FICTION BENINCASA
DC Trip / Sara Benincasa
New teacher Alicia Deats faces her first high school trip to Washington, DC, chaperoning a group of scheming, hormonal teenagers. Still recovering from an embarrassing margarita-fueled incident with fellow chaperone Bryan Kenner, Alicia hopes the trip can be a fresh start. She relies on trust and positive reinforcement to keep her students in line, but sophomores Gertie, Sivan, and Rachel have other plans. For them, the trip is a golden opportunity to embrace the unmonitored chaos of DC. Filled with humor, awkward moments, and the unpredictability of teenagers, this story captures the highs and lows of a teacher’s first big challenge.
FICTION GELMAN
Class Mom / Laurie Gelman
Jen Dixon is not your typical kindergarten class mom. With two grown daughters from her wild past and a five-year-old son, Max, Jen tackles her second round as class mom with humor and sass. Her unconventional methods—like tracking parents’ response times and jokingly requesting “special” brownies—ruffle feathers among the other parents. Add in a nosy PTA, an old flame, a demanding allergy mom, a charming teacher, and a drama-loving Real Housewife-wannabe, and Jen’s role becomes hilariously chaotic. Navigating these challenges with wit and grit, Jen’s story is a laugh-out-loud take on modern parenting and the politics of school life.
Other formats: ebook (Libby), audio (Libby)
FICTION MATHIEU
The Faculty Lounge / Jennifer Mathieu
When an elderly substitute teacher dies in the faculty lounge at Baldwin High, life quickly returns to normal—until a chaotic scattering of his ashes sparks parental outrage and a wild, unpredictable school year. The story follows a cast of quirky staff members: a former punk rocker turned principal fighting to save his job, a rule-breaking school nurse helping students in need, and a snarky English teacher caught in controversy. Amid lockdown make-outs, campus hysteria, and personal struggles, this unconventional workplace novel explores human connection, humor, and the joy of finding purpose in the everyday chaos of school life.
Other formats: large print, ebook (Libby)
HOOPLA
Other Loyalties: The Life of a School and the Education of a Teacher / Kareem Aal
This memoir tells the story of a public charter school in St. Paul, Minnesota, led by the charismatic Ms. D, where teachers were both rule-breakers and heroes. For six remarkable years, the school fostered a culture of friendship, adventure, and non-political loyalties, offering students a unique sense of belonging. Through the eyes of a young teacher, we witness the highs of teaching and the heartbreaking power struggle that ultimately led to the school’s closure. Part love letter, part farewell to teaching, this book explores what we truly hope for in educators and reflects on the challenges facing schools today.
370.114 SCH
I Wish My Teacher Knew: How One Question Can Change Everything for Our Kids / Kyle Schwartz
Third-grade teacher Kyle Schwartz asked her students to complete the sentence, “I wish my teacher knew…” Their responses, ranging from funny to heartbreaking, highlighted the unique challenges students face and the need for supportive, understanding classrooms. When Kyle shared this online, the #IWishMyTeacherKnew movement inspired teachers worldwide. Her book features students’ emotional responses, addressing systemic issues like poverty and trauma, alongside personal struggles. Through real stories from students, educators, and families, the book offers insights into fostering meaningful relationships and helping students overcome challenges to thrive.
Other format: audio (hoopla)
371.1 BRO
Go See the Principal: True Tales from the School Trenches / Gerry Brooks
Elementary school principal-turned-YouTube star Gerry Brooks brings humor and insight to the challenges of K-12 education in Go See the Principal. With witty anecdotes and mockable moments, he addresses everything from lesson plan mishaps and temper tantrums to dreaded assessments and parent-teacher conferences. Offering both practical advice—like navigating social media and parent interactions—and lighthearted takes on topics like school supplies and chaotic pickup lines, Brooks provides comic relief and inspiration for teachers, administrators, and parents. His book is a hilariously relatable guide to surviving and thriving in the unpredictable world of education.
Other formats: ebook (hoopla), audio (hoopla)
371.1412 BAK
Substitute: Going to School with a Thousand Kids / Nicholson Baker
Nicholson Baker chronicles his time as an on-call substitute teacher in a Maine public school district. With humor and empathy, he reflects on the challenges faced by students and staff alike—overwhelmed children navigating social media and outdated curricula, and teachers stretched thin by ambitious standards. Baker captures the everyday moments of classroom life, from worksheets and recess to unexpected rebellions and small triumphs, offering a poignant deconstruction of public education in America. Through his vivid observations, Baker provides a fresh, heartfelt look at the struggles and humanity within the school system.
Other formats: ebook (Libby), audio (CD)
371.3309 DIN
What School Could Be: Insights and Inspiration from Teachers Across America / Ted Dintersmith
Innovation expert Ted Dintersmith shares an inspiring vision for reimagining education to prepare students for a rapidly changing, technology-driven world. During his year-long journey across all 50 states, he discovered extraordinary teachers creating innovative classrooms where students learn deeply, joyfully, and with purpose. These educators empower students with essential skills, mindsets, and real-world knowledge. Dintersmith argues that meaningful change doesn’t require waiting for top-down reform—small, impactful changes can transform schools today. Offering bold ideas and real examples, the book is an optimistic roadmap for building a future-focused education system that nurtures creativity and innovation.
Other formats: ebook (hoopla), audio (hoopla)
428.0071 CLA
Best in Class: Essential Wisdom from Real Student Writing / Tim Clancy
High school English teacher Tim Clancy spent 25 years collecting funny and strange moments from his students’ writing, such as, “The word ‘witch’ has become a household word, like spatula,” and “Wherever excitement is, there will always be romance. Trust me.” These entertaining gems, shared with his classes over the years, inspired his book I Like Literature…. Featuring nearly 200 humorous excerpts from real student work and playful illustrations, the book offers a lighthearted and relatable look at the challenges of school writing assignments, making it a delightful read for students, teachers, and anyone who loves a good laugh.
Other format: ebook (hoopla)
BIO TURNER AMY
On the Ledge: A Memoir / Amy Turner
Turner recounts her journey of healing from deep-seated childhood trauma triggered by her father’s 1957 suicide attempt and her own near-fatal accident in 2010. A wife, mother, and teacher, Turner believed she had moved past her struggles until the accident forced her to confront buried emotions. Through therapies and moments of grace, she unravels the lingering effects of her father’s mental illness and her lifelong hypervigilance. Poignant and unexpectedly humorous, this memoir explores resilience, self-discovery, and the enduring truth that it’s never too late to heal and embrace who you truly are.
Other formats: ebook (hoopla), audio (hoopla)
LP: March 2025
