5 Books Every Principal Should Read This Summer (None of Them Are About Schools)

Every year I step completely outside education and bring back five books that have nothing to do with schools — and everything to do with building one. This is my 2026 Summer Reading List, and it's the hardest one I've ever put together. None of these books are education books. But every single one has something real to say about the culture you're trying to build — and the kind of principal you're becoming while you build it. The 5 books on this year's list: Leading with Dignity by Donna Hicks Originals by Adam Grant One Word That Will Change Your Life by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton & Jimmy Page Strong Ground by Brené Brown The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader by Melissa Murray After you watch, I'm curious. Tell me what books you're reading right now in the comments. I'll be reading every one and who knows? Your suggestion might just end up on next year's list.