Community · Book Club
Reading together as a practice of growth.
Our book club did not begin in a quiet library or over coffee and pastries. It was sparked by something much more electric: being in the same room with passionate educators at the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) conference hosted by The University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. This experience lit a fire in us.
As part of our workshop, we walked away with a handful of powerful reads. But we walked away with something even bigger: the sense that we were ready to keep learning together. Mike Medvinsky, Vidhya G, and I started meeting to unpack the ideas that stayed with us. One thing we knew: we did not want a traditional book club experience.
This is not your average book club. This is a space for curious minds who want to go deeper.
How it works
Not your average book club.
We asked ourselves: what if this book club was not just about finishing chapters and answering discussion questions? What if it became a space to wrestle with big questions and try out new ideas in our classrooms? What if we returned with reflections on what worked and what did not?
What made it even more powerful was connecting with the authors themselves. Not in a formal, stand-on-a-stage kind of way, but in personal discussions. We asked them about their thinking, their struggles, and what they were still curious about. It made the books come alive.
The Books
Books that shaped our conversations.
Each one invited us to explore new perspectives, challenge old assumptions, and connect with the heart of what it means to teach and learn.
Book 01
Dive into Inquiry — Trevor MacKenzie
If inquiry-based learning feels overwhelming or unclear, this is a great place to start. Trevor offers a clear rationale for why inquiry matters and breaks it down in a way that puts learner agency in focus throughout. Approachable without losing depth.
Book 02
Pop-Up Studio — Misty Paterson
This book stopped me in my tracks and shifted how I see my role. The 4 A's, CME, and POWR frameworks are not just acronyms: they are invitations to see learners as capable, creative, and full of potential. This is one that helps you see your practice with fresh eyes.
Book 03
The Expert Effect — Grayson McKinney and Zach Rondot
Chronicles the learning journey of two upper primary teachers through a project-based learning pathway. A great read for anyone trying to make inquiry happen more authentically in their practice but not sure where to start. The companion picture book The Expert Expedition is equally wonderful.
Book 04 · Current Read
Seen, Heard and Valued — Lee Ann Jung
A breath of fresh air that affirms inquiry and conceptual learning naturally open doors for all learners. It reminds us that agency, access, and purposeful assessment are not separate practices but deeply connected. We are halfway through and already there are more insights waiting. What are your aha moments so far?
Book 05
The Four Agreements — Don Miguel Ruiz
This felt like exactly the right book at exactly the right time. What started as a typical book club meeting quickly evolved into a hybrid sketch club. We explored the text through guiding questions and translated our reflections into sketches. We also used the True Colors personality framework to help us process and personalize the agreements.
The Podcast
Listen to the conversations.
These podcast episodes are a blend of book club conversations and personal reflection. They were created to capture the big ideas that emerged and the wonderings that followed. Listen and form your own understandings.
Series One
Getting Personal with Inquiry Learning — Kath Murdoch
A powerful book on personal inquiry offering so much to reflect on and apply to practice.
- C91: What and Why of Personal Inquiry (1.1–1.3)
- C92: Why not PI, Sharing Pictures of Practice, Setting your Own Goal (1.4–1.6)
- C93: Creating a Culture for Personal Inquiry (2.1–2.5)
- C94: Designing and Assessing our Inquiry Framework (2.6–2.8)
- C95: Lighting the Spark to Proposing, Pitching, and Planning (3.1–3.3)
- C96: Supporting, Conferring, and Sustaining the Process (3.4–3.5)
- C97: Documenting, Reflecting, Assessing, Sharing and Action (3.6–3.7)
- C98: Managing Personal Inquiries (Section 4)
- C99: Reflecting on the Process and Taking Action
- C100: My Personal Inquiry Journey
- C124 (Application): Using Personal Inquiry in our Practice
Series Two
The Expert Effect — Grayson McKinney and Zach Rondot
Building more agency through project-based learning and local and global inquiry.
Series Three
Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain — Zaretta Hammond
I found myself in tears the first time I read this book. It is an absolute must-read.
- C128: Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain (pp. 1–13)
- C129: From Pedagogy of Poverty to Ready for Rigor (pp. 14–20)
- C130: Understanding the Power of Cultural Roots (pp. 21–35)
- C131: How Culture Affects the Brain (pp. 36–51)
- C132: Becoming a Culturally Responsive Educator (pp. 52–60)
- C133: Continuing to Become Aware of our Actions (pp. 59–69)
- C134: Supporting Culturally Responsive Relationships (pp. 72–87)
- C135: Creating an Alliance with our Learners (pp. 88–107)
- C136: Reshaping the Academic Mindset (pp. 108–120)
- C137: Growing Brain Power, Yes Please! (pp. 122–151)
Meet the Authors
Conversations with the people behind the books.
These videos capture our real conversations with the authors. They gave us a chance to ask our questions, hear the stories behind the writing, and get a glimpse into the thinking that shaped the work.
Join the Club
Get on the waitlist.
Book Club runs via Zoom every couple of weeks. We read, reflect, wrestle with big questions, and sometimes connect with the authors. Leave your details below and you will hear from me when the next round opens.
Your Ideas
Suggest a book.
Is there a book that has shifted your thinking or one you have been curious about? I would love to hear it. The best reading choices come from the community.
Want to explore more of the community?
Book Club is one part of a wider community of educators growing together.
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