Summer Reading: Teacher’s Edition Part 2

Last updated on May 24th, 2026 at 04:32 pm

Summer Time! It’s finally here! Time for relaxation and rejuvenation. One thing that relaxes and rejuvenates me is a good book. As a reading inteventionist, it’s no secret I love reading! I shared a list of book recommendations at the end of last year that I hope inspired your summer reading list, so I am going to do the same for this summer.

It is divided into two sections: Books for Pleasure Reading and Books for Professional Development. If you’re looking to completely unplug for the summer, feel free to skip section two. Here it goes!

Books for Pleasure Reading

1. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver- A Pulitzer Prize winner inspired by Charles Dickens David Copperfield. You don’t have to have read David Copperfield to enjoy this book. It is a story about a boy who faces many struggles and challenges as he grows up. If you’re looking for a light read, this is not it. This book covers difficult topics as seen though the eyes of Demon. It will leave you with much to think about and has a satisfying ending.

2. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid- Evelyn Hugo will tell her story to no one, except a reporter named Monique Grant. Monique is excited and bewildered by the prospect of hearing Evelyn’s story and being able to publish the biography of her life. The story unfolds husband by husband until you find out why Evelyn has chosen Monique to write her unique story.

3. The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas- This story spans two times. We get to hear the story of Nerys Watkins and her granddaughter, Mair. I love that most of the story takes place in the exotic Kashmir, India. It’s such an interesting backdrop to a heartfelt story. This book takes you on a journey with a surprising ending.

4. The Beach House Series of books by Mary Alice Monroe- I am steadily making my way through this series. I’m about to start Beach House Reunion. I like to save it for summer reading because they take place mostly in the summer and are fairly light reads. As you get to know the main character Caretta, you can’t help but want to know more of her story and what happens to her. Throughout these novels you get to hear more of her story along with other beloved characters that you won’t soon forget. It’s contemporary fiction at it’s best!

5. Glass and Steele Series by C.J. Archer- I’m about to start Book 10, The Kidnapper’s Accomplice. These are a great light read with a bit of mystery and a bit of romance. These books take place in Victorian England. They follow the story of India Steele. When her father dies and her sneaky fiance takes over her father’s watch shop, she must forge her own way. India’s life changes when she meets Matthew Glass, a man in need of her services. The only downside to this series is I have not been able to find it at the library. However, this series hooks you from book 1, so it’s a good thing there are 12 more!

Books for Professional Development

1. Unlocking Literacy: Effective Spelling and Decoding Instruction 2nd Edition by Marcia K. Henry- As the title suggests this book is about best practices for teaching students how to decode and spell. It includes activities to use in the classroom and student work samples.

2. Motivating Students Who Don’t Care: Proven Strategies to Engage All Learners 2nd Edition by Allen N. Mendler- I’ve seen a lot of unmotivated students this past year! Here’s a book that will help you to get your student/s back on track.

3. Hacking School Discipline Together: 10 Ways to Create a Culture of Empathy and Responsibility Using Schoolwide Restorative Justice by Jeffrey Benson- Have you heard the term restorative practices?
The use of restorative practices in schools is on the rise. I’ve taken the training and when implemented correctly, it can ultimately change the climate of a school. Read more about that in this book.

4. Reaching and Teaching Children Who Hurt: Strategies for Your Classroom by Susan E. Craig- Unfortunately there seem to be more students experiencing trauma than ever before. This book will give you several easily implemented ideas that you can use in your classroom. It is a little older (2008), so if you’re looking for something slightly more current, check out the next book.

5. Reclaiming Our Students: Why Children Are More Anxious, Aggressive, and Shut Down Than Ever―And What We Can Do About It by Hannah Beach- Experts say that currently there is a youth mental health crisis going on. This book discusses the why of some of these students’ feelings and behaviors that they may be experiencing. Furthermore, it includes activities to use with students in the classroom. This book was published in 2020.

I hope you find a book or two on this list that interest you! If so and you’re looking for more, check out last year’s list in this post: Summer Reading: Teacher’s Edition. Let me know in the comments which one(s) you enjoyed the most or let me know what you’d add to the list.

I’ll be taking the summer off from writing new posts, so that I can relax, spend time with my family, and get re-energized for the upcoming school year! Follow my facebook page for updates throughout the summer! Have an Amazing Summer!