Summer Reading!

School is finally out for the summer and Kate and I have already left on our farewell vacation in Napoli, Amalfi, and Capri. But, the books I want to read this summer are already piling up and I wanted to share my list with each of you! The list is a little heavy on the professional side of things, so I'll have to find a few extras that interest me personally to add to the list.

Here goes:

A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink

I've read Pink's book Drive twice in the last year and find his ideas about motivation and the brain to be completely in line with my current thoughts about education and how society is changing. This book focus on the two halves of the brain, the left and the right, and the cultural shift that is demanding people use both halves of their brains to find success. Pink's books are not specifically directed at educators, but should be read by those in education who have a passion for finding out what drives their students and how to move forward in the future.



And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

First, I must preface this choice by saying that I am an avid fan of Hosseini's books. I loved The Kite Runner when I first read it and was eager to read A Thousand Splendid Suns. I was suprised to find that I loved it even more than The Kite Runner. So, when I heard that Hosseini had a new novel coming out, I was really excited. The subject matter is not always easy or comfortable to read, but the stories are well-crafted and rich with emotion. Plus, we've chosen this book for a new book club we're going to start in the Fall.I only hope this book doesn't disappoint!



Technology Together: Whole School Professional Development for Capability and Confidence by Renata Phelps and Anne Graham

This book was given to my by the Director of Technology at our school who has clearly taken a liking to this book! So, reading it this summer is on the to-do list so we can put some of the ideas into action this Fall. But, I am looking forward to getting more ideas about how to better help the teachers I work with on a daily basis.





The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman

Since moving to Europe nearly two years ago this book has become a frequent mention in technology and blogging circles. The advancements in technology in recent years have allowed so much of the world to become connected that this globalization and Friedman's ideas are have become dominant forces in classrooms everywhere. As a teacher, if you're not making connections between your classroom and others around the world, you should be. I'm curious to read Friedman's book to gather my own insight and hope that I can make it through this gigantic book!

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

I have no idea what this book is about but I've been seeing it everywhere. I put a hold on a digital copy through the Savannah public libraries in MARCH and am still waiting. Thankfully, I am climbing the list but pretty soon I might have to break down and actually buy a copy.






Do you have suggestions for me to read? I'd love to hear about books you love! Please leave your suggestions in the comments!