Summer Books for Teachers
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Oct 10, 2023
Are you looking to up your teaching game or longing to recharge your batteries after a demanding academic year? Books can provide a welcome escape and a source of inspiration. I’ve compiled a list of some of the very best summer books for teachers. Whether you’re interested in professional development or simply looking for a good page-turner, this selection of books has got you covered.
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For more great professional development reads, check out our must read books for inspiring middle school readers!
Summer Books for teachers: upping your teaching game
It is super important to shut off your teaching brain for a while during the summer. That being said, I always try to add a few professional development books to my summer reading list. Summer is one of the few times educators actually have to escape the madness of the classroom trenches. Summer provides a rare opportunity to actually reflect on our practice a bit. I have included two of my favorite summer books for teachers looking for professional development reads below.
Teach like a pirate by Dave Burgess
In this inspiring and practical guide, Burgess shares innovative ideas and techniques that will help you to take your teaching to the next level. You’ll discover how to tap into your passion as a teacher and develop lessons that are outrageously engaging. Also, he gives tips to establish rapport and camaraderie in your classroom. This is one of my very favorite professional development books. The ideas presented are both applicable and inspiring. Because of this, it is a must include addition to my summer books for teachers list.
Game changer: Book access for all kids by Donalyn Miller
As many of you know, I am passionate about student access to quality books. This professional development book by the great Donalyn Miller does not disappoint.
Backed by research and testimonials from experts in the field, as well as their own classroom experiences, Miller and Sharp provide practical and resourceful information on a range of topics. These include successful school and classroom libraries, the power of book ownership, the importance of cultural and social access to books, and meaningful family-community reading engagement.
The book is designed to help teachers and administrators dramatically increase children’s access to and life-changing engagement with books. With clear, actionable guidance, Miller and Sharp offer a roadmap for transforming schools and communities into thriving reading ecosystems. If you’re an educator looking to make a difference in the lives of your students, this book is a must-read.
Interested in more books to help you level up your teaching game? Check out our 5 must read books for launching Writer’s Workshop!
Summer Books for teachers: encouraging self care
Teaching is a rewarding job. However, it is can also be extremely demanding and exhausting. The books below make great summer books for teachers, as they discuss the importance of filling your own cup.
Set boundaries, find peace: A guide to reclaiming yourself by NEdRa Glover TAWWAB
Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries is crucial for living a fulfilling life on your own terms. However, it’s not always easy to establish boundaries that promote your well-being. If you struggle with saying no or putting your needs first, then this book is for you! It offers a comprehensive guide to setting and asserting healthy boundaries, making it an excellent resource for recovering people-pleasers.
Taking care of yourself requires prioritizing your needs and desires. By setting boundaries, you can protect your time, energy, and resources, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. As a teacher, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of your profession, neglecting your own well-being in the process. This book is one of the best summer reads for educators who are ready to prioritize their own self-care.
Take time for you: Self Care Action Plans for educators by Tina H. Boogren
Drawing on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Boogren provides manageable steps that teachers can take to prioritize their well-being. By incorporating mindfulness, reflection, and daily self-care activities into their routines, teachers can thrive both in their professional and personal lives.
With Boogren’s guidance, educators will learn how to overcome common obstacles to self-care, such as time constraints and feelings of guilt. Instead, they will discover a framework for taking care of themselves that is sustainable and effective. If you’re an educator looking to prioritize your own well-being, this book is a must-read.
Summer books for teachers: classroom library Additions
Looking for some new books to add to your classroom library? I am super excited about the new book releases below. Both make great reads that you can enjoy now and share with your learners in the fall.
The One and only Ruby by Katherine Applegate
Followers of the blog can probably guess how excited I was for the release of this book! The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Bob are two of my all time favorite read aloud novels, and this sequel is everything I was hoping for.
The story picks up a few months after the events of The One and Only Bob, with Ruby now living in a wildlife sanctuary. When her caretaker from the elephant orphanage in Africa where she grew up visits, Ruby’s memories of her past flood back – both the happy and the sad. She recounts her experiences in the African savannah to Ivan and Bob, taking readers on a journey through her past and the events that led her to where she is today.
Applegate’s signature heartwarming storytelling and vivid characters shine in this latest installment. For fans of The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Bob, The One and Only Ruby is a must-read continuation of the unforgettable story of this lovable elephant’s journey.
The Wild Robot Protects by Peter Brown
Sadly, this one is not available until September, but I couldn’t write about books to add to your classroom library without mentioning this one. I already have it on preorder! In the past, my learners have been absolutely obsessed with the adventures of Roz, and I am so excited about the release of the third book in the trilogy.
Are you looking for tips and tricks for choosing books to engage your readers? Check out our novel study text selection tips and our step by step guide to building a high interest classroom library!
Looking for more information on summer books for teachers?
Check out the blog posts below!
5 Professional Development Books for Inspiring Reluctant Readers
5 Must Read Books for Launching Writer’s Workshop
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