To the Shapers of Minds: 4 Books to Reignite Your Passion for Teaching
To our wonderful community of teachers across Vietnam: Happy Vietnamese Teacher’s Day (20/11)!
We know that teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, but let’s be honest—it’s also exhausting. Whether you are navigating a room full of energetic kindergarteners, trying to engage teenagers, or teaching English to adults, you pour your energy out every single day.
Today, we want to pour some back in. We’ve curated a list of four books that celebrate the art of teaching. Some are hilarious, some are heartbreaking, but all of them are deeply inspiring reminders of the incredible impact you have on your students’ lives.
A Gift for Yourself (Or a Colleague), Delivered
You spend all year looking after others; today, let us look after you. We can deliver your next great read right to your school or home, anywhere in Vietnam.
1. Teacher Man by Frank McCourt
The honest, hilarious reality check.
Before he won a Pulitzer Prize for Angela’s Ashes, Frank McCourt spent 30 years teaching in New York City high schools. This memoir is the antidote to those overly sentimental “super-teacher” movies. McCourt is honest about the exhaustion, the unruly classes, and the bureaucracy, but he writes about it with such warmth and humor that you’ll find yourself laughing out loud. It’s a tribute to the “everyday” teacher who shows up, day after day, and makes a difference simply by being there.
Author: Frank McCourt
Genre: Memoir / Humor
Perfect for: The teacher who needs a good laugh and a reminder that they aren’t alone in the chaos.
2. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
A reminder that you teach character, not just curriculum.
While the main story follows Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences entering a mainstream school, the secret hero of this book is Mr. Browne. His monthly “precepts” (rules about life) challenge his students to choose kindness over being right. This book is a beautiful reminder that a teacher’s influence goes far beyond grades—you are shaping the hearts and minds of the next generation.
Author: R.J. Palacio
Genre: Fiction / Young Adult
Perfect for: Reconnecting with the emotional and moral core of why you teach.
3. The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell
For the teacher facing impossible odds.
Based on a true story, this book chronicles the journey of Erin Gruwell and her “unteachable” students in a tough California high school. Instead of giving up, she used writing to help them tell their stories, transforming their lives and her own. It is a powerful testament to the fact that with enough passion and creativity, you can reach even the most disengaged students.
Author: Erin Gruwell
Genre: Non-Fiction / Memoir / Education
Perfect for: When you need a heavy dose of high-stakes inspiration.
4. Goodbye, Mr. Chips by James Hilton
The classic story of a legacy left behind.
Sometimes, the days feel long, but the years fly by. This classic novella tells the story of a beloved schoolmaster looking back on his decades-long career. It’s a gentle, sentimental, and deeply moving look at how a teacher becomes part of the fabric of a school and lives on in the memories of thousands of students. It’s a short read that will leave you with a lump in your throat.
Author: James Hilton
Genre: Classic Fiction
Perfect for: Reflecting on the long-term legacy of your career.
Looking for Classroom Resources?
If you are an English teacher in Vietnam, you might also be interested in our guide to “Essential Vietnamese Children’s Stories” which can be great for bridging the cultural gap with your students.
Thank You, Teachers!
To all our clients and friends who are teachers: Thank you. Thank you for the patience, the late nights, and the energy you bring to the classroom every day. Vietnam is a better place because of you.