Our 2025 shelf of brain-building favorites
Some books just stick in your brain like a catchy song, only instead of making you hum, they make you think differently. Our favorite reads of 2025 did exactly that. They nudged us to see classrooms, kids, and even ourselves in new ways: to question what “normal” really means, to notice the power of play, movement, and curiosity, and to remember that learning is messy, joyful, and wonderfully human.
This year, our picks had a knack for flipping perspectives. Many reminded us that brains love to move, explore, and play, while a few challenged our assumptions and offered fresh ways to hold hope. Whether celebrating differences, boosting focus, or imagining classrooms where every child belongs, these reads reminded us that teaching isn’t just about content. It’s about connection, curiosity, and a little bit of daring.
Instead of lining them up like a tidy bookshelf, we’ve organized our recommendations around the questions they made us ask:
1. How can we help kids (and ourselves) flourish in classrooms that feel safe, joyful, and full of possibility?
School can be joyful, if we let kids lead the adventure. This book, published by Harvard’s Project Zero (and available for free), is packed with practical ways to bring playful exploration into classrooms, showing that learning and laughter can go hand in hand.
The Joy of Movement by Dr. Kelly McGonigal
Movement isn’t just exercise; it’s medicine for the mind. We loved how this book reinforced the power of movement in the classroom - not just for physical health but also for engagement, belonging, and learning.
Thrivers by Michelle Borba
Educators and caring adults can help set kids up for lifelong well-being and strong relationships through cultivating essential traits like empathy, integrity, and perseverance.
The Human Brain Coloring Book by Dr. Marian Diamond
Color outside the lines, literally! This hands-on classic makes the brain’s structure and function come alive in a way that’s fun and memorable.
2. What helps us stay curious when the world feels heavy?
I Never Thought of It That Way by Mónica Guzmán
This one’s for anyone who wants to challenge assumptions and practice curiosity. Perfect for educators aiming to strengthen perspective-taking and deepen connection with students and colleagues alike.
Hope for Cynics by Jamil Zaki
Cynicism is natural, but hope is powerful. Explores how hopeful skepticism can replace despair, especially in the face of injustice, and why that shift matters in classrooms and beyond.
Punished for Dreaming by Dr. Bettina Love
A wake-up call for educators: decades of reforms have too often punished Black children instead of supporting them. This book challenges us to consider how classrooms can be spaces that lift every child up.
We are the Builders by Deepa Iyer
A joyful introduction to community, belonging, and collective care. Through rhyme and story, readers discover that no matter their strengths or interests, there’s a place for them — and that building a better world is something we do together.
3. How can a shift in perspective be the most powerful tool in an educator’s toolkit?
Why Johnny Doesn’t Flap by Clay and Gail Morton
The autistic narrator shares their view of a neurotypical friend’s quirky behaviors and reminds us that “normal” is simply a matter of perspective.
Just Ask by Sonia Sotomayor
Curiosity is contagious, and empathy even more so. Sotomayor’s picture book celebrates differences and encourages kids (and adults!) to ask questions, notice others, and connect with hearts wide open.
Hacking Student Motivation by Tyler Rablin
Tyler is one of our favorite educators and consultants and we loved his guide for helping students celebrate growth and progress. By designing assessments that highlight what kids can do, we build confidence, and motivation without the gimmicks.
Peak Mind by Amishi Jha
Harness the brain’s superpower of neuroplasticity! Explore how training our attention can reduce stress, strengthen focus, and unlock the brain’s full capacity for learning and growth.
Whether you’re a teacher, a learner, or just a curious brain-lover, these books invite us to pause, wonder, and see the world a little differently. They remind us that classrooms are not just about content – they’re about connection, curiosity, and courage. So pick one up, flip the page, and let it spark a new way of thinking, moving, or imagining. Who knows? You might discover a fresh perspective that changes the way you teach, learn, or simply see the world.
*Purchase the books from your favorite independent bookstore or order using the Amazon Affiliate links above to support Neural Education!
