Reading Recommendations

Culturize by Jimmy Casa

I recommend you read this book if you are an educator from a paraprofessional, classroom teacher to district administrator. This book is a reminder of our purpose in education and strategies of how to do the needed work. In the end, our work is always for the students' educational growth.

Mindset by Carol Dweck

What is the fixed, growth and false growth mindset? You may have heard this term in education but what does it all mean? This book is recommended for everyone to read as it can apply to all aspects of life. Your mindset is powerful and can steer you in the direction you choose.

21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in what our future will look like and how technology will play a role. This book gives insight from economic perspectives, cultural influence and governmental policies of where society may go as technology continues to advance.

Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever by Gavin Edwards

Mister Rogers was the embodiment of gentleness and kindness towards his fellow man. I recommend this book to anyone seeking the answer to what is needed more in our daily lives and how we can accomplish this on a personal level.

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

Mercy is a powerful word as this book explores with insight into the true life story of someone convicted for a crime he did not commit. How can this happen? Why did it happen? I recommend this book to anyone that is asking those questions and how one person asked those same questions while putting in the work to get them answered.

Failing Up: How To Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning by Leslie Odom Jr.

Leslie Odom Jr. is famous for playing Aaron Burr on Broadway's Hamilton but he was not an overnight success. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning how his journey led him to the path he is on now. This book reminds me that as I work on a daily basis towards my purpose, the work is not done in vain.

The Ride of a Lifetime: Lesson Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert Iger

How does Disney do it? Success after success? I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in how thoughtful and supportive management can lead a company of creative thinkers. Iger does an amazing job of providing insight into his personal leadership and strategies of how you can do this as a leader as well.

Gmorning! Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for Me & You by Lin Manuel Miranda

I recommend this book to anyone that needs a pep talk. Children and adults alike want to feel supported and that they are valued. Lin Manuel Miranda has written quick short poetry to remind you to take pause and take in the little moments of beauty in the world.

American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures by America Ferrera

I recommend this book to anyone who identifies as american but also identifies with another culture. Being Mexican-American myself, I was able to read my own story through someone else's voice and not feel alone. It can be challenging to be in between both worlds but knowing that others are on the same journey with you brings comfort.

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene Brown

Vulnerable is a powerful word that can mean different things to different people. After attending a leadership retreat called Leadershape while at the University of Houston and then reading this book from a University of Houston professor, I believe to show vulnerability is to be courageous. Brene Brown does an amazing job illustrating what this entails and how to apply it on a personal level.