Fall Reading List

Rachael Balbarona | Director of Instruction

Babel by RK Kuang

Babel is a speculative historical fiction novel with a bit of magic and dark academia. It follows 4 students of color and explores their experience at Oxford. The book is a captivating blend of historical fiction and fantasy that explores the power of language and consequences of colonialism. It touches on big themes of colonialism, racism, and how large institutions perpetuate and cultivate these mindsets. The book is thick so if you have a squirrel brain like me, I suggest switching back and forth between audio and the physical book. I loved this book because Kuang does a beautiful job exploring morally complex characters with all the vivid world building at an alternate Oxford University. 

Charlotte Adjchavanich | GO Tutor Corps Board Member

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is a thought provoking book because of its simple yet transforming perspective on living in the present moment-the Now. Tolle’s emphasis on mindfulness and detachment from the “egoic mind” challenged me to rethink how I perceive stress and negative emotions. The book’s guidance on quieting mental chatter and embracing the “Now” offered actionable tools for finding peace amid life’s challenges. Tolle’s insights on how the past and future are mental constructs made me understand the importance of presence, and that each day is a gift, now a daily mantra for me. What stood out most were the real-world applications of Tolle’s teachings. I found myself reflecting more deeply each day to stay present in the Now. The book not only inspired me intellectually but also encouraged personal growth and inner stillness. Overall, The Power of Now is a timeless guide to cultivating a more conscious, intentional way of living. It’s a book I’ll revisit often to deepen my understanding of its wisdom and continue the journey of staying in the present, the Now! 

Nusrat Arju | Talent Acquisition Coordinator

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

In recommending Tuesdays with Morrie, my cousin shared that it’s a book she revisits each year, discovering new insights with every reading. Intrigued by this ritual and the length of the book – it’s a quick one – I set out to find a copy for myself. Tuesdays with Morrie is a recollection of Mitch Albom’s visits with his former professor long after he graduated from college. Both are racing against time — Morrie, battling ALS, and Albom, hoping to capture his mentor’s final lessons. I began reading this book soon after I submitted my last school assignment ever. It helped me transition to life after college, learn how to live in the present, and understand the importance of building a community. This book greatly captures the impact a mentor can have on someone’s life. Morrie impacted Albom’s life in and outside of the classroom, his influence lasting even long after he passed. It is definitely a book I feel that I will come back to throughout different stages of my life. If you like this book I would also recommend The Midnight Library and The Alchemist!

Brianne Kelly-Prensa | Deputy Director of Development

Teacher Man by Frank McCourt

I read Teacher Man many years ago. It shines light on a teacher’s experience and the never-ending journey of learning – even as one teaches. Frank McCourt wrote Teacher Man as a memoir about his life as a New York City teacher for 30 years. Throughout his journey, he describes a mutual connection to students and their demonstrated growth through this connection. His writing is peppered in Irish humor as he shares lessons of creative pedagogy in the classroom, and illustrates the challenges of teaching. McCourt is a gifted teacher and captivating writer; his stories demonstrate the necessity to connect with students through engaging material and authenticity – which ironically, McCourt was most authentically himself in the classroom, perhaps further demonstrating that teaching was his calling. I never felt like McCourt in a traditional classroom, and while I believe education is one of the most important human rights, and I have had many wonderful teachers, I leave it to those who feel called to teach, to share their gifts with the world. When we follow our calling, it shows – and McCourt is a wonderful example of this.

Elizabeth Warner | Communications Coordinator

True Biz by Sara Novic

I recently read this fantastic, fiction book that takes place at the River Valley School for the Deaf. True Biz is an adjective/explanation in American Sign Language that means: really, seriously, definitely, real-talk. And true to its name, the book is honest and refreshing. The characters are likable and the plot engaging. And a fun plus: I learned so much more about deaf culture and specifically ASL. Intermingled in the action packed pages, are dedicated pages about ASL, the history of it, the different adaptations of it, and graphics helping to show you how to sign. It truly had everything you want in a novel and I would highly recommend it! 

Bob Janes | Secondary Mathematics Curriculum Supervisor at East Hartford Public Schools

Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics by Peter Liljedahl 

Peter Liljedahl begins the book with research on typical student behaviors in math class. He shares that while some students are actually thinking about the math they’re doing, most are mimicking other students, waiting for the teacher, or other unproductive behaviors. Liljedahl spends the remainder of the book sharing 14 practices for improving student thinking in math class. While similar books stop with ideas and theories, this author shares the innovative research he did to find these 14 practices. To develop each practice, he collaborated with classroom teachers to break typical classroom norms and use an iterative process to find what the best practice actually is. Some of the practices include using thinking tasks, writing on vertical whiteboards, and randomizing groups. Liljedahl also has a companion book that addresses tutoring, titled Modifying Your Thinking Classroom for Different Settings. Many of our teachers and tutors have had success with students implementing these practices.

Michael Duffy | President

One World Schoolhouse by Sal Khan

I would highly recommend One World Schoolhouse by educator Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy. Today millions of students, parents, and teachers use the Khan Academy’s free videos and software, which have expanded to encompass nearly every conceivable subject. In the book, Khan presents his radical vision for the future of education, as well as his own remarkable story, for the first time. The “origin story” of Khan Academy particularly resonated with me. Khan Academy came out of Khan’s own experience tutoring his niece. The book features a great critique of the current approach to education in the US. I think everyone should read this critical book.  

Destini Pickens | Fellow Lead and Social Media Ambassador in New York City

The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath 

I’d like to recommend The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. It’s a fantastic non-fiction book that explores how small, but meaningful experiences can have a big impact. This book is especially relevant for educators looking to make memorable moments in the classroom. The authors provide insightful, research-based strategies that can easily be applied to education, making it an inspiring read for anyone in the field.

Rich Denor | Deputy Director of Program Implementation

Atomic Habits by James Clear

This breakthrough book, Atomic Habits from James Clear is the most comprehensive guide on how to change your habits and get 1% better every day. I loved the structure of the book, how Clear guides you through each step of the process, and how easily applicable it was. I was able to “put it to the test” in my personal and professional life. It really helped me put some things in order. I think the best way to get the most out of the book is to read it with a friend or partner. That way you can have an accountability partner. 

Brianne Kelly-Prensa | Deputy Director of Development

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Written by Bill Martin, Jr. | Illustrated by Eric Carle

If the illustrator’s name Eric Carle looks familiar to you, that’s because Eric Carle wrote and illustrated The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is a captivating book where the writer asks various animals of various colors what they see. Each page is filled with a different animal of a different color leading to the next, touching upon both shapes and colors, which are important foundational words for young children. Towards the end of the book, the goldfish is asked what they see, and they say “I see a teacher looking at me.” The book then asks “Teacher, Teacher, What do you see?” to which the Teacher responds “I see children looking at me.” The children are classroom students and when asked what they see, they recap the entirety of the animals with their respective colors. This book provides various elements of language and art that maintains appreciation over generations and makes for a great family book.