41 Books that Teach, Lead, and Inspire Lifelong Learning
Kate Baker —
Looking for inspiring books for teachers, school leaders, or anyone in education? This educator-curated list features award-winning PD books, SEL resources, memoirs, and fiction. It’s perfect for summer reading, staff picks, or a mental reset.
The right book can offer fresh ideas for your classroom, strengthen your leadership approach, or provide a mental reset when needed. I’ve gathered these titles from a wide range of experts across my professional learning network which includes teachers, professors, administrators, and edtech professionals around the world who understand what works in schools today.
From professional development books and SEL resources to page-turning memoirs and teacher-recommended novels, these must-read picks are sure to enrich your practice and your reading list.
📚 What You'll Find in This Post:
- Where to Find These Books
- Books for Pedagogy & Professional Growth
- Brain Boosting & Curiosity Sparking Books
- Stories That Stick
📚 Where to Find These Books
Most of the books featured in this post are linked through Bookshop.org, a platform that helps you buy books online while supporting local, independent bookstores. It’s a great alternative to major retailers, especially for educators who want to keep small bookstores thriving while building their personal and professional libraries. Bookshop.org also offers an ebook app, so you can read your digital purchases on the go, making it a great tool for travel, summer reading, or short breaks during the school year.
Depending on your reading preferences, here are a few other educator-friendly platforms to explore:
IndieBound.org – A resource from the American Booksellers Association that helps you locate and support independent bookstores in your community. You can search by ZIP code to find stores near you or check availability online before shopping locally.
Libro.fm – A subscription-based audiobook platform that shares profits with local bookstores. They offer educator discounts, bookshop partnerships, and curated audiobook playlists—great for listening during your commute or while multitasking.
HooplaDigital.com – A free digital lending service offered through many public libraries. With just a library card, you can stream or download audiobooks, ebooks, comics, and more—no waitlists, no late fees, and offline access available through the app. Ideal for budget-conscious educators and lifelong learners looking for accessible, on-demand reading, viewing, and listening.
📘 Books for Pedagogy & Professional Growth
Discover must-read books for educators and school leaders that focus on lesson design, inclusive teaching, educational equity, and leadership. Whether you're a classroom teacher or a district leader, these professional development books offer actionable strategies you can apply right away.
🧠 Books on Learning Design & Inclusive Practice
Discover how to build more inclusive and effective learning experiences. These books unpack how students learn and offer guidance on creating accessible, student-centered environments and school communities that promote success for all learners.
Design for How People Learn by Julie Dirksen
Recommended by: Dimitri, BookWidgets Team
An accessible, research-informed guide to how people learn—ideal for teachers designing lessons, professional development leaders, or anyone creating instructional materials. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
For how to align instructional design with BookWidgets, read, 10+ Essential Pedagogical Concepts & How to Apply Them With EdTech Tools.
Design for Belonging by Susie Wise
Recommended by: Emily Meixner, TCNJ Professor
This powerful leadership guide helps schools and educators intentionally design inclusive, welcoming learning environments using practical strategies from the field of design thinking. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
I Wish My Teacher Knew by Kyle Schwartz
Recommended by: Meghan Mannarino, School Administrator (& my former student!)
Born from a viral classroom moment, this book explores how simple questions can foster connection, empathy, and insight into students' lives. A moving and practical read for teachers committed to building trust and community. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
More Than Words by John Warner
Recommended by: Emily Meixner, TCNJ Professor
This timely book explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping writing instruction and what educators can do to integrate technology without losing the human side of teaching. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
Unleashing the Positive Power of Differences by Jane Kise
Recommended by: Liz Lietz, Educator
This book introduces “polarity thinking” as a tool to manage school challenges, encourage inclusion, and embrace diverse perspectives. Insightful for leadership teams, coaches, and educators navigating change.
📘 Find on Bookshop.org
The Cultures of Growth by Mary C. Murphy
Recommended by: Tim Needles, Educator & Author
This science-based book moves beyond individual mindset and explores how schools and organizations can shape cultures that support learning, risk-taking, and personal transformation. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
📚 Books about Literacy, Engagement, & Classroom Strategies
These teacher-recommended titles provide practical tools for increasing student engagement, building literacy skills, and supporting day-to-day teaching. You’ll find ideas grounded in research that you can implement right away.
Cultivating Genius & Unearthing Joy by Gholdy Muhammad
Recommended by: Emily Meixner, TCNJ Professor
These companion books offer a research-based, equity-centered framework for literacy instruction that affirms student identity and amplifies joy, intellect, and criticality. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
The EduProtocol Field Guide, Books 1 & 2 by Marlena Hebern & Jon Corippo
Recommended by: Kate Baker, BookWidgets Team
These books provide adaptable lesson frameworks that support active learning and formative assessment. They're perfect for teachers looking to save time and increase student engagement. (Bonus: I'm featured in Book 2!) 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
The Heart of Fiction by Kate Roberts
Recommended by: Emily Meixner, TCNJ Professor
A thoughtful and practical resource for ELA teachers who want to help students develop deeper, more personal connections to fiction and become more confident literary thinkers. 📘 Find on Amazon.com
Better Than Carrots or Sticks by Dominique Smith, Douglas Fisher, and Nancy Frey
Recommended by: Meghan Mannarino, School Administrator (& my former student!)
This book introduces restorative practices as an alternative to traditional classroom management. A great resource for teachers who want to build strong relationships and a positive classroom culture grounded in empathy and accountability. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
Becoming Active Citizens by Tom Driscoll & Shawn McCusker
Recommended by: Kate Baker, BookWidgets Team
This book is a resource for integrating civic education across disciplines, helping students connect learning with real-world challenges and develop their voice as changemakers. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov
Recommended by: Colleen Nolan, Educator
Packed with high-impact strategies and examples, this is a go-to guide for classroom management, student engagement, and effective teaching—especially for new or aspiring teachers. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
🧘 Books on Mindset, Habits, & Leadership
Whether you’re leading a classroom or an entire school, these books offer strategies to help you stay grounded, energized, and purposeful. Topics include leadership development, personal motivation, productivity habits, and communication.
Deep Work by Cal Newport
Recommended by: Robert Mayfield, Teacher at Ripon Unified School District
This book makes a strong case for reclaiming time and attention in an always-connected world. A valuable resource for teachers looking to reset their focus and make room for high-impact, meaningful work.
📘 Find on Bookshop.org
The Minimalist Teacher by Tamera Musiowsky-Borneman and C.Y. Arnold
Recommended by: Kate Baker, BookWidgets Team
This book offers a refreshingly simple framework for reducing clutter—mental, physical, and instructional—in today’s complex classrooms. A helpful guide for educators looking to refocus on what matters most and reclaim their time, space, and energy. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
Better Conversations by Jim Knight
Recommended by: Meghan Mannarino, School Administrator (& my former student!)
A powerful guide to improving communication in school communities. Knight offers clear strategies for building trust, credibility, and connection in everyday conversations—essential reading for educators in leadership or mentorship roles. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Recommended by: Doreen Wolfgram, Curriculum Specialist
A powerful guide to building better routines—personally and professionally. Doreen shares how she applied “habit stacking” in her classroom to establish smooth, student-led routines that ran themselves. An energizing summer read for educators looking to thrive. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager
Recommended by: Liz Lietz, Educator
Grounded in psychological research, this book offers teachers and school leaders practical insights into adolescence, purpose, and motivation. A must-read for anyone supporting secondary learners.
📘 Find on Bookshop.org
Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Recommended by: Jacqueline Gardy, Global Learning Specialist
A short, powerful read about releasing control, embracing boundaries, and focusing on what really matters. Robbins offers a mindset shift that’s especially helpful for educators navigating stress, expectations, and emotional labor. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking
Recommended by: Julia Barrerio, BookWidgets Team
A charming and cozy guide to finding joy in simple moments. Wiking’s insights into Danish culture and happiness are perfect for educators seeking balance, warmth, and well-being—at school or at home.
📘 Find on Bookshop.org
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
Recommended by: Colleen Nolan, Educator
A powerful leadership book that explores how trust and collaboration fuel strong school teams. Sinek draws on biology and storytelling to inspire servant leadership in any learning community. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
🧠 Brain Boosting & Curiosity Sparking Books
These nonfiction picks are perfect for educators who love learning for its own sake. Dive into books that expand your thinking on resilience, identity, innovation, and creativity.Perfect for independent study, professional learning communities, or summer reading that stretches your mind.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Recommended by: Kate Baker, BookWidgets Team
A lyrical blend of ecology, Indigenous knowledge, and reflection. This book gently invites readers to reconsider their relationship with nature—perfect for educators teaching environmental science, sustainability, or simply seeking wonder. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono
Recommended by: Dimitri, BookWidgets Team
A short but profound parable about restoration, resilience, and quiet impact. A favorite among educators seeking meaningful reflection or classroom conversation starters. 📘 Find on Amazon.com
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Recommended by: Tim Needles, Educator & Author
A joyful invitation to live a creative life without fear. Gilbert’s reflections on curiosity, permission, and persistence are perfect for teachers, artists, and anyone looking to rekindle inspiration. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker
Recommended by: Kate Baker, BookWidgets Team
This thought-provoking guide explores the deeper purpose behind how we come together, whether in classrooms, meetings, or communities. Parker offers practical, insightful strategies to turn ordinary gatherings into meaningful, transformative experiences. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
The Cafe on the Edge of the World by John Strelecky
Recommended by: Julia Barrerio, BookWidgets Team
A thought-provoking and uplifting fable about life’s purpose, this short read invites deep reflection and offers a sense of calm. Ideal for educators exploring their “why” or seeking meaningful perspective.
📘 Find on Amazon.com
📝 Memoirs that Matter
These powerful memoirs and true stories provide a human lens on education, social change, and perseverance. Each book encourages empathy and reflection, making them excellent choices for teacher book clubs and personal growth.
Educated by Tara Westover
Recommended by: Maura Power, Teacher (& my former student!)
A compelling memoir about the transformative power of education. Westover’s journey from an isolated upbringing to academic achievement is a profound reminder of why access to learning matters.
📘 Find on Bookshop.org
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Recommended by: Maura Power, Teacher (& my former student!)
A poignant memoir that challenges assumptions about resilience, family, and education. A favorite among educators for its emotional depth and reminder of how much students carry with them into the classroom.
📘 Find on Bookshop.org
The Moth Presents: A Point of Beauty
Recommended by: Tim Needles, Educator & Author
A moving collection of real stories from the Moth series that celebrate vulnerability, growth, and human connection. A reflective and refreshing read for educators who value storytelling. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
Running by Jean Echenoz
Recommended by: Dimitri, BookWidgets Team
A stylized and literary retelling of Czech Olympic runner Emil Zátopek’s story. Combines biography, history, and storytelling in a way that sparks both curiosity and admiration. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris
Recommended by: Tim Needles, Educator & Author
A laugh-out-loud collection of personal essays with Sedaris’s signature wit and heart. Perfect for educators who appreciate dry humor and honest storytelling with emotional resonance.
📘 Find on Bookshop.org
📚 Stories That Stick (Fiction Favorites)
Reading fiction can renew your energy and expand your perspective. This list of teacher-recommended novels features meaningful stories, compelling characters, and narrative insights that stay with you long after the last page.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Recommended by: Liz Lietz, Educator
A recent fiction release full of insight, wit, and emotional nuance. An ideal summer read for teachers who enjoy sharp observations on relationships and finding joy in unexpected places. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
The Sirens by Emilia Hart
Recommended by: Jessica Wood, Teacher (& my former student!)
A spellbinding novel told across three timelines, The Sirens explores myth, resilience, and the hidden power of women’s voices. Emilia Hart blends historical fiction and magical realism to deliver another atmospheric, emotionally rich story that will captivate fans of Weyward.
📘 Find on Bookshop.org
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Recommended by: Maura Power, Teacher (& my former student!)
A modern reimagining of David Copperfield set in Appalachia, this award-winning novel explores poverty, addiction, and resilience through the voice of an unforgettable narrator. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
Recommended by: Krista Leh, Educator and SEL Expert
Imagine receiving a box that tells you exactly how long you’ll live. This speculative novel raises questions about fate, choice, and how we live when we know what’s coming. A moving read that lingers in the heart.
📘 Find on Bookshop.org
A Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell
Recommended by: Krista Leh, Educator and SEL Expert
This poetic and emotionally rich novel examines grief, memory, and healing. It’s a lesser-known gem with a lasting impact—ideal for educators who appreciate lyrical storytelling. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
James by Percival Everett
Recommended by: Emily Meixner, TCNJ Professor
A bold and compelling retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s point of view. Everett challenges readers to reexamine race, freedom, and the American literary canon. A winner of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the 2024 National Book Award, this powerful novel is already considered a contemporary classic.
📘 Find on Bookshop.org
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
Recommended by: Emily Meixner, TCNJ Professor
An imaginative middle-grade fantasy that brings mythological creatures to life in a richly drawn world. A great pick for those who love Narnia, magic, and fast-paced adventures. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
The Firekeeper’s Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
Recommended by: Emily Meixner, TCNJ Professor
A gripping YA thriller rooted in Ojibwe culture, The Firekeeper's Daughter is both a page-turner and a powerful exploration of identity, justice, and belonging. A companion to The Firekeeper’s Daughter, the novel, Warrior Girl Unearthed follows a new protagonist as she investigates missing Indigenous artifacts and uncovers truths that connect past and present. 📘 Find on Bookshop.org
Wrap Up
Whether you’re diving into the latest education research, refining your leadership approach, or curling up with a novel after a long day, reading helps you grow as an educator and as a person. We hope this list sparks new ideas and adds something valuable to your year-round reading journey.
If you have a favorite book you think other educators should know about, let us know. We’d love to keep the conversation going. Happy reading! 📚
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