Educators uplugged: A Summer Reading List

Summer is the perfect time for educators to prioritize self-care, create art, and find inspiration in a good book. With the school year behind you, now you can explore new books for yourself and/or your classroom!

Be a Creative Changemaker: A Kids’ Art Activity Book

Artist and educator, Paula Liz’s book, “Be a Creative Changemaker” provides several project ideas inspired by the life stories of artists from around the world.

Classroom Application: Use these project ideas to enhance your curriculum with a more diverse representation of artists.

If You Are an Artist

“If You Are an Artist” by Meg Auchenbach follows a band of young artists and encourages readers to believe in themselves and cultivate their creativity to make the world a better place.

Classroom Application: Use Auchenbach’s illustrations about color to encourage students to create similar collections of objects and figures.

An Artist's Inspiration: A Guided Journey

"An Artist Once Said: An Inspiration Book" offers insights from Kahlo, Warhol, and Dali. Let their words inspire your creativity this summer!

Classroom Application: share artist quotes for discussions and drawing prompts.

Speaking Out: Queer Youth in Focus

"Speaking Out: Queer Youth in Focus" amplifies the voices of LGBTQ+ youth through poignant portraits.

Classroom Application: encourage empathy and understanding through art.

The People You May See

"The People You May See" celebrates diversity through vibrant illustrations and storytelling.

Classroom Application: Use these illustrations to cultivate inclusivity in the classroom.

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

Author Simon Sinek explains the importance of knowing why we do what we do in his popular TED video. In "Start with Why", he takes the concept even further.

Classroom Application: Use this as inspiration to write your mission statement. Share your why with students. Ask them to write/create an art piece focused on their mission statements.

Enjoy your summer break and embrace the opportunity to be inspired away from the classroom.

What's on your summer reading list?
How do you curate your classroom library?

Share your thoughts and recommendations – after all, the joy of reading is best when shared!