These three books were written with parents in mind but the messages absolutely resonate with afterschool professionals and reinforce and support many of the strategies employed in high-quality afterschool programs:

1. “Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs” by Ellen Galinsky

2. “Playful Learning:  Develop Your Child’s Sense of Joy and Wonder” by Mariah Bruehl

3. “How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

To an age of increasing pressures and decreasing resources, outstanding executive directors need to be focused on objectives that promote the mission of their organization in an effective and efficient manner. These three books are outstanding:

4. “Race for Relevance”  by Harrison Coerver

5. “Road to Relevance” by Harrison Coerver

6. “Leap of Reason: Managing to Outcomes in an Era of Scarcity” by Mario Morino

For the afterschool leader focused on self-improvement these two books are must-reads:

7. “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg

8. “The Accidental Creative: How to Be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice” by Todd Henry

Because we all dream of starting off the new year with a clean slate (and clean room!), you’ll want to check out this book by NAA and Ohio Afterschool Association member Chris Schmidt:

9. “Great Afterschool Programs and Spaces that Wow!” by Linda J. Armstrong and Christine Schmidt

10. And, just for fun – the funniest and most clever book I read this year was “Where’d You Go, Bernadette?” by Maria Semple.

Happy Holiday Reading, everyone!

-Gina Warner