Summertime at our homeschooling house means a different kind of busy, as we’re outside as much as possible – gardening, swimming, barbecuing, and taking long walks. And of course, we’re still reading- on our own with a cold glass of iced tea, or out loud to each other, with a lap full of kittens and a sketch pad close by.
And what better time to dive into leadership (an important soft skill) than summertime? A time when you might feel like you’ve got a bit more time to indulge in necessary – but not the traditional – learning?
With that in mind, we’ve curated a list of must-reads that will not only entertain but also inspire and empower your teens to become the leaders they were born to be.
So, grab your favorite iced beverage, kick back, and let’s dive into the coolest reads of the season! (And I’ll be honest – some of the
- “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World” by Admiral William H. McRaven: Picture this: you, commanding your day like a true admiral, conquering tasks big and small with style and precision. McRaven’s wisdom will have you feeling like a Navy SEAL in no time, ready to take on the world one perfectly made bed at a time!
- “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie: Who knew making friends and influencing people could be so much fun? Carnegie’s timeless advice is like a treasure map to social success, guiding you through the seas of human interaction with charm, wit, and a sprinkle of magic. This timeless classic is known as the con artist’s Bible. Which is concerning on one level, but also gives you great insight into the effectiveness of Carnegie’s techniques!
- “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” by Sean Covey: Brace yourself for a journey into the land of awesomeness, where teens reign supreme with their ninja-like skills of productivity and positivity. Covey’s guide is your secret weapon to conquering homework, chores, and even the dreaded algebra with flair and finesse. Great stuff!
- “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear: Get ready to unleash the power of your inner superhero as you embark on a quest to build habits that stick like glue. With Clear as your trusty sidekick, you’ll be transforming into a habit-forming wizard faster than you can say, “Avocado toast, please!”
- “Rich, Smart, and Poor: Why Poor People Stay Poor, Rich People Get Rich, and Smart People Think They’re Stupid” by Darius Foroux: Hold onto your hats, folks, because Foroux’s rollercoaster ride of wisdom is about to take you on a wild journey through the mysteries of wealth, success, and the occasional existential crisis. Get ready to flex those brain muscles and emerge as the savvy, street-smart leader you were meant to be! Borne out of Foroux’s work with his local Sunday School, this is a high school must-read. My youngest daughter loved this book and recommends it all the time to friends in high school and college!
- “The End of Average: How We Succeed in a World That Values Sameness” by Todd Rose: Say goodbye to boring and hello to extraordinary as Rose invites you to join the rebellion against the tyranny of average. With his quirky humor and infectious enthusiasm, you’ll be shaking up the status quo and blazing your own trail in no time! This book might change your mind about education and a whole lot more!
- “Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations” by Alex and Brett Harris: Get ready to unleash your inner rebel with this manifesto for teenage awesomeness! The Harris brothers are here to remind you that you’re capable of so much more than society gives you credit for. So, buckle up, because it’s time to defy expectations, crush goals, and change the world—one epic adventure at a time. Brett Harris continues to create amazing opportunities for teens and young adults through his Author Conservatory program. Be sure and listen to the podcast interview!
Why Should Teens Spend Their Summer Reading These Books ?
- Personal Growth Galore: Summer is the perfect time to kick back, relax, and invest in yourself. These
books offer a delightful blend of entertainment and enlightenment, empowering you to become the best version of yourself while having a blast along the way! Think of all the soft skills your kids can potentially learn by reading and applying the info in thesebooks . And soft skills are increasingly important as our kids compete in a global gig economy. - Friendship Fiestas: Why read alone when you can embark on a reading adventure with your squad? Grab your pals, start a book club, and dive into these awesome reads together. Trust us, the discussions will be epic, the laughter contagious, and the friendships forged will last a lifetime!
- Future-Proofing Fun: Whether you dream of becoming a world-class leader, an entrepreneurial genius, or a superhero in disguise, these
books will equip you with the skills, mindset, and attitude you need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
And while your kids might be looking forward to a summer with “nothing to do,” Encourage them to let their imagination soar, their curiosity run wild, and their leadership skills shine bright like the summer sun.
With these awesome
Find More Posts Like This:
- Give the Gift of Reading: A Series about Children’s Books
- Give the Gift of Reading: Good Books for Toddlers – Early Elementary
- Give the Gift of Reading: Good Books for Boys (Later Elementary – Junior High)
- Books for Teens
- Good books for Girls
- Good books for children
- Using Books to Teach Children How to Garden
Lisa Nehring and her husband, Dr. David Nehring, a Clinical Psychologist, and Biblical Scholar speak together on a wide variety of topics, including education, classical education, vision, mission, parenting, marriage, and more.
