Summer is an ideal time to dive into some reading! Use the downtime and sunshine to educate yourself, cultivate your mind, and explore new perspectives. Reading a wide variety of books helps you improve your vocabulary, emotional intelligence, concentration, and problem-solving. The list below is a mix of fiction and nonfiction books that will inspire, motivate, and challenge you to expand your mind.
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey: This self-help book provides teenagers with seven habits to create a positive life. Author, Sean Covey, focuses on pushing you to work on self-improvement in small manageable steps, then mastering social habits that ensure you make meaningful choices and practice self-discipline. These habits are foundational not just for teens but building mindful habits that are life-long. You should read this if you are looking to improve your self-image and practice mindfulness.
- Leading for a Culture of Change by Michael Fullan: Change is inevitable and constantly happening. Thus, reading this self-guiding leadership book will help you better understand how to make decisions in a leadership role. This book is great for aspiring leaders and established ones to better understand the science and research-based strategies to make better decisions.
- Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell: In a thought-provoking book that examines the lives of the most successful, you will know the secret to success. You will read about winning athletic teams, wealthy companies, and exceptionally talented scholars. In reading about these major achievements, Malcolm Gladwell shows the importance of practice and time you put into something.
- Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde: Kindness truly matters and is a foundational component of being successful. This fictional book shows the power of small acts. The inspiring story follows the journey of one boy that needs to complete a class assignment. In completing the class assignment, he creates an influence on many lives. It will help you better understand the power of choices and the impact of our actions.
- I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai: In this inspiring story, Malala shows readers the importance of standing up for what you believe in despite others. Readers learn the power of overcoming challenging times and using your voice to change the world. Moreover, readers are shown a window into a different world.
- Call Me American by Abdi Nor Iftin: Similar to I am Malala, this memoir follows the journey of Abdi Nor Iftin coming to America from his country of Somalia. This encouraging book will motivate readers to follow their passion, consider worldly issues, and understand the importance of perseverance.
At Believe & Inspire, we focus on helping youth cultivate their interests and expand their minds. Reading is an essential part of learning. According to a recent study, reading at least 30 minutes a day leads to greater life satisfaction. Thus, we encourage students to find books they are passionate about and help grow their minds.
To learn more about the beliefs of Believe & Inspire and our program offerings, please visit https://believeandinspire.org/.