College of Education Faculty/Staff Share Summer Reading Picks

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.— From fiction exploring identity and loss to thought-provoking nonfiction on inequality and language, Penn State College of Education faculty and staff are diving into books that offer personal resonance and professional relevance this summer.

"We Will Be Jaguars" by Nemonte Nenquimo
Recommended by Carmen Vanderhoof, associate teaching professor of education, this illustrated storybook by Indigenous activist Nemonte Nenquimo invites readers of all ages to reflect on environmental stewardship and Indigenous knowledge — topics increasingly central to inclusive curriculum design.

"The Two-Parent Privilege" by Melissa S. Kearney
Selected by Gerald LeTendre, Harry Lawrence Batschelet II Chair of Educational Administration, this evidence-based exploration of family structure and child outcomes challenges educators and policymakers to confront socioeconomic disparities and their implications for educational equity.

"James" by Percival Everett
Recommended by both Kimberly Powell, professor of education, and Cassie Vomero, academic program coordinator, this reimagining of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" from Jim’s perspective examines race, power and voice — making it a rich text for critical literacy discussions in teacher preparation programs.

"Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang
Kristen Nadermann, associate teaching professor of education and Dr. Edwin L. Herr Clinic coordinator, recommends this satirical novel about cultural appropriation and publishing ethics. It’s a timely prompt for educators to consider whose voices are represented — and whose are marginalized — in classroom materials.

Other selections by College of Education members include:

• "Wellness" by Nathan Hill (Powell) – A sweeping novel on relationships and the wellness industry, highlighting the tension between authenticity and performance — an ongoing conversation in school culture and mental health.
• "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt (Powell) – A moving story about grief, community and unexpected intelligence, which can resonate with educators committed to social-emotional learning.
• "On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous" by Ocean Vuong (Powell) – A poetic novel exploring immigration, intergenerational trauma and queer identity, offering insight into the lived experiences of many students.
• "Of Women and Salt" by Gabriela Garcia (Powell) – A multigenerational tale of mothers, daughters and exile, underscoring the importance of cultural and historical literacy in a diverse classroom.
• "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams (Powell) – Blending historical fiction and lexicography, this novel interrogates whose language is recorded and whose is erased — a compelling theme for future educators.
• "Crying in H Mart" by Michelle Zauner (Nadermann) – A memoir of Korean-American identity, loss and food, offering a gateway for discussions about heritage, resilience and belonging.
• "The Things We Learn When We’re Dead" by Charlie Laidlaw (Nadermann) – A quirky, philosophical novel reflecting on life and choices — an imaginative reminder of education’s broader existential stakes.

Whether diving into memoirs, novels or sociological studies, College of Education faculty and staff are embracing stories that prompt reflection, empathy and renewed purpose — key ingredients for educators in any season.