The summer holidays are here, and so is the opportunity for sunshine, sunbeds, and a large sangria. If you’re anything like me, it’s also a chance to relax at the side of the pool and indulge in a good book or two. Being a writer - and an avid reader - means this is my happy place, and I already have a few ready to pack in my suitcase when we embark on our trip to Norfolk in a few weeks' time.  

Yeah, I heard that splutter of laughter at the thought of a UK holiday with actual sunshine, but we can only hope.  

Now, while you’ll inevitably have a few good fiction books on your TBR pile, it might be worth considering dipping your sandy toes into some non-fiction, too. When you find a great motivational read, it can set you up nicely for the inevitable return to school in September.  

So, what books do we recommend you try? Well, I could give you fifty options, but for the sake of your time and mine, I’ve stuck with five. After all, there’s also bat and ball to play, sandcastles to build and family games of Uno to have, so let’s be realistic.   

1. Atomic Habits - James Clear 

I start with this because I’m currently re-reading it for about the 37th time. One of the best-selling nonfiction books of the last five years—over 20 million copies sold—it really is an excellent choice if you’re looking to make a meaningful change in any area of your life.

Determined to stick to leaving school earlier next year? This is for you. Committed to working out more often? Open it immediately. Wondering how to actually get on top of your marking? Grab a copy. 

James is not only a brilliant writer, but he’s also someone who doesn’t make the concept of habit formation a yawnfest. Practical and easy to read, it really is a book you’ll come back to time and time again. 

2. The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der Kolk 

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk isn't just another psychology book—it's a revelation for anyone grappling with stress, burnout, and the emotional toll of teaching. 

It shines a light on how our bodies process stress and trauma, providing you with a new understanding of your reactions to workplace pressures. And if you’re worried about trying to understand complex neurobiological concepts, fear not! He makes the whole experience very accessible, offering plenty of practical strategies for self-regulation and managing our emotions. 

From mindfulness techniques to innovative therapies, this book gives you the tools to thrive next academic year. By understanding how your body responds to stress, you'll be better equipped to set healthy boundaries and prioritise your self-care.  

3. Thinking, Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman 

Ever wondered why you sometimes make snap decisions in the classroom while other times you deliberate for hours?  

Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking, Fast and Slow" is a fascinating exploration of the two systems that drive our thinking: the fast, intuitive, and emotional system and the slower, more deliberative, and logical system.  

For teachers, understanding these systems can be a real eye-opener! 

From cognitive biases to the power of framing, this book offers insights that can transform your teaching practice. You'll gain a new perspective on motivating yourself and your pupils, as well as different learning processes and practical strategies to enhance critical thinking skills.  

A favourite among the HCS team's happiness experts, it's a summer read that will leave you reflecting on your teaching methods long after the last page. 

4. Four Thousand Weeks - Oliver Burkeman 

At my son’s awards evening last night, the headteacher mentioned this book by journalist Oliver Burkeman. I first heard him speak on a podcast back in 2022 and, as a fan of time management books, immediately bought a copy of Four Thousand Weeks. 

But this isn’t a book about time management you’ve likely come across before - and believe me, I’ve read many. Eat That Frog, anyone? 

Oliver challenges the conventional wisdom of productivity hacks and time management strategies. He presents a rather radical yet refreshing approach to our finite time on Earth - roughly four thousand weeks for the average person. 

He argues that it's not about squeezing more tasks into your day but about accepting our limitations and focusing on what truly matters. You'll gain insights on prioritising your workload, setting realistic expectations, and letting go of the guilt associated with unfinished tasks - finally!  

Four Thousand Weeks will transform your relationship with time - both inside and outside the classroom. 

5. Languishing - Corey Keyes 

Feeling stuck in a rut with your teaching career? Languishing is the book that finally puts a name to that elusive sense of stagnation you may have been grappling with, especially in recent years. 

Keyes, a renowned sociologist and psychologist, explores the concept of languishing - a state of demotivation and aimlessness that's become a global epidemic. For teachers, who often pour so much of themselves into their work, understanding why you’re feeling like this is crucial. 

By reading it, you'll gain a new perspective on mental health, work-life balance, and the importance of shifting focus from feeling good to functioning well in the demanding world of teaching. Not only will you be better equipped to support yourself but also the pupils in your class who may be experiencing similar feelings.