Books for National Teacher Appreciation Week

By Coll Rowe | May 1 2026 | General

For National Teacher Appreciation Week, which takes place on May 4th8th, we are sharing a collection of books about teaching, from personal stories that act as a guide for new or aspiring teachers to books that show the struggles teachers have endured. This collection includes books that display the importance of teaching and the influence of educators.

Public Education and the Future of Democracy
9798217045419

Drawing on history, stories from teachers on the front lines, and decades of experience with America’s public schools, Randi Weingarten argues that teaching students to think critically is the key to defeating would-be dictators.

$30.00 US
Sep 16, 2025
Hardcover
256 Pages
Thesis

How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them
9780385494229
Straight from the front line of urban America, the inspiring story of one fiercely determined teacher and her remarkable students.
$19.00 US
Oct 12, 1999
Paperback
448 Pages
Crown

Resisting the Right-Wing Attack on Academic Freedom
9780807045152

From leaders on the front lines of the battle for academic freedom in higher education, an empowering collection on fighting back against anti-CRT policies, book banning, and more.

$24.95 US
Apr 09, 2024
Paperback
232 Pages
Beacon Press

The Vision of Mary McLeod Bethune
9780593492444
An intimate and searching account of the life and legacy of one of America’s towering educators, a woman who dared to center the progress of Black women and girls in the larger struggle for political and social liberation.
$20.00 US
May 26, 2026
Paperback
208 Pages
Penguin Books

A Teacher, a Student, and a Life-Changing Friendship
9780812987140

A memoir of the life-changing friendship between an idealistic young teacher and her gifted student, jailed for murder in the Mississippi Delta.

$20.00 US
Apr 03, 2018
Paperback
336 Pages
Random House Trade Paperbacks

Stories of Historic Struggles, New Ideas, and Inspiration in Immigrant Education
9780807013359

A landmark work that weaves captivating stories about the past, present, and personal into an inspiring vision for how America can educate immigrant students.

$19.95 US
Oct 03, 2023
Paperback
376 Pages
Beacon Press

A Novel
9780593475416

By the acclaimed author of Moxie, a funny, big-hearted adult debut that is at once an ode to educators, a timely glimpse at today’s pressing school issues, and a tender character study, following a sprawling cast of teachers, administrators, and staff at a Texas high school.

$19.00 US
Jul 22, 2025
Paperback
304 Pages
Dutton

How the Principles and Practices of Quality Thinking, Agency, and Ethical Purpose Cultivate Deeper Learning
9781638933328
Informed by her experience starting the Harlem Village Academy and the research of America’s most influential educators, Dr. Deborah Kenny shares the key tools of deeper learning, in pursuit of creating a well-educated child.
$28.00 US
Apr 21, 2026
Hardcover
192 Pages
Get Lifted Books

A Year Inside America's Most Vulnerable, Important Profession
9781101986752
A riveting, vitally important year-in-the-life of three teachers, combined with reporting that reveals what’s really going on behind school doors.
$29.00 US
Mar 14, 2023
Hardcover
384 Pages
Dutton

Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture
9780593716823
A must-have addition to any shelf that will introduce students to more than 100 essential titles for early readers through high school.
$20.00 US
Jan 28, 2025
Paperback
304 Pages
Tarcher

The Urgency of Early Literacy and the Action Plan to Help Your Child
9780593544426

An award-winning journalist and literacy advocate provides a clear, step-by-step guide to helping your child thrive as a reader and a learner.

$18.00 US
Apr 29, 2025
Paperback
272 Pages
Avery