Author Archive

Reach – Building Communities & Networks for Professional Development

Monday, February 21st, 2011

This book by Jeff Utecht is a great place to start for anyone who wants to join the growing community of tech savvy educators, parents, and citizens. Jeff is an international educator and technology consultant. He has taught in the U.S., Saudi Arabia, China, and is a Technology & Learning Coordinator at the International School in Bangkok Thailand. His global experience is key to understanding how the Internet is changing education. He also has a learning disability, so this book and his career are amazing accomplishments. Read it to gain a sound understanding of topics like Web 2.0, Communities and Networks, RSS feeds, Blogs, Wikis, Twitter, Facebook, Skype, and Google Buzz.

Click here for my summary of Reach.

Practically Radical – Not-So-Crazy ways to transform your organization

Monday, February 7th, 2011

Practically Radical: Not-So-Crazy Ways to Transform Your Company, Shake Up Your Industry, and Challenge Yourself, by William C. Taylor lives up to its title. Daniel Pink calls it “the most powerful and instructive change manual you’ll ever read.” Taylor, the cofounder of Fast Company Magazine tells engaging stories of the successful companies he studied and generalizes from their successes. Any leader or aspiring leader should read this book.

Click here for my summary of Practically Radical.

Living Large – Is Bigger Really Better? by Sarah Wexler

Monday, January 24th, 2011

Living Large: From SUV’s to Double D’s, Why Going Bigger Isn’t Going Better by Sarah Wexler, is a well researched, well written, and humorous tale of America’s fascination with all things large. Sarah immerses herself in her subjects and by so doing, gives us an understanding of ourselves that should open our eyes. Topics include: houses, weddings, breast implants, hotels, landfills, churches, shopping, and debt. This book is ideal for leaders, educators, parents, and students from middle school on up.

Click here for my summary of Living Large.

Standing and Delivering – The Principal’s Story

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

Standing and Delivering: What the Movie Didn’t Tell by Henry Gradillas and Jerry Jesness, is the story of Garfield High School in East Los Angeles, which was featured in the film Stand and Deliver (1988). Gradillas was Garfield’s principal from 1980 to 1987. During this time the school gained fame for Jaime Escalante and his AP calculus students. This book tells how Gradillas lead a failing school that made amazing progress. Escalante is quick to credit Henry’s leadership. Every school leader and future leader should read this book.

Click here for my summary of Standing and Delivering.

Propaganda and Persuasion – Book Summary Learn how to avoid being manipulated

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

Techniques of Propaganda and Persuasion by Magedah E. Shabo provides an historical look at how propaganda has been used to manipulate the masses. The book is packed with interesting examples and illustrations. There is a companion CD with an extensive PowerPoint that offers a detailed explanation of the 11 techniques. The book will allow students and adults avoid being manipulated by advertisers, politicians, and anyone using the techniques. Every social studies teacher should have one in their classroom and no library is complete without it.

Click here for my summary of Propaganda and Persuasion.