Summer Reading

Recommended books 

Ahhh, summertime and a better chance of reading. I’m sure some of you have selected your summer reading material and others are considering what to read. Whatever you decide on I do hope that not only do you find the books inspirational and filled with new learning but, that you find a place to read that is comfortable and allows you to squeeze every morsel of enjoyment out of each read. My suggestions include a variety.

If you’re looking for something on teaching and learning Jeff Beaudry and Anita Stewart McCafferty, professors at USM, have a new book called Teaching Strategies That Create Assessment-Literate Learners. The Foreword is provided by Rick Stiggins, from Corwin Press, published in 2018. It is based on their expertise and experiences in Maine schools and what they’ve observed. It includes many examples straight from the classroom, provided by Maine educators.

The Innovator’s Mindset by George Couros, Dave Burgess Consulting, 2015, is another practical book. George was a teacher, principal and now an educational consultant. He believes in the power of teacher leadership and empowering and supporting teachers so they can be better at teaching. He is ‘spot on’ about the importance of innovation in education.

The Blue Sweater by Jacqueline Novogratz, Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale, 2009, is an inspiring story about how Jacqueline left a career in international banking to spend her life on a quest to understand global poverty and find powerful new ways of tackling it. She wanted to make a difference in the world and through education, empowerment and forming relationships her journey led her across the globe and back again several times. The book starts with her how Jacqueline had donated a beloved blue sweater to Goodwill. Eleven years later she saw a young child wearing her sweater in Rwanda. It became clear to her that we are all connected – in our actions and inactions. It is a wonderful story that I just couldn’t put down.

dare to lead by Brené Brown, Penguin Random House, 2018. Brené’s approach to living is refreshingly honest. She looks at her years of research on leadership and interacting with leaders and organizes it in this book. She emphasizes how important it is to be vulnerable and brave over comfort and the easy pathway. If you’re a leader who is looking for assistance in moving forward or in challenging your mindset, this book could be helpful.

Thirst: A Story of Redemption, Compassion, and a Mission to Bring Clean Water to the World by Scott Harrison, Crown Publishing Group, 2018. Yes, this story is about Harrison’s focus on bringing clean water to people who don’t have access to it but it is so much more than that. It is about pulling yourself up by your boot straps, unconditional love, believing in people and yourself, never giving up, looking in the mirror and reaching out to others, and making the world a better place. It is a very inspirational book and I couldn’t put this one dow. It would be a great read for the beach (or pool, or deck, or almost any place comfy).

If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? by Alan Alda, published by Random House, 2017. This is a book about communication BUT the best part is it’s about how Alda’s goal is better communication through his  experiences with acting, improv, science, and storytelling. The skills he offers are from his years hosting Scientific American Frontiers. Definitely many plugs for the value of the Arts.

I hope you’ll share what you’re reading this summer so others can be inspired!