Books that Restore Meaning

Books have always been a place of refuge for me, a space where my curiosity and imagination could roam freely. As a child, I loved getting lost in encyclopedias, flipping through pages filled with pictures of faraway countries and lands I had never visited and longed to see. I loved learning about different cultures, distant cities, and the lives of people whose stories felt worlds away from my own. Reading was more than a hobby; it was a sanctuary. It brought a quiet peace that felt rare in the noise of everyday life. The worlds discovered on the pages offered both escape and connection, a way to travel without leaving my room while learning to see the world with wonder and empathy.

Those early hours with books were not just about acquiring facts; they were about exploring possibilities, cultivating curiosity, and finding comfort in the steadiness of those beloved stories. Even now, as an educator, that same love for reading informs the way I approach teaching and learning. It serves as a reminder of the power of curiosity, the value of reflection, and the importance of creating spaces where students can explore, think deeply, and find their own moments of peace. Reading taught me that learning could be joyful, challenging, filled with conflicting feelings, and deeply meaningful, and it is that philosophy that shapes my teaching, leadership, and approach to education.

Vocation Work

Teaching is vocation work, yet it can often feel overwhelming, fast-paced, transactional, or disconnected from what matters most: relationships, purpose, grace, and above all, people. Amid lesson planning, correcting, assessments, meetings, and all the school activities, it’s easy to lose sight of the deeper meaning in our work. We spend so much of our days (and oh so many nights as teachers poured into our work!) focused on the "what" that it seems like we are indulging when we take the time to focus on our purpose, our "why."

Reading for Your Why

Reading for meaning isn’t just about professional growth, it's about personal restoration by taking time to engage with thoughtful ideas, stories, and strategies. It can renew energy, sharpen focus on what truly matters, and offer new ways to approach your classroom with compassion and intentionality.

Below, you find a selection of ten of my favorite book recommendations (in no particular order) designed to help educators reflect and reconnect with the heart of their calling. Each one can serve as a source of reflection, a guide for practice, or simply a moment of pause in the midst of a busy school year. Whether it’s exploring human relationships, cultivating resilience and reliance, or rediscovering joy in learning, these books are ideal companions for those who strive to teach, lead, and live with grace. Each title offers insight, perspective, or practical strategies that encourage reflection, deepen empathy, and inspire purposeful teaching.

Whether these books spark a new approach to teaching, provide a mirror for your own practices, or simply offer a moment of inspiration, the goal is to solidify your "why" and focus on meaning: to restore purpose, connection, and grace in the daily work of education. Teaching is not about doing more, it’s about creating meaning, fostering relationships, and leaving a positive mark on the hearts of those we serve. I hope you enjoy each of these as much as I have!

Every Thought Captive: Calm the Mental Chaos that Keeps You Stuck, Drains Your Hope, and Holds You Back

by Kyle Idleman

The Anxiety Opportunity: How Worry is the Doorway to Your Best Self

by Curtis Chang

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness

by Jonathan Haidt

Teams That Work: The Seven Drivers of Team Effectiveness

by Scott Tannenbaum and Eduardo Salas

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

by Cal Newport

Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World

by Cal Newport

Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work

by Timothy Keller

Vocation: The Setting for Human Flourishing

by Michael Berg

The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact

by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Limping with God: Jacob & the Old Testament Guide to Messy Discipleship

by Chad Bird