2018 Teacher Summer Reading List

4 Min Read  •  Online Resources

It’s that time of year again! Our annual teacher summer reading list is here.  This year, we’ve looked for books that inspired us or gave us actionable steps for the classroom.  You’ll find a lot of great beach reads, as well as ideas to help you conquer burnout and replenish your well.  You’ll also find books that are downright practical when it comes to implementing arts integration, STEAM and creativity in the classroom.

summer 2018 teacher reading list

2018 Top 20 Teacher Books

1. Present Over Perfect

Burnt out and feeling like you can’t even express all the overwhelm? This book says it all for you and then helps you find the pathway towards re-finding and redefining life on your terms.

2. Eight Hundred Grapes

This is a pure beach read. Fun and quick, you’ll get lost in Napa Valley wine country. Because why not?

3. Me Before You

Another great story, this novel was made into a bestselling movie. You’ll get invested in the characters as the writing has a way of pulling you into their unlikely connection.

4. The War of Art

This book changed the way we approach everything.  It asks whether you are an amateur or a pro. It also asks you to consider how you want to handle things from each of these points of view.

5. Murder on the Orient Express 

You can’t go wrong with Agatha Christie. Before the movie, this gripping thrill ride is perfect for flipping through at the pool.

6. Turtles All the Way Down

If you teach young adults, you’ll want to pick up this book.  John Green’s novel explores what control really means.

7. Little Fires Everywhere

Even though this novel is pure fiction, it explores topics like what is art and how we identify ourselves and others.

8. The Coincidence of Coconut Cake 

Speaking of identity, this novel looks at mistaken identities, secrets and is a modern-day version of You’ve Got Mail. An especially fun way to spend the day.

9. The Code Book

This is a fascinating account of the mathematics and art behind code-making and code-breaking. Not to mention, it includes some fantastic illustrations, too!

10. Happy Accidents

We’re big believers in the drama strategy, “Yes, and…” so we love this book.  It explores the power of saying “yes” in your work and your life.

11. The Wild Card

Hope and Wade King are teachers who are used to creating engaging moments in their classroom. This practical book shares specific strategies for bringing more creativity into each day.

12. The Design Thinking Playbook 

We spend a lot of time talking about Design Thinking, but what does it really look like outside of school? This book takes you behind the scenes and breaks down the process.  Just FYI – this is a pre-order.  It officially releases on May 22, 2018.

13. The Creativity Project

What do you get when you ask 40 authors and illustrators to create with a single story prompt? This collection of fantastic interpretations using art, story and poems – of course!

14. Blue Ocean Strategy

In the event that you’ve ever caught yourself comparing your work to others on Instagram and Pinterest, this is a must-read.

15. Move Your Bus

Ron Clark certainly is a gem and continues to inspire teachers worldwide. In this book, he moves from what works in the classroom to what works for leading change efforts.

16. The Magnolia Story

Who doesn’t love the quirky Chip and Joanna Gaines? This story makes us love them even more and helps us all remember that it’s about progress, not perfection.

17. Preparing Educators for Arts Integration

If you want to dive into what it really takes to make arts integration possible, this book certainly lays it all out for you. When it comes to preparation, this book is a winner.

18. Braving the Wilderness 

Now more than ever, we need to know how to have honest, difficult conversations with respect. Brene Brown nails it with this particularly insightful and powerful read.

19. Stop Teaching

Filled with resources, laugh-out-loud stories and inspiring anecdotes, this candid book helps you pick up where your college methods class left off.

20. Between the World and Me

This powerful book will challenge you to look at your school and education through the eyes of those who are commonly left out of the conversation.

They say that the biggest impacts on your life are the people that you spend time with and the books you read.  Here’s hoping that this summer’s book list truly makes a positive difference for you!