Summer Reading: Teacher’s Edition

Last updated on July 25th, 2023 at 06:36 pm

Some of you may already be out for the summer, me, I have 3 more days! One of the things I enjoy most about summer is having the time to read more. I am an avid reader. Also, I am part of my neighborhood’s book club and have a library in my home, but I don’t always have the time to pick up a book and read more than a chapter or two during the school year. During the summer, I can devote a little more time to one of my favorite pastimes.

Since I know there are many teachers who enjoy reading, I thought I’d share some of my favorite books I have read recently and a couple that are on my TBR list. It will be divided into two categories: pleasure and teaching. I know many of us like to not think about work over the summer, me included, however I find reading books about teaching that interest me to not be work. I’ll start with pleasure first, so you can skip the second section if you wish.

Pleasure

1. Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson- I will have to give my book club credit for this one. This was one I would’ve never selected to read, but it was wonderful! It follows a mother of two adult children and her life leading up to her death. It is full of unexpected twists and very well-crafted characters that make it a page-turner.

2. The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose- This one was recommended to me by one of my book club members. It did not disappoint! It is a suspenseful crime novel. It is about a defense attorney and her husband who is accused of murder.

3. Brownies and Broomsticks by Bailey Cates- This is book 1 of the Magical Bakery Mysteries series. I am a huge fan of magical realism and this is a fun series that hits on that. It’s not quite realistic, but comes close with infusing magic into baked goods. This series begins by following a new witch as she discovers her powers, solves crimes, and, of course, finds a love interest. This is the perfect series to unwind over the summer!

4. The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen- This book is by one of my favorite authors and one of the best that she has written. It is magical realism at its best! It’s about Josey Cirrini and how one woman helps her to change her life.

5. Summer Guests by Mary Alice Monroe- I recommend any book by this author, but this is an easy beachy read. It comes with an ecletic set of characters thrown together as they ride out a hurricane. I enjoy Mary Alice Monroe’s books because they have a way of relating to real life and her books leave you with happily contented feelings.

6. Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine- This is the 1st book in the Great Library series. It is a book found in the young adult section. There are many great books to be found in the YA section of the library. Plus, if you teach in grades 6-12, you will have some good recommendations for your students!

This is a dystopian book series that follows the character of Jess Brightwell, a book smuggler, part of a book smuggling family who wants to change what the Great Library has become. In his world, it is illegal to own books and everything you read is controlled by the Great Library. Join him and his friends on their quest to not only save each other, but change the world. I am currently on Book 4 and am hooked!

Teaching

1. The Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck- I’m sure you’ve heard of having a growth mindset, but have you taken the time to read the book? If not, now is the time to read it. It discusses how a shift in your thinking can lead to positive change in your life and how by sharing this belief with others, you can help create positive changes in them, too.

2. The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox by Larry Ferlazzo and Katie Hull Sypnieski- This is not a book you need to read cover to cover. This is one you can read the sections that interest you. You will, also, refer back to this one for ideas over the course of the school year.

There seems to be an increase in the amount ELLs (English-Language Learners) present in our schools today. This book has some incredibly easy to implement lessons, activities, and ways to differentiate your lessons to support the ELLs in your classroom of any grade level. I’ve tried some with my students this past year with great success. The students had fun while learning!

3. Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers by Louisa Cook Moats- This is one I have not read, but I am going through LETRS training right now and she is one of it’s creators. It’s a book that shares best practices for teaching children to read based on years of research.

4. Teach Like a PIRATE: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator by Dave Burgess- Another I have not read, but have seen recommended in multiple places. I don’t really know much about this one, but am interested in reading to find out what his system is and what tips and techniques he has to offer.

In Closing

Whether you have the time to read one of these books or all ten, I would be interested to hear your thoughts on them. Please share your comments below.

And something I’d like to add is many libraries have summer reading programs that include adults. Check them out, sign up, and get prizes just for doing something you love! I call that a win-win!