Listens:
WorkLife with Adam Grant podcast: Every episode so far has been amazing, but I was most moved by the episode entitled Team of Humble Stars. In my ongoing quest for more humility, this one spoke directly to me. (However, the episode on Creative Burstiness gave me an awesome new phrase to share!)
The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle: I’m simultaneously listening and reading this remarkable book that profiles the way strong team culture is developed. This is a MUST listen/read for anyone working in or with teams. (Also, how much do I love the relevant and quippy reply from Zappos?)
How to Be Awesome at Your Job (podcast), Episode 270: In this episode, author Scott Mautz is interviewed and discusses his theory of the nine anti-muses that drain our inspiration at work. This one might be a multi-time listen, especially late in the school year when exhaustion can rear its ugly head.
Reads:
This week was our Spring Break and I took the time to read three YA works and one other work of fiction.
Mustaches for Maddie by Chad Morris & Shelly Brown: A sweet story of compassion and kindness based on the true story of Chad and Shelly’s daughter Maddie. It has drawn comparisons to Wonder. I find the reading level a bit easier on this one and a little less development in the characters, but it is still worthy of a classroom library.
Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk: I adored Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk and was thrilled to be able to borrow her second novel from our school library. This tale of family, mystery, and hard life is stunning in its word painting. It will hook you in quickly and leave you turning each page quickly.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds: I read All American Boys last year and found it riveting. This work has a similar vein of gun violence and young African American men, but is written in verse. I must admit, I don’t typically love verse written texts (with all apologies to Jacqueline Woodson) but found myself consumed by this text, finishing it in less than an hour. Its language is rich and content sacred while being simple to access. I imagine this work could cross a wide range of reading levels.
Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood: This book is part of the Hogarth Shakespeare series; a retelling of his great works by renowned authors. Much to my mother’s chagrin and due to the classroom of a very mean 9th grade English teacher, I tend to avoid Shakespeare at all costs. However, Hag-Seed is a delightful journey into the fall and rise of Felix, his dedication to his students, and his dreams of his lost Miranda. I highly recommend it!
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