools Where Transgender and Non-Binary Students Thrive
by Vanessa Ford and Rebecca Kling
Liked by Betsy Butler because:
“We finally found a book about supporting transgender and non-binary students, and it was very educational to read this book to write a course! I’m very excited to offer this course so educators can support transgender students in a very challenging part of our (and their) history.“
Unmasking AI
by Joy Buolamwini
Liked by Sarah Murphy because:
“An exploration of racial and gender bias in AI from Joy Buolamwini, MIT researcher and founder of the Algorithmic Justice League. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding AI and how we all can contribute to building ‘AI for the people and by the people.‘”
Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI
by Ethan Mollick
Liked by Marcee Harris because:
“Mollick explores the impact of AI on our work, creative endeavors, and overall lives. He urges readers to shift from fear and apathy to engagement with AI as a co-worker, co-teacher and coach. This book helps us understand the current and future landscape of AI.“
Teachers of Color Resisting Racism and Reclaiming Education
by Rita Kohli
Liked by Julie Kuntz because:
“The book is based on a series of interviews Kohli completed with teachers of color across the country. I was completely struck by the affinity I felt with many of the teachers’ experiences, and the common challenges that BIPOC teachers face. “
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
by Jonathan Haidt
Liked by Susanne Leslie because:
“This book has become a bit controversial, yet Dr. Haidt makes a strong argument for managing screen time, social media, and bringing back play-based childhoods. Could improving our kiddos’ mental health really be that simple?“
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
by James Clear
Liked by Jess Price because:
“This book made me realize that making small, consistent changes can actually make a HUGE difference in my personal and professional life. It’s like a cheat code for becoming a better version of yourself!“
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
by Brene Brown
Liked by Jen Whelan because:
“It’s Brené Brown, the definitive voice on vulnerability; she’s simply the best!“
Books to Read for Fun
A Manual for Cleaning Women: Selected Stories
by Lucia Berlin
Note: We’ve linked the English version above, but our course evaluator Jen has been reading the Spanish translation available here.
Liked by Jen Whelan because:
“Short stories, translated into Spanish about a range of women’s experiences.“
The Scarpetta Series
by Patricia Cornwell
Liked by Julie Kuntz because:
“For fun, I like the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwall who, IMHO, created the best protagonist ever!“
Out of Blue Comes Green
by M.E. Corey
Liked by Julie Kuntz because:
“Recently-released YA book written by my 9th grade English teacher! Also, the text is powerful, timely, and authentic: it’s a coming-of-age story about a trans boy navigating the trials and tribulations of high school.“
Liked by Betsy Butler because:
“A Minnesota-based author, Krueger is on the New York Times’ Best-Seller List for a reason!“
The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing
by Lara Love Hardin
Liked by Susanne Leslie because:
“Recommended by Oprah’s Book Club, and a boatload of friends, the book had me hooked from the very first sentence.“
Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism
by Rachel Maddow
Liked by Betsy Butler because:
“This book provided context as I consider the world today by reflecting on the state of politics and regimes before, during, and after WWII.“
Strong: A Runner’s Guide to Boosting Confidence and Becoming the Best Version of You
by Kara Goucher
Liked by Sarah Murphy because:
“Recommended for any distance runner with Olympic fever! Two-time Olympian Kara Goucher shares her personal experiences and practical techniques for overcoming self-doubt and strengthening mental resilience in “Strong”, a guide designed to help you achieve your athletic and personal goals.“
John Sandford’s Lefty Davenport series
Liked by Betsy Butler because:
“New York Times best selling Minnesota author John Sandford writes the easy-to-read “Prey” page turners and more!“
Looking for more books for you or your students? Check out these blogs by the writers (and readers!) at Teaching Channel:
“A Teacher’s Guide to Award Winning Children’s and Young Adult Books 2023”
“Best Books for Teachers to Add to Your Summer Reading List”
“16 Books to Read During Hispanic Heritage Month”
“Our Favorite Books for Middle Schoolers”
“The Importance of Teaching Banned Books”
“Braiding Indigenous Stories and Science”
“Create a Curated Book List to Celebrate Gender Diversity”
“Spark an Interest in the Environment with Eco-Fiction!”
About the Author
Susanne Leslie is a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and a Master’s in Education. As a parent educator, Susanne’s specialty is Culture and Early Childhood instruction. In her current role, she writes courses and content, focusing on our Hybrid Blended Learning courses.
Fun Fact: Susanne has jumped out of two (perfectly good) airplanes!
The post Books Our Course Writers Are Reading this Summer appeared first on Teaching Channel.
