15 Books Every Teacher (or Parent) Should Read This Year

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Look, teaching isn’t just about showing kids how to solve for X or why the Earth orbits the sun. It’s a marathon of patience, a roller coaster of emotions, and, let’s be real, an epic juggling act between paperwork, lesson plans, and possibly, a mountain of forgotten lunchboxes. And let’s not forget the parents, whose parenting journey often mirrors this chaos (except with fewer substitute days and a lot more late-night snacks). So, what better way to survive this whirlwind than with a little guidance from the pros—aka, books that make you laugh, cry, and question your life choices?

Grab a cup of coffee (or a bottle of wine), and let’s dive into 15 books every teacher (or parent) should read this year. Spoiler: none of these include textbooks.

“The Wild Card” by Hope and Wade King

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For those days when it feels like you’re teaching a room full of squirrels on caffeine. This book is all about unleashing your creativity in the classroom (or at home), no matter how many curveballs are thrown your way. Hope and Wade King make you feel like you could put on a Broadway musical during a fire drill and still keep your cool.

“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown

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If you haven’t jumped on the Brené Brown bandwagon yet, what are you waiting for? In a world where everyone seems to have their life together (spoiler: they don’t), this book reminds teachers and parents alike that vulnerability is where the magic happens. If you’ve ever wondered why the classroom looks like a war zone after an art project, this one’s for you.

“The Curious Classroom” by Harvey “Smokey” Daniels

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Teachers who are tired of hearing the sound of their own voice should pick this up immediately. Daniels champions letting curiosity take the lead in the classroom, which sounds great—until your students start asking 300 questions an hour. This book helps you corral that curiosity into something that resembles learning. Yes, even on a Monday.

“How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

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This one’s a classic for a reason. Whether you’re trying to communicate with a stubborn kindergartner or a moody teen (or, let’s be real, a stubborn spouse), this book gives you tools that might just work. Just be prepared for the fact that “talking” and “listening” with kids sometimes requires the patience of a saint.

“Teach Like a PIRATE” by Dave Burgess

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No, this isn’t about raiding the staff lounge for snacks (though we’ve all been there). Burgess brings a whole new meaning to the idea of teaching with passion. It’s about thinking outside the box, keeping students engaged, and, if necessary, walking the plank into a lesson that makes them say, “Wow!” at least once a week.

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear

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If only kids could pick up good habits as quickly as they pick up questionable TikTok dances. This book is a game-changer for anyone who feels like they’re drowning in bad habits, whether it’s procrastinating on grading papers or binge-watching Netflix until 2 AM. Clear’s approach to tiny changes will make you feel like a productivity guru in no time.

“The Book Whisperer” by Donalyn Miller

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For every teacher or parent who’s ever stared at a room full of blank faces after saying, “Okay, let’s read,” this book is a lifesaver. Miller’s passion for creating lifelong readers is contagious. She offers a realistic approach to getting kids to love reading—because let’s face it, sometimes getting a kid to read a book feels like trying to convince them to eat vegetables.

“The Gift of Failure” by Jessica Lahey

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Perfectionism? Nope. Lahey’s message is all about the beauty of letting kids fail—so that they can actually learn from it. It’s the kind of book that makes you feel better about the time you forgot to pack your kid’s lunch (because hey, that’s a life lesson in survival, right?).

“Lost at School” by Ross W. Greene

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For anyone who’s ever had that one student (or child) who makes you question your sanity, Greene offers a new perspective. Instead of viewing disruptive behavior as a “problem,” he encourages empathy and problem-solving. It’s the kind of book that makes you feel like maybe, just maybe, there’s hope for classroom peace after all.

“Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain” by Zaretta Hammond

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If you’re not factoring culture into your teaching or parenting, you’re missing a big piece of the puzzle. Hammond breaks down how to connect with kids in meaningful ways that respect their backgrounds and experiences. And guess what? It’s not nearly as complicated as trying to get them to do homework without asking why.

“The Whole-Brain Child” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

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Siegel and Bryson take on the science of child development in a way that doesn’t feel like a college lecture. If you’ve ever wondered what’s going on inside that tiny human’s brain when they throw a tantrum over socks, this book breaks it down in a way that makes sense—and gives you strategies that might prevent you from losing your mind.

“Educated” by Tara Westover

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Okay, this one’s not technically a “teaching” book, but Westover’s memoir of growing up in an extreme, isolated family and educating herself to escape it is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of learning. It’ll make you appreciate that stack of books you have to grade (well, almost).

“Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck

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If you haven’t already heard the buzz about a “growth mindset,” you’ve been living under a rock—or at least buried under a pile of ungraded essays. Dweck’s research on how a simple shift in thinking can change everything is essential reading for teachers and parents alike. Plus, it’s a great excuse to tell your students (or kids) they can do anything if they try hard enough. No pressure.

“I Wish My Teacher Knew” by Kyle Schwartz

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This one’s an emotional roller coaster, so grab the tissues. Schwartz’s collection of real-life notes from her students will tug at your heartstrings and remind you why you got into teaching (or parenting) in the first place. Spoiler: it’s not for the endless paperwork.

“Quiet” by Susan Cain

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Ever feel like the world is way too loud? Cain’s exploration of the power of introverts is a reminder that not all students (or kids) need to be the loudest in the room to make an impact. For teachers and parents who wonder why some kids thrive in silence, this book gives a fresh perspective on those quiet thinkers.

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