Summer 2024 Reading

Here at Teach Daily, we’re sharing what we’re currently reading this summer—some for professional growth, others just for fun. Whether it’s a book to sharpen our teaching skills or one to relax with during a break, these are the reads that are keeping us company this season. Dive in and see what’s on our summer reading list.

Gail Boushey

This summer Gail is re-reading The Heart-Centered Teacher by Regie Routman. And, stay tuned, because we are hoping to host Regie for a Q & A about her book in August.

Gail is also reading the second edition of Choice Words, How Our Language Affects Children's Learning. From Gail: It reminds me that our words are even more important now, 20 years after the first edition.

Allison Behne

Allison is reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. From Allison: This book claims that overprotection in the real world and under protection in the virtual world are major reasons why children born after 1995 have become the anxious generation. After teaching and parenting children during this time, I am reading this book to learn more about the rapidly changing landscape of childhood. 

And for a bit more levity, Allison is reading Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth. "This book’s intriguing plot had hooked me from the very first page. With Sally Hepworth, you can always expect a twist that keeps you on the edge of your seat!"

Doug Boushey

Doug is reading Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, and The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. From Doug: I chose Demon Copperhead because I read that readers may be missing out from a steady diet of non-fiction. Fiction engages the brain in a different mode than nonfiction by encouraging the reader to put the plot, characters, and story lines together; to name a few reading skills.

I chose The Anxious Generation because of that powerful subtitle: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.

Samantha Behne

Samantha is reading Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand. From Sam: I chose this summer read because it is Hilderbrand's final novel and I have been a long-time fan of hers! She is the queen of beach reads. I am also reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.  It is interesting because it talks about the effects of growing up with social media/technology. I also thought it would be informative for someone like me who spends her days with children who are constantly on technology. The author gives many examples of ways parents AND teachers can help limit the amount of technology children have access to in a practical way! 

Lori Sabo

Lori is reading Else B. in the Sea: The Woman Who Painted the Wonders of the Deep by Jeanne Walker Harvey and Illustrated by Melodie Stacey. From Lori: Picture books are my favorite way to learn about people. This one beautifully introduces us to someone whose curiosity, daring, passion, and talent have influenced our own love and understanding of the ocean. 

Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford is a fun read because it combines my love of reading, baking, and watching The Great British Bake Off (though is is called something different in the book). It is a perfect book to get our minds off of school and into summer. 

Emily Boushey

From Emily: I’m currently doing the Seattle Public Library’s Summer Book Bingo and I’m working on getting a black out! I always like to have a few books I’m in the middle of so that whenever I feel like reading, I have something to fit my mood. I’m currently reading:
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn to cross of the “Sky Creatures” box. Described as a King Arthur reimagining blended with Black Girl Magic, I have heard nothing but absolutely wonderful things about this YA fantasy novel and it is living up to the hype!
And for when I feel like something that requires a little less thinking, I’m reading The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest to cross off the “BIPOC Romance” box. Some of it is written in email format which is fun and makes for romantic comedy perfection. 

Madeline Boushey

From Madeline: I had twins recently and since we will be raising them with really close neighbors and family, we want to be on the same page with what that looks like raising children together as a community. I’m currently reading Hunter, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff which looks at successful ways other cultures have raised happy, well-adjusted children and I’m now giving it to every friend who’s having a baby.

Kelli Schneider

From Kelli: I am currently reading Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain. I'm learning a lot about the way I see myself, others in my life, and the value of reflective introverts in our world. 

Dusty Embree

Form Dusty: I just finished It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. I chose this book because it is coming out as a movie soon, and I wanted to read the book first. I always hear people rave about Colleen Hoover books and I wanted to take a look. I just started A Court of Thorns and Roses. It is not my typical genre, but again, I hear great things about this series by Sarah J. Maas.