📚 The 10 Books I'm Most Excited to Read This School Year (and Why You Should Be Too)
As a teacher, my best professional development often happens not in PD workshops, but through the pages of books written by passionate educators and researchers. This year, I've curated a reading list that blends cognitive science, literacy strategies, and fresh inspiration for middle and high school instruction.
Whether you’re teaching English, designing interventions, or supporting disciplinary literacy, these books promise insights that are both practical and powerful. Here’s what’s in my cart—and why each title earned its spot.
1. Harnessing the Science of Learning by Nathaniel Swain
🧠 Cognitive science meets classroom practice.
Swain breaks down how students actually learn—then connects that directly to how we should teach. I’m eager to use this to fine-tune my intervention strategies with more intention and research-based effectiveness.
2. Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching by Zach Groshell
📢 Let’s stop making kids guess what we want.
This book celebrates clarity. Groshell argues that explaining well is not spoon-feeding—it's excellent teaching. This is a must-read as I work on direct instruction that still feels engaging and empowering.
3. Word Nerds: Teaching All Students to Learn and Love Vocabulary by Margot Holmes Smith
🔤 From bored to word-obsessed.
Vocabulary is often treated like a chore. This book offers ways to make it joyful. I can’t wait to apply these strategies in my reading intervention class and help students fall in love with language.
4. A Teacher’s Guide to Mentor Texts, 6–12 by Katie Wood Ray
✍️ Modeling real writing, not just "school writing."
I’m always looking for strong mentor texts. This book doesn’t just give examples—it shows you how to teach writing using them. Perfect for elevating student voice and style in my ELA units.
5. Micro Mentor Texts by Penny Kittle
📘 Bite-sized brilliance.
Kittle focuses on short passages that punch above their weight—ideal for mini-lessons. These will help my students recognize craft and structure without feeling overwhelmed by length.
6. To Read Stuff You Have to Know Stuff by Kelly Gallagher
🔍 Prior knowledge is power.
Gallagher’s latest reminds us that reading comprehension isn’t just about skills—it’s also about what kids already know. This will push me to be more intentional about knowledge-building across units.
7. Just Read It by Jarred Amato
📖 Independent reading that matters.
Middle and high schoolers can love reading when we stop over-managing it. Amato makes a case for giving students time and choice—and I’m here for it.
8. Fighting Fake News by Jeffrey D. Wilhelm
🗞️ Media literacy is essential literacy.
This is more than a trendy topic—it’s a survival skill. I want to help students question sources, recognize manipulation, and think critically. Wilhelm’s book looks like a goldmine of ready-to-use ideas.
9. This Is Disciplinary Literacy by ReLeah Cossett Lent
🧪 Reading and writing in science, history, and beyond.
Disciplinary literacy isn’t a buzzword—it’s a framework. Lent helps teachers bring authentic thinking and communication into every subject area. I’m excited to use this to support cross-curricular planning.
10. Results Now 2.0 by Mike Schmoker
🚀 Simple, focused, effective teaching.
Schmoker’s ideas inspired the way I structure all my units. His updated edition promises more on clarity, curriculum, and what actually moves the needle in student achievement. A perfect way to anchor my school year.
Why These Books?
I chose these titles because they each offer something immediately usable—whether that’s a new strategy, a better understanding of learning science, or a fresh perspective on literacy. If you're a fellow teacher who loves smart, practical reads, I think you’ll find something valuable here too.
Want to Start Your Own PD Book Stack?
Many of these titles are available on Amazon and major education publishers—check ISBNs from this post to find your favorites. I’ll be posting reflections, classroom applications, and lesson tweaks inspired by each book throughout the year.
Stay tuned and happy reading! 💛📚
—Denise @ The Teaching Distillery