Ambitious Science Teaching
By Mark Windschitl, Jessica Thompson, and Melissa Braaten

This book was a large part of the research, discussions, and planning when designing and building the AIM Intro Course. So much of scientific discovery and expiration is predicated on discourse. Ambitious Science Teaching dives into ways to create those productive classroom conversations so that students can take the data they collected, create evidence-based explanations, and have a dialogue to come to a consensus on their conclusions.

While written with a science lens, this book is applicable to all classrooms looking to create those dynamic, student-centered environments.

Unlearning: Changing Your Beliefs and Your Classroom with UDL
By Allison Posey and Katie Novak

When you have been in a classroom and operating with a certain strategy for years, it can feel like a Sysiphean task to change your practices – even when you want to implement new practices. Posey and Novak tackle this head on to help educators of all walks unlearn their habits and effectively begin to implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) practices.

This book looks at a process for how to break old habits and also provides practical information and strategies for how to use the UDL framework to improve access for all students throughout your classroom. Summer break is a great time to start unlearning!

Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software
By Charles Petzold

Code is a masterfully written exploration of how computers work, starting from the most fundamental building blocks (binary logic and switches) to the complex systems that power modern machines. Petzold demystifies the inner workings of computers by tracing the evolution of communication systems, number systems, and circuitry in a way that feels both accessible and intellectually satisfying. What makes the book especially compelling is its narrative style. It reads more like a story of discovery than a technical manual, making abstract concepts feel tangible.

For educators, especially those in STEM fields, Code offers not just a deeper understanding of the technology we rely on, but also a model of how to break down complexity into teachable, engaging ideas. It's an inspiring read for anyone interested in the “why” and “how” behind the digital world.

The Learner’s Apprentice: AI and the Amplification of Human Creativity
By Ken Kahn

The Learner’s Apprentice offers a thought-provoking and refreshingly optimistic look at the evolving partnership between humans and artificial intelligence. Rather than framing AI as a replacement for human ingenuity, the book positions it as a powerful collaborator that learns from us and, in turn, helps sharpen our own creative thinking. Through a blend of real-world examples, thoughtful analysis, and future-forward speculation, the author explores how AI can elevate problem-solving, support iterative thinking, and open new frontiers for innovation across disciplines, including education.

For teachers navigating the shifting landscape of technology in the classroom, this book serves as both a guide and an inspiration. It challenges educators to not only adopt AI tools but to see them as extensions of their own curiosity and creativity.

The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company
By Robert Iger

Oftentimes I feel like reflections from CEOs benefit those in the corporate world – Iger’s lessons in this book go so much beyond those in a way that I think is relevant to everyone. In the classroom, teachers are leaders. His philosophy—that great leadership is rooted in integrity, optimism, and a willingness to take bold steps—resonates far beyond the boardroom. For educators and leaders in any field, this book offers valuable takeaways about fostering innovation, navigating change, and leading with empathy.

One of my favorite quotes from the book relates directly back to the exploratory nature of a STEM classroom:

“If you approach and engage people with respect and empathy, the seemingly impossible can become real.”

Mindstorms: Children, Computers, And Powerful Ideas
By Seymour A. Papert

For a book published originally in the 1980s, this is still incredibly relevant to today’s learning landscape. Students are constantly learning when they are exploring and building knowledge. This directly relates back to the previous recommendation of Ambitious Science Teaching. Alongside this exploration to create and build knowledge, Papert discusses how computational thinking is a social process because of the constant interaction between student, learning objective, and the educator.

Mindstorms remains an influential book to this day because of its long lasting impact on education and technology. Who doesn’t love to dig into a classic from time to time?

Paris in Ruins
By Sebastian Smee

In Paris in Ruins, Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Sebastian Smee paints an arresting portrait of art, war, and impermanence through the eyes of Impressionist painter Berthe Morisot. Jason McKenna said of this pick, “While visiting London’s National Gallery during BETT 2025, I stood before one of her paintings—Smee’s writing still fresh in my mind—and felt a renewed sense of what it means to teach.” Smee connects Morisot’s delicate depictions of fleeting beauty to Freud’s notion that impermanence can trigger despair or rebellion, but ideally cultivates gratitude.

For educators, that insight lands hard: our work, like Morisot’s brushstrokes, is ephemeral yet enduring in impact. Teaching is transitory—but that’s exactly what makes it precious.

Brave Not Perfect
By Reshma Saujani

Drawing from her own experiences and the stories of others, Reshma Saujani, the co-founder of Girls Who Code, explores how the pursuit of perfection often stifles creativity, risk-taking, and growth. Instead, she advocates for bravery: the courage to speak up, to fail, to take the leap even when the outcome is uncertain. The book blends personal anecdotes with practical advice, making it both relatable and empowering.

For teachers, especially those shaping young minds in STEM and beyond, Brave Not Perfect serves as a powerful reminder to model boldness, embrace imperfection, and create environments where students are encouraged to try, fail, and grow. It’s a compelling call to action for anyone (especially women and educators) who has felt held back by the pressure to be perfect.