So it’s that time of the year again when I get to order books for my birthday, which is my favorite gift ever because it keeps on giving for months and months and months. The deal is that I have to finish reading all of last year’s books before I get to order new ones, and I’m excited about ordering the list below in the next few days. I only have one book left from last year’s list with one weekend to go! I’ll make it 🙂
As usual, like I’ve done for the last 10 years through these posts, I’m encouraging you all to take a few minutes this week to look through these titles, and to order one (or five) that resonate with you. Or, do your own research and share those titles with me so I can add them to this list. The suggestions below revolve around the themes of personal and professional harmony, leadership, creativity, innovation and culture building, with an overarching focus on becoming a better person and educator for our world.
Anyway, take a look at the 15 titles and links below, and happy reading in 2026! I’ve had a blast scouring through book stores and websites over the past few months and I’m really excited about this year’s list. Okay, enjoy the week ahead everyone and remember to be great for our students and good to each other.
Mattering – Jennifer Breheny Wallace
Ordinary Magic – Gregory Walton
Why We Click – Kate Murphy
Flourish – Daniel Coyle
Strong Ground – Brene Brown
How to Be Okay When Nothing is Okay – Jenny Lawson
Intentional – Chris Bailey
Unreasonable Hospitality – Will Guidara
The Other Side of Change – Maya Shankar
Inside the Box – David Epstein
The New Emotional Intelligence – Travis Bradbury
From Intent to Impact – Asif Sadiq
The Serviceberry – Robin Wall Kimmerer
The Happiness Files – Arthur C. Brooks
Accomplish – Nathan Every
