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Here’s a list of books we recommend you read this summer as you prepare to build an achievement culture in your school next year.  These are some of our favorites, but what would you add?  Comment below and share your favorite books with the community.

1. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

Drawing on four decades of scientific research on human motivation, Pink exposes the mismatch between what science knows and what business does—and how that affects every aspect of life. He examines the three elements of true motivation—autonomy, mastery, and purpose-and offers smart and surprising techniques for putting these into action in a unique book that will change how we think and transform how we live.

2. Leverage Leadership: A Practical Guide to Building Exceptional Schools by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo

Aimed at all levels of school leadership, the book is for any principal, superintendent, or educator who wants to be a transformational leader.

3. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

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With the right mindset, we can motivate our kids and help them to raise their grades, as well as reach our own goals—personal and professional.

4. The New One Minute Manager Hardcover by Ken Blanchard 

A new edition based on the timeless business classic—updated to help today’s readers succeed more quickly in a rapidly changing world.

5. The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building People and Teams That Win Consistently Paperback by Tony Dungy 

This book focuses on the seven keys of mentoring leadership―and why they’re so effective; why mentor leadership brings out the best in people; how a mentor leader recovers from mistakes and handles team discipline; and the secret to getting people to follow you and do their best for you without intimidation tactics.

6. Teaching with Fire: Poetry That Sustains the Courage to Teach Hardcover by Sam M. Intrator & Megan Scribner 

Teaching with Fire is a collection of poetry that has restored the faith of teachers in the highest, most transcendent values of their work with children….Those who want us to believe that teaching is a technocratic and robotic skill devoid of art or joy or beauty need to read this powerful collection.

7. Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation  by Susan Scott 

This book will help you overcome barriers to meaningful communication, expand and enrich conversations with colleagues, friends, and family, increase clarity and improve understanding & handle strong emotions-on both sides of the table.