Teachers—both beginners and those more seasoned—will appreciate Hazel’s sensible, action-oriented advice. Whether it’s creative ways to collaborate with colleagues and the community (including a fun aside about International Dot Day that offers readers inventive ways to “celebrat[e] the unique talents and gifts” of students) or ideas on how to effectively utilize wall space, Hazel covers all the bases, providing crisp, logical methods to “mak[e] a lasting impression on the lives of children,” while easing the stress that inevitably accompanies a career as challenging as education. In a nod to that stress, Hazel takes time to highlight why self-care is so important, encouraging teachers to set personal and professional boundaries and continually assess their priorities to become “a happier, more productive, more effective teacher.”

Particularly helpful are Hazel’s real-life examples and concrete guidelines, including potential tasks teachers can share with a grade partner, incisive considerations about the role of a public sector employee, and the signs that a class is well-organized and efficient (among them: students won’t need constant direction and a sense of calm will prevail, among others). She details preferred ways to respond to problems that arise as well, including sticky conversations with parents, and her advice that teaching is “a huge responsibility and an incredible gift” resonates.

Takeaway: Hands-on, functional guidance and advice for educators.

Comparable Titles: Andi McNair’s A Meaningful Mess, Jeff C. Marshall’s The Highly Effective Teacher.

Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A