These are the books that I found most compelling, meaningful, and helpful in my own journey through alternative education.
A Different Kind of Teacher: Solving the Crisis of American Schooling
by John Taylor Gatto
The book that revolutionized the way I think about schooling and education, way back when I was in college.
The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education
by Grace Llewellyn
“Do you go to school? Yes? Then … You are not free.” An incendiary bombshell that’s inspired more teenagers to question their unhappy school situations than perhaps any other book. Another big influence on me in college.
Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite and the Way to a Meaningful Life
by William Deresiewicz
A powerful critique of elite colleges and the college-preparatory system as a whole. Read my full review and listen to my podcast interview with Deresiewicz.
Why School?: How Education Must Change When Learning and Information Are Everywhere (Kindle Single)
by Will Richardson
A short, powerful book that explains why schools don’t function well in the modern era of information abundance. Also listen to my podcast interview with Richardson.
by John Taylor Gatto
Another fantastic book by John Taylor Gatto. Not as popular as his classic Dumbing Us Down, but more powerful.
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
by Daniel H. Pink
The first (and perhaps only) book you need to read about self-motivation as it pertains to the modern economy and education.
Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work
by Matthew B. Crawford
A careful examination of the limits of working with one’s mind and the virtues of hands-on, experiential “doing”.
The Art of Self-Directed Learning: 23 Tips for Giving Yourself an Unconventional Education
by Blake Boles
Bias alert! This is my book 🙂
Better Than College: How to Build a Successful Life Without a Four-Year Degree
by Blake Boles
Bias alert! This is my book 🙂
College Without High School: A Teenager’s Guide to Skipping High School and Going to College
by Blake Boles
Bias alert! This is my book 🙂
Stop Stealing Dreams: a powerful education manifesto by the blogger and author Seth Godin.
Putting Choice First: stories about Dev Carey‘s wild experiments in self-directed learning, democracy, and community living. Dev is a gap year program leader, outdoor adventurer, experiential educator, and Ph.D. ecologist.
Other Reading
Paul Graham‘s essays on education and self-efficacy:
What to Do Instead of School: 28 ideas for spending your time outside of high school or college. A compilation of blog posts I wrote in late 2013. Designed to be read on a phone.
Browse the archives of my e-mail newsletter for my favorite articles from 2015 through today.
Is there a resource that belongs on this page?