Blended
Michael B. Horn
Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools by Michael B. Horn and Heather Staker is a practical, hands-on guide to transforming K-12 education through blended learning—the thoughtful mix of in-person teaching and online instruction. Drawing on the theory of disruptive innovation, the authors show how schools can move beyond simply adding technology to traditional classrooms and instead design learning models that put students’ needs and progress at the center of instruction. The book builds on ideas from Disrupting Class and lays out a clear framework for implementing blended learning in real schools. It offers step-by-step guidance for educators, administrators, and school leaders on how to combine digital resources with face-to-face teaching to unlock greater personalization, engagement, and flexibility for students. Along the way, Horn and Staker share practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls, ensuring that technology truly supports learning goals rather than distracting from them. Blended is ideal for anyone involved in education—from classroom teachers to district leaders—who wants insightful, actionable strategies for improving schooling through thoughtful innovation rather than quick fixes.
The Maniac
Benjamín Labatut
In 'The Maniac', Benjamín Labatut delves into the lives of brilliant, often troubled, minds who grappled with the profound implications of scientific and mathematical discoveries. From the tragic physicist Paul Ehrenfest, haunted by the rise of Nazism and the 'irrational' turn in physics, to the visionary George Boole, who sought to unlock the mysteries of human thought through mathematics, this book explores the thin line between genius and madness, and the unsettling consequences when human reason confronts its own limits.
From Reopen to Reinvent
Michael B. Horn
In the wake of unprecedented disruption, 'From Reopen to Reinvent' offers a compelling blueprint for transforming K-12 education. Michael B. Horn argues that the pandemic, while challenging, presents a unique opportunity to dismantle outdated schooling models that fail both disadvantaged and privileged students. Through insightful analysis and practical strategies, this book guides educators, parents, and policymakers toward creating a personalized, mastery-based system that fosters passion, guarantees success, and prepares every child for a fulfilling life in the 21st century.
Source Code
Bill Gates
In 'Source Code: My Beginnings,' Bill Gates offers an intimate look into his formative years, revealing the experiences and influences that shaped him long before Microsoft. From challenging hikes in the Pacific Northwest to intense card games with his grandmother and early encounters with computers, Gates traces the origins of his relentless curiosity, competitive spirit, and groundbreaking vision. This memoir delves into his family's unique dynamics, his early struggles with conventional schooling, and the pivotal moments that ignited his passion for programming, ultimately laying the groundwork for a technological revolution.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Yuval Noah Harari
Explore the epic history of humankind, from the Stone Age to the present day. Yuval Noah Harari examines how Homo sapiens came to dominate the world, delving into the cognitive, agricultural, and scientific revolutions that shaped our species and its impact on the planet. A thought-provoking journey through the human story.
The Architecture of Happiness
Alain de Botton
An exploration of how architecture affects our happiness and well-being, examining the psychological and emotional impact of buildings and design. It delves into the question of what makes a building beautiful and how our surroundings shape our identities and experiences.
At Home
Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson takes us on a room-by-room journey through the history of the home, revealing the fascinating stories behind everyday objects and customs. From the evolution of cooking to the secrets of the bedroom, Bryson uncovers the hidden history lurking within the walls of our houses, blending humor and historical insight to illuminate the private lives of those who came before us.
A Room of One's Own
Virginia Woolf
Based on a series of lectures delivered at Newnham and Girton Colleges, A Room of One's Own explores the societal and economic barriers that have historically hindered women's literary expression. With wit and insight, Woolf argues for the necessity of financial independence and personal space ('a room of one's own') as essential conditions for women's creative freedom.