Great Fiction and Non-fiction Reads with Out-of-School-Time Themes
September 5, 2019
NIOST staff love to read, so we’re sharing a few books from our summer reading that have a connection to out-of-school-time (OST) themes such as professional development or OST experiences.
Changemakers! Practitioners Advance Equity and Access in Out-of-School Time Programs, edited by Sara Hill and Femi Vance, non-fiction
Changemakers! Practitioners Advance Equity and Access in Out-of-School Time Programs offers an uplifting and inspiring blend of narrative, scholarship, and human experience focused on issues of access and equity in the OST field. Believing that there is a pathway to change before us, the authors have carefully crafted chapters of essential guidance for OST program directors, leaders, researchers, and funders on transforming our field to fairly and fully support all children and youth. An invaluable resource of practical and on-the-ground information. Dr. Georgia Hall, NIOST Director and Senior Research Scientist
Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard, by Chip and Dan Heath, non-fiction
Switch focuses on leadership and the many roles leaders need to play to create change when they have few resources and no title or authority to back them up. The Heaths discuss the psychological resistance to change and provide many examples of being a change agent, an openness to new ideas and shared leadership, and utilizing one’s strengths to become the best leader possible. Liz Joye, NIOST Trainer
Screen Queens, by Lori Goldstein, fiction
Out-of-school time is a key theme in this contemporary young adult book about three young women who work hard, overcome challenges, and learn a lot about themselves all while attending a summer technology program. In an unexpected subplot, the three characters overcome their personal differences in part by mentoring youth at another summer OST program. Impressively written, and incorporating interesting and relevant STEM topics, this is a truly enjoyable read for all ages. These young women are an inspiration to anyone who has ever faced a challenge. Carrie Bennett, NIOST Administrative Assistant
