**Cross Post with my Professional Blog-Teach2Connect.**
I am thrilled that for the first time in many years I will have the entire month of July off from school. When I’ve been asked “what are you doing this summer?” my response has been “read, sun, and pack. “We are moving a few miles away in August so that is why “pack” is an answer. We will lose our access to an outdoor pool when we move so that explains the “sun” element. And I think to goes without saying the “read” is the piece I will most relish. I’m never not reading but to have the time to read a lot and deeply is a very exciting prospect.
So what shall I read? Here is the “short” list.
Professional Reads
I started it months ago and put it down for Lean In, but I am fascinated about how this book can help us re-think how we perceive ourselves, others, and our ability to learn.
Creating Innovators, Tony Wagner
The children I teach are no the same as the children my teachers taught (aka, me). It is time we start recognizing how the world has changed and Tony Wagner has a lot to say about this subject.
Now You See It, Cathy Davidson
After hearing Dr. Davidson speak at NAIS, I am enthralled with brain science and how we are/can completely transform the way we learn.
Reality is Broken, Jane McGonigal
I am not a gamer. I am not even a wannabe gamer. However, I find the concept of learning from games to be really fascinating. (Also on my summer list is learning to play Minecraft.)
How Children Succeed, Paul Tough
The “it” book from last fall, I’m excited to read the actual thing. I’ve read all the articles about it pertaining to grit, character, etc, but am looking forward to seeing Paul Tough’s take on it.
Rewired, Larry Rosen
The generation we teach is immersed in the digital world, for better or worse. I started this book last fall and am eager to return to it to hear Dr. Rosen’s thoughts on reaching our iKids.
Want some more ideas for professional reads? Check out my Summer Reads Wish List on Amazon. These were all books I suggested to our Admin for ideas for reading this summer.
Non Fiction
My book club read this a few months back and I missed it. As a runner, it seems like a truly compelling story. As a human, it seems amazing.
Why did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?
Even though I can’t attend my book club at church, I want to read this “with” them. Brian McLaren is an amazing writer, provoking theological discussion in the spirit of love and truth.
The controversial work of Francis Chan has been showing up a lot on my instagram feed lately. I thought I would add it to the stack.
I am a huge fan of the memoir genre and this looks fascinating. How might imprisonment change a person for the good?
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?
I have recently started watching back episodes of The Mindy Project and have fallen completely smitten for Mindy Kaling. She is hilarious and I can’t wait to read her book with her voice as narrator.
Jon Acuff couldn’t have picked a better title for a book on leadership and LIVING life than this one. I bought it the day it came out and am ready to turn from Average to Awesome.
In the process of transforming my physical health, I have dabbled in grain/gluten free eating. I think after I finally read this book, I will be set up for good.
Fiction
It has been ten years–what are Andi Sachs and Miranda Priestly up to these days?
My chosen piece of real literature for the summer. I haven’t tackled it before now and it is time.
Kids Fiction
(I like to read what the kiddos read.)
Set in Oakland, CA in 1968, this is the story of three girls and their search for their mother.
The hit book on the youth circuit this past year, I hope to enjoy this tale for kids.
What am I missing? What do you think I MUST read? Feel free to link up with me on Good Reads or contact me via Twitter. Happy Reading!
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