Recommendations from the NJEA Professional Development and Instructional Issues Division
It’s the last hour of the last day of school. The bell signals the end and as the shouts of children leaving the building fade into the distance, you enjoy the moment of silence before you start packing up. The summer lies ahead, full of promise of connecting with friends, vacations, rest and relaxation and some time to catch up on some summer reading or podcasts you’ve been meaning to give a listen.
Whether you lean to fiction or nonfiction, new or classic, book or podcast, the staff of the Professional Development and Instructional Issues (PDII) Division has some recommendations for you.
If you have been missing your Trevor Noah fix since he left “The Daily Show,” Dawn Howlen recommends the podcast, “What Now with Trevor Noah.” The podcast features thought-provoking and often humorous conversations with innovative guests from politics, literature and entertainment. Noah and his co-hosts have great chemistry, which allows for even more engaging banter. Their deep yet entertaining discussions always leave Howlen reflecting on what’s next.
With immigration in the news, Krista Orellana recommends Enrique’s Journey by Sonia Nazzario. This powerful nonfiction book tells the heartbreaking story of a Honduran boy’s dangerous journey to the U.S. to reunite with his mother who left years earlier to find work. Driven by a hope for family and future, Enrique faces incredible dangers along the way. In this moving and unforgettable read, Nazario gives a deeply personal and eye-opening look at the sacrifices and risks faced by migrant families.
Amanda Adams is looking to the near future as she recommends the dystopian novel, Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. In this vision of the future, America is ravaged by climate change, economic collapse and societal breakdown. The story follows Lauren Olamina, a teenager with hyperempathy—a condition that makes her feel others’ pain as her own. As her walled community is destroyed, she embarks on a dangerous journey north, gathering followers and developing a new spiritual philosophy called Earthseed. This philosophy teaches that “God is Change” and that humanity’s destiny is to take root among the stars. Through Lauren’s resilience and vision, Butler explores themes of survival, adaptation and hope in the face of chaos.
Just prior to the pandemic, Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law a requirement for the inclusion of people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community in school district curricula. Dr. Kim Pinckney has selected two books for us to think about the two prongs of this law. In the first, Disability is Human, Dr. Stephanie Cawthon draws upon more than 25 years of experience as a professional educator, groundbreaking researcher and educational psychologist to dispel myths and raise expectations about people with disabilities. Bringing the same energy and insights from her popular presentations and workshops in nearly every industry, Dr. Cawthon has empowered, encouraged and supported thousands of people in the journey toward greater access.
Pinckney’s second pick, All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson is a memoir written for young adults that offers a deeply personal and insightful look into the experiences of a Black queer youth. It’s a vital read as we implement the LGBTQ+ and Disabilities Law, reminding us of the importance of creating safe and affirming spaces for all students. Johnson’s writing is honest, vulnerable and ultimately hopeful, offering a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
Camy Kobylinski is also thinking about similar themes as she is recommending One Without the Other: Stories of Unity through Diversity and Inclusion. Authored by Dr. Shelley Moore, who will be giving the keynote address and facilitating a workshop at this year’s NJEA IMPACT Conference on July 16, the book is an engaging and accessible read. It is filled with stories from the author’s experiences as an educator. Moore also hosts a delightfully entertaining podcast, “Five Moore Minutes,” which is dedicated to empowering schools and classrooms to support all learners.
Supporting young people is also on the mind of Vicki Serreino who recommends The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, a must read if you’ve ever wondered why today’s kids and teens seem more anxious, overwhelmed or disconnected. Haidt argues that the shift from hands-on real-world experiences to lives shaped by screens has disrupted key developmental milestones—contributing to growing rates of anxiety and related challenges. Ultimately, the book encourages a thoughtful reevaluation by parents, educators and tech leaders to create environments that support real-world connection and a healthier relationship with technology for young people.
Book recommendations come from all different places. Out of a fondness for her stepfather who suggested this book to her, Carolyn Thompson is recommending a classic “pocket book,” which has had a life in radio, film and even a musical production. The Lost Horizon by James Hilton places us in wartime and an ensuing revolution, when a small group of evacuees find themselves on a hijacked plane that lands in a remote part of the world. They navigate the terrain with the help of locals to a mysterious place, Shangri-La. There they stumble upon a people and a way of life unlike anything to which they’re accustomed. When a way out presents itself, a decision to stay forever or take the treacherous journey home is upon them.
PDII Division director, Dr. Chrissi Miles, is thinking of the place of women in society as she recommends Women who Run with Wolves by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés. It is a deep exploration of the wild, instinctual nature of women, drawing on myths, folklore and Jungian psychology to illuminate the power of feminine resilience, creativity and intuition. Through rich storytelling, Estés revives ancient wisdom that encourages women to reclaim their inner strength, embrace their authentic selves and break free from societal constraints. As educators and in our personal and professional lives, women are navigating burnout, systemic patriarchal challenges and the pressure to conform—making this book a powerful call to reconnect with our deepest instincts, honor our stories and step fully into our own wild, untamed wisdom.
Elisabeth Yucis is planning her next read for the summer based on past experience. Elisabeth loved Tricia Hersey’s first book, Rest is Resistance, recommended by former PDII colleague Gabe Tanglao. She can’t wait to check out We Will Rest, which contains art, meditations and poetry and is looking forward to the journey to escape grind culture and find a better way to live.
Rich Wilson is pondering our place in the universe with The Transcendent Brain by Alan Lightman. In this delightful exploration, the physicist Lightman ponders the question of how one who believes in the science of atoms and molecules can also experience a transcendent connection to the universe and those things larger than ourselves. After considering a history of both spirituality and materialism and engaging with contemporary scientists, psychologists and philosophers, he proposes what he calls “spiritual materialism,” a belief that we can embrace spiritual experiences without letting go of our scientific worldview.
There are many ways to engage with new ideas this summer, whether it be through audiobook, e-book or good old-fashioned print. We hope this list gives you some ideas to engage with the broader world of ideas this summer.