Book Recommendation: Lean In

Image Credit: Neen James

Book: Lean In: 
Author: Sheryl Sandberg
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: Random House LLC
Type: Personal read, inspiration for all educators and in general
Where to get it: Library (always!), Powell's, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com

More information: I highly suggest you watch her thought provoking TED talk that she gave in December 2010. She discusses the three points in her speech more thoroughly in her book.

Check out the LeanIn.org website

Why ~

Men and women of any age and industry should read this book! Ms. Sandberg did an excellent job of discussing the importance of women progressing in the workforce and being able to also have a family. She does not claim that women can have it all, but that there can be more of a balance at home and at a work. I particularly liked how Ms. Sandberg advocated for more respect for men as well as for women. Men need to feel as though they can be active in their home life without being marginalized at work.

Her book is incredibly insightful, engaging and honest. She brings light to a topic that is not talked about enough. Women hold very few top positions in companies and political positions around the globe. This needs to change because women need to be represented.  If you're a woman, you should read this book to be inspired and given practical advice. If you're a man, you should read this book for being reminded that women need your support in the work place and the home. Together, we can create a better future for generations after us -- erasing the social limitations on gender and creating a world where both men and women can have more satisfaction at home and at work.

Head to your local library or order a used copy!

Happy reading!

Book Recommendation: My Beloved World

Image Credit: Washington University in St. Louis

Book: My Beloved World
Author: Sonia Sotomayor
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: Knopf
Type: Personal read, inspiration for all educators and in general
Where to get it: Library (may still be a long hold), Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com or Powell's

Why~

I finished this book a few weeks ago, but didn't have the time to write a thorough recommendation (yes excuses but my Granny turned 102 and we had many celebrations!). I have to say, this is my favorite autobiography of the year so far. I was not able to put it down because of the way Ms. Sotomayor wrote. Her word choices were interesting and made her even more personable. I loved the way she wrote about her life from childhood until she became an Associate Justice of the Surpreme Court. At times I had to remind myself that I was reading a non-fiction book because she truly wrote her life in story-form. I got lost in her beloved world.

So why should you read this book? As an educator, this book is valuable because not only is it interesting but it gives insight as to what it is like for a child to grow up in poverty. Not only that but in addition to financial hardship, Ms. Sotomayor grew up with a father that was an alcoholic and she was diagnosed with Diabetes at a young age. Her determination to succeed is remarkable and a great reminder to all of us educators, that any child can rise up from difficult situations. While Ms. Sotomayor's inner strength helped her obtain her lifelong dream, it is important to remember that some children do not have this sense of perseverance. Everyone needs support and especially those that come rough backgrounds.

I hope you read this book soon or at least put it on your book list!

Happy Reading!

Book Recommendation: Radical

Image credit from Barnes & Noble

Book: Radical: Fighting to Put Students First 
Author: Michelle Rhee
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Type: Teacher Reads -  thought provoking ideas, inspiration, good for discussions/book clubs 
Where to get it: library (hold list may be long right now), Powell's, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com

More information related to this book:
Michelle Rhee's StudentsFirst grassroots organization - about reforming education
About Michelle Rhee and her educational career from her StudentsFirst website
The first organization she created called The New Teacher Project

Why~

Over the weekend I finished this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Radical and could not put it down. Not only did I enjoy how Ms. Rhee wrote the book, but I was captivated by her passion for educating children in America. I will warn you, this book is controversial. However, with any education book that tries to address the issues in the public school systems is going to start debates and discussions. With that said, I think most can agree with her on her main point: all children, regardless of race or socioeconomic status deserve an excellent teacher and education. Depending on your opinions and even role in the education system, you might have a different solution in mind. Rhee defends and explains her views on how she has tried to solve the problem -- as she was chancellor in the D.C. school system for 3 years.

So why should you read this book? Well, it is important to be knowledgeable about what is happening in America's schools throughout the country. After all, the choices adults make affect the lives of children positively or negatively. Perhaps this will inspire you to be a better teacher. I know I feel even more compelled to learn all that I can so I can be the best for my future students. Maybe you will feel the urge to advocate for children in some way or even join in Rhee's StudentsFirst movement. Or maybe you will have a deeper sense of empathy towards children who suffer academically because of their race or low socioeconomic status. For me, this book makes me want to act.

 Here's a profound quote I'll share with you, that will always stay with me (a special preview!):

"That said, I do believe that schools and teachers can make a tremendous difference in the lives of kids who face these challenges every day. Do our children face significant obstacles that impact their ability to learn? Absolutely. Can we, as educators, still make an enormous difference in their lives, if we're doing our jobs well? Absolutely. These are not mutually exclusive notions. The research is very clear: teachers make a real difference. In fact, of all in-school factors, the quality of the teacher in front of the students every day has far and away the greatest influence on student achievement." (p.109)*

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*Except for the not, colors and bold words were added for emphasis.

Book Recommendation: Work Hard. Be Nice.

Image from Amazon.com

Book: Work Hard. Be Nice: How Two Inspired Teachers Created the Most Promising Schools in America 
Author: Jay Mathews
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Type: Teacher Reads - to inspire educators of all kind
Where to get it: Your local library, Powells or Amazon (you can get used or new)
More information on the book and the KIPP:

• Mike Feinberg's website Work Hard. Be Nice.
• Book excerpt from PBS.org

Why~
I read this book over a year ago, but it has had a lasting affect on my views towards children that come from low-income and disadvantaged living situations. Today, there is much talk about the "achievement gap." Sadly, students of color and/or that come from low-income areas often perform less than their counterparts. This is a controversial issue but it is one that must be dealt with so that all students can have equal opportunities to learn and be successful. Jay Mathews describes how Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin took a stab at this issue by creating their own unique charter schools, Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP). Creating these charter schools came with challenges and struggles, but they have positively touched many lives as a result. These schools provide underserved communities with education that prepares students for college. According to the KIPP website, more than 83 percent of the KIPP students have gone to college; students that may have not had opportunity without such good quality education.

This book helped me understand the problems that these students face and what it takes on the educator's side to solve this massive injustice. Depending on your area in the education field, you will take away various aspects from this book. A principal may read this book and see an overall way to improve his/her school. A teacher or teacher candidate, like me, may be learn how to communicate and motivate struggling students.

This story in the book made an impression on me, "Kenneth McGregor, at his previous school, had been like many bright children. He had been considered a problem, not an asset. He sensed the fear and hostility and reacted negatively, exacerbating the cycle of bad behavior... He got by on little work, which led him to lose respect for the routine of going to school each day, which made him misbehave more" (p.245). Sound like anyone you know? Unfortunately, I have met many Kenneth's in my day.

However, when given the opportunity to grow, these types of students blossom. They become bright and vivid, just as they should and deserve to be: "It took Kenneth some time to grow accustomed to his change of circumstances at KIPP. Eventually he realized that the hard work he was getting at KIPP was not another annoying school chore but a sign of respect. These people, as irksome as they were with their demands and tough talk, cared about him, just as his mother did when she tied him up with all the rules" (p. 245). Yes, when students are respected, cared for and have boundaries -- they shine. There may be stormy days but these students internalize that they have a purpose. This my hope for all children.

I encourage anyone in the education field to read this book and those concerned about America's students.

Happy Reading!

Book Recommendation: Miss Rumphius

Book image from Amazon.com

Book: Miss Rumphius - a Winner of the American Book Award
Author & Illustrator: Barbara Clooney
Copyright: 1982
Publisher: Picture Puffins
Type: Read Aloud, suggested for K-2 grades
Where to get it: Your local library or Amazon (you can get used or new)
More information on the book: Scholastic website

Why~
Recently, a parent asked me what book I would recommend to her young daughter. I suggested that she read Miss Rumphius because the book contains beautiful illustrations, higher level vocabulary and a powerful message.

Barbara Clooney uses interesting words and phrases, such as: wharves, bristling masts, prows of ships, conservatory, and several others. Her words flow on the pages just like the calming scenery. A gentle journey through Miss Rumphius' life with a repeated and compelling message: "You must do something to make the world more beautiful."

I suggest this book for all children because it encourages one to follow their dreams, but to give back to their communities. Further, I recommend this book because it fits with my life and teaching philosophy: learning is great but we must do something with it. I highly recommend this book for parents and educators to read to children.

Happy reading!