Read along with us! Here are six SEL, education and mental health related books Momentous teachers, therapists and other members of our diverse team are reading this summer.

Michelle Cooper, Content Specialist

Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World by Vivek H. Murthy, MD.

I knew before starting this book that humans were, by nature, social beings hardwired for human connection. However, until I started reading, I didn’t realize just how much of a negative impact loneliness can have on our mental and physical well-being. I also didn’t fully understand the importance of community and the role it can have in improving our well-being. The book covers a wide variety of topics around connection and community such as different types of community, how people connect, and the impact of technology on our ability to form connection and community. It presents examples of community impact and the brain science behind social connection in an accessible and interesting way. I think this is a valuable read for anyone looking to learn more about the human need for connection.

Katherine Probolus, 4th Grade Teacher

The Book of Patience by Courtney E. Ackerman

I love “The Book of Patience” by Courtney E. Ackerman. It is filled with 250 ways to practice patience. It is a great read for preventative care or when you are feeling impatient. A lot of the activities are great for both adults and children. I love this book so much I keep it on my coffee table! 

Derrick Hicks, Jr., Kindergarten Teacher

You Need a Budget by Jesse Mecham

Let’s be honest, from the biggest of them all (fortune 500 companies) to the smallest nonprofits, everyone needs a budget. Inflation is real and bottom line, it’s out of our control. Now you may be thinking, I already budget! But I want to challenge you to ask yourself: How often do I check-in with my budget? Does every dollar have a job? Budgeting wasn’t meant to say, look at all the things I can’t do because it isn’t on my budget. It was meant to help align your vision with your finances. 

Maureen Fernandez, Content Director

What Happened to You by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey

I have really enjoyed this book because it is a great blend of science and storytelling. I think it’s a great book for mental health professionals and educators because it dives even deeper into the science of trauma and really spells out the neuroscience behind it in a way that is really clear and easy to understand. But even more, I think it’s a great book for every individual. It gives us all the opportunity to reflect on our own trauma experiences so we can be thoughtful about how we interact with others, especially children. I have had several big a-ha moments and have found myself revisiting a few sections over and over. I think every adult should read this book!

Méroudjie Denis, Ph.D., Director of Clinical Program Innovation

Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Daniel Siegel, M.D.

Brainstorm is an excellent book for those interested in understanding the adolescent brain. So much focus is spent on child development in early childhood, we often neglect educating parents and teachers on the development of the adolescent brain. This life's age is extremely important in helping our young people turn into thriving members of society. The book does an excellent job helping us understand key developmental milestone as well as the importance of fostering and developing the adolescent brain. 

Rhonda Vincent, Director of Educational Program Innovation

Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children’s Behavioral Challenges by Dr. Mona Delahooke 

I recommend this book because it explains how to respond effectively to behaviors that can be frustrating, confusing, or even scary. The book explains how to understand challenging behaviors by focusing on a child’s sense of safety. Delahooke outlines behavioral cues that identify the state of the child’s nervous system. There are even helpful checklists that the reader can use to informally evaluate a child’s behaviors. This book helped me think differently about why kids might behave in certain ways and how to respond more effectively.