Best Teacher & Student Mentoring Books of 2025

Lessons Learned and Cherished: The Teacher Who Changed My Life is a collection of essays from famous contributors, including Oprah Winfrey and Brooke Shields, celebrating the impact of teachers on their lives. ABC News journalist Deborah Roberts curates these stories that showcase how educators can change their students' lives in ways they may not even realize. What sets this book apart is that a portion of the author's proceeds is donated to DonorsChoose, a non-profit that funds classroom resources for public school teachers. Overall, this book is a heartwarming tribute to the invaluable role teachers play in shaping their students' futures.

“Our Class is a Family” by Shannon Olsen is a heartwarming children’s book that emphasizes the importance of building a sense of community in the classroom. The book’s colorful illustrations and relatable message help students feel safe, included, and loved by their peers. The story teaches kids that it’s okay to make mistakes, be themselves, and be a friend to others. This book is a must-read for teachers who want to create a positive and supportive environment for their students. Overall, “Our Class is a Family” is a unique and valuable addition to any classroom library.

"Teacher's Timeout" is a stress-relief, inspiring, and humorous coloring book designed for educators. This unique collection features 30 intricate pages with endearing designs, witty quotes, and amusing patterns that capture the essence of the teaching profession. It's a great way for teachers, professors, school administrators, and parents who homeschool their children to unwind and recharge. This coloring book offers a perfect blend of relaxation, motivation, and laughter, making it a perfect gift for teacher appreciation week or any occasion. Overall, "Teacher's Timeout" is an excellent resource for educators who need a break and want to focus on self-care and stress relief.

I Can Do Hard Things is a children's emotions book that introduces kids to the practice of using mindful affirmations for support and encouragement when they face challenges. The book reflects the beautiful diversity in our world and is available in Spanish as Yo Puedo Hacer Cosas difíciles: Afirmaciones Conscientes Para Niños. Written by Gabi Garcia, a licensed professional counselor and picture book author, it's a perfect addition to home or school social emotional libraries. Overall, the book is an excellent resource for parents, educators, and caregivers to nurture mindful, socially and emotionally aware children.

The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation is a comprehensive guide for both new and experienced school coaches. Elena Aguilar presents a transformational coaching model that focuses on addressing equity issues in schools. This book offers practical tools, such as rubrics and cheat sheets, and covers topics such as building trust, asking powerful questions, and developing work plans. The book's user-friendly structure allows for easy access to information. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for school coaches, principals, district leaders, and other administrators who are interested in implementing coaching strategies to transform their schools.

You Make a Difference: 50 Devos for Teachers is a Christian devotional book, perfect for educators who spend endless hours helping students achieve academically, emotionally, and socially. Through uplifting devotions, Scriptures, and prayers, teachers will be reminded of God's love and care for them. The author, Sherri Gragg, takes readers on a journey utilizing cultural background and archeology to immerse them in some of the most riveting moments of the Gospels. This book is a great gift for any teacher, reminding them that they are making a positive difference in the life of a child and investing in the future of this world.

"It's OK to be Different" is an award-winning children's picture book that celebrates diversity and kindness. The book encourages children to accept and celebrate differences in themselves and others, whether it's physical appearance, culture, or abilities. Readers will come away with the message that being kind to those who are different is important because everyone is unique in their own way. The book also includes a short survey for children about kindness, making it a great tool to start conversations about diversity. Overall, this book is a must-have for children's book libraries and is a great way to teach early literacy while promoting kindness and acceptance."

B is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping with Fussy and Frustrating Feelings (Kids Healthy Coping Skills Series) is a colorful and fun book that teaches children how to cope with their emotions and develop healthy coping skills at an early age. Written by Melissa Munro Boyd, a clinical psychologist and mother of three, the book features relatable characters and encourages kids to discuss their feelings, practice calm-down strategies, and exhibit positive behaviors. With its engaging illustrations and easy-to-follow approach, this book is a great tool for parents and caregivers to help children learn how to manage their emotions in a healthy way.

The Instructional Coaching Handbook: 200+ Troubleshooting Strategies for Success is a valuable resource for instructional coaches, administrators, and teachers. With more than 200 research-based strategies, this book offers practical solutions to common challenges that coaches face when working with educators. The authors devote a chapter to each of the seven skills and dispositions that coaches need to address, including efficacy, equity, and lesson planning. The handbook includes implementation stories, effective tools, and resources that guide coaches through difficult conversations. This book is essential for anyone looking to improve their coaching skills and make a positive impact on students and teachers.

The Knock Knock Why You're the Best Teacher Ever Fill in the Love Book Fill-in-the-Blank Gift Journal is a personalized gift book that can be filled with heartfelt messages for your favorite teacher. The hardcover book comes with a removable clear plastic jacket, making it a durable keepsake that can be read again and again. The book is small enough to fit in a pocket or purse, making it an ideal gift for any occasion. The book is a perfect way to show appreciation for a special teacher. Overall, this book is a unique and thoughtful gift for any teacher.