Summer is here and it's time to curl up with a nice book- or two or three! Our awesome community of teachers on Facebook had some great ideas for reading material. We've compiled a summer reading list of everything on the spectrum from professional development to fun beach reads. Check it out! And, join our Lucky Little Learners Facebook groups for 1st grade and 2nd grade teachers to join the conversation!

****** Read to the end for a HUGE summer 2025 announcement******

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1. Light & Fun Reads for Teachers
2. Fantasy & Sci-Fi Escapes
3. Historical Fiction & Literary Picks
4. Thrillers, Mysteries & Page-Turners
5. Memoirs & Nonfiction That Stick With You
6. Professional Development (That Won’t Burn You Out)

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Fun Books for Your Summer Reading List

This crazy year has meant a lot of constant learning and growing for us as teachers. Our brains deserve a break! This list has got a little of everything. Take a look and choose a new world to immerse yourself in.

1 – Light & Fun Reads for Teachers

Think rom-coms, cozy reads, and those feel-good fiction moments you crave after report card season.

The Great, Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

A sweeping, heartfelt novel about love, timing, and learning to let go of the life you thought you were supposed to live. It has all the emotional release and charm you'd expect from an Emily Henry story, making it perfect for a relaxing summer read.

Top Picks from Abby Jimenez

Abby Jimenez writes funny, emotional, and heartwarming stories about love, friendship, and real-life struggles. Whether you pick up Yours Truly or The Friend Zone, her books are full of characters who feel like real people and moments that will make you laugh and tear up at the same time.

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Postcon

This heartwarming romance follows a ghostwriter who meets the ghost of her recently deceased editor, sparking a love story that explores grief, healing, and hope. It’s a tender and unique take on romance that is perfect for teachers who need a feel-good story with depth.

Funny Story by Emily Henry

Daphne’s perfect love story is shattered when she learns her fiancé is in love with his childhood friend. Stranded in Michigan with a humble job, she forms a tentative friendship, and unexpected feelings, with her ex-fiancé’s, new fiancée’s ex, Miles.

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

This story follows a skeptical travel writer and an idealistic island resort owner who must join forces to save the resort, discovering love and adventure along the way. It’s a sunny, romantic escape with great banter and heart..

Meet Me on the Bridge by Sarah J. Harris

This moving story tells of two estranged siblings who reconnect after a family tragedy and confront their past during a poignant journey across London’s bridges. It’s an emotional, heartwarming story about healing and connection.

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2 – Fantasy & Sci-Fi Escapes

For when you’d rather be in a fairy court, a galaxy far away, or anywhere but your inbox.

The War of Lost Hearts Series by Carissa Broadbent

This fantasy series follows a fierce heroine caught in a world of political power, ancient magic, and slow-burn romance. With rich world-building, high-stakes action, and characters you’ll root for, this is the perfect pick for fans of fairy magic and enemies-to-lovers stories.

The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen

In this thrilling fantasy, immortal gods meddle in a deadly competition that tests power, loyalty, and love. With drama, magic, and fast pacing, this book is great for teachers who want an exciting escape that still feels fresh and modern.

Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young

Set in a misty island town filled with secrets, this book blends mystery, romance, and just a touch of magic. As old flames reunite and the past resurfaces, the story unravels slowly with eerie beauty. It’s atmospheric, emotional, and a perfect cozy read with a little edge.

The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden

This haunting novel set during World War I blends historical fiction with a supernatural twist. As a soldier’s sister tries to uncover what really happened to him, ghostly encounters and old memories reveal a chilling, moving story. It's a beautifully written tale for those who like their fantasy thoughtful and a little spooky.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

This Hunger Games prequel brings readers back to Panem, diving into the 50th Games. With new characters, high-stakes tension, and a deeper look at the Capitol’s cruelty, it’s a gripping addition to the series that fans won’t want to miss.

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3 – Historical Fiction & Literary Picks

Emotional, immersive, and beautifully written stories that linger.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

This amazing story takes place in France during World War II. It's all about two sisters and the challenges they face as they try to survive the German occupation of their country. It's a really emotional story that explores themes like love, family, courage, and sacrifice. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction or just a really good story would love this book.

America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie

This is a captivating story based on the life of Thomas Jefferson's daughter, Patsy. Through Patsy's eyes, the book explores the struggles and triumphs of the early American republic, as well as the complex relationships and political intrigue of one of America's most iconic figures. If you're a fan of historical fiction or love learning about American history, this book is definitely worth checking out.

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

This chilling historical account takes place in 1920s Oklahoma, where members of the wealthy Osage Nation were murdered one by one. The investigation into these crimes became one of the FBI’s first major cases. It’s a gripping nonfiction read that feels like a true crime thriller.

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4 – Thrillers, Mysteries & Page-Turners

For fans of high-stakes plots and can't-put-it-down reads.

Long Bright River by Liz Moore

This gripping novel follows a police officer searching for her missing sister in a Philadelphia neighborhood hit hard by the opioid crisis. As the story shifts between past and present, it becomes a layered exploration of family, addiction, and the secrets we carry. It's emotional, suspenseful, and totally absorbing.

Pretty Things by Janelle Brown

This psychological thriller follows two women whose lives collide in a web of deception, secrets, and Instagram-fueled lies. One’s a con artist, the other a wealthy heiress, and nothing is as it seems. It’s twisty and smart, perfect for fans of character-driven suspense.

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

After surviving a traumatic kidnapping, a high school senior becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind what really happened to her—and what those around her might be hiding. This tense thriller is full of sharp twists and a main character you’ll root for.

The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

In this mind-bending mystery, a man must solve a murder by reliving the same day over and over—each time in a different guest’s body. It’s an inventive, layered whodunit that challenges you to keep up and rewards every twist.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

Set on a remote island near Antarctica, this literary novel follows a reclusive family who care for one of the world’s last seed banks. When a mysterious woman washes ashore after a brutal storm, long-buried secrets begin to surface. With poetic writing and haunting themes of isolation, resilience, and climate survival, this story is introspective and quietly powerful.

Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum

A juicy and twisty summer read set on Fire Island, where secrets, scandals, and a shocking murder upend the lives of the rich and privileged. It’s smart, fast, and fun in all the best ways.

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5 – Memoirs & Nonfiction That Stick With You

Real stories, powerful insights, and some unexpected laughs or tears.

Solito by Javier Zamora

This powerful memoir tells the story of a nine-year-old boy’s journey from El Salvador to the United States—traveling alone across thousands of miles. It’s an unforgettable account of survival, family, and the kindness of strangers, written with honesty and heart.

Careless People by Sarah Wynn Williams

In this raw and emotional memoir, an educator opens up about burnout, mental health, and the reality of trying to care deeply in a system that doesn’t always care back. It's beautifully written and painfully relatable for anyone who's felt stretched too thin.

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty

This candid and surprisingly funny memoir follows the author's experiences working in a crematory. She reflects on death, grief, and the funeral industry in a way that’s insightful, human, and oddly comforting. It’s a unique perspective you won’t forget.

The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin

This memoir tells the story of a suburban mom turned identity thief—and how she rebuilt her life through forgiveness, community, and second chances. It’s a powerful story of resilience and reinvention that reads like fiction but is all real.

How Stella Learned to Talk by Christina Hunger

This memoir follows a speech-language pathologist who teaches her dog to communicate using buttons. It’s a fascinating look at animal intelligence and human language, especially for dog lovers and curious minds.

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6 – Professional Development (That Won’t Burn You Out)

Practical, inspiring reads and real, live PD, with teacher voices and sanity-saving strategies.

Unpack Your Impact by Naomi O’Brien and LaNesha Tabb

This practical guide helps educators create inclusive, identity-affirming classrooms through culturally responsive teaching. With real examples and clear action steps, it’s a must-read for teachers who want their students to feel seen and valued.

Speech to Priant by Louisa Moats

This book breaks down the science of reading in a way that’s approachable and useful, especially for early elementary teachers. It offers tools to improve literacy instruction without overwhelming you with theory.

Fostering Resilient Learners by Kristin Souers with Pete Hall

If you’ve ever wondered how to support students facing trauma without burning yourself out, this book is for you. It’s full of real stories and doable strategies that help you create a classroom built on safety and trust.

⭐️WHOLE Teacher PD! Summer Series 2025⭐️

Feeling inspired to grow as a WHOLE teacher this summer? (WHOLE Teacher = The focus is on MORE than just your instructional skillset… We believe its essential to focus on teachers' wellbeing too!)

Professional + Personal Development on Your Schedule

Join us for Summer Series 2025, where we’ll guide you through manageable, motivating PD designed with the real teacher life in mind. Think bite-sized learning, real-life strategies, and flexible access — all while you’re in your comfiest clothes, iced coffee in hand.