This past summer the OISE Library launched a contest called OISE Picks, to hear what OISE students were reading! We asked readers to tell us a bit about their favorite books, as well as who they would recommend it to. We received so many fantastic picks, and wanted to share some with you. We received a range of recommendations, including children's literature, fiction, and non-fiction, and perhaps it is no surprise that many recommendations centered around teaching and learning. Thank you to everyone who entered the contest!
Thacze Kuganesan, a student in LHAE, recommended Student development in college: theory, research, and practice, by Lori D. Patton, Kristen A. Renn, Florence M. Guido, Stephen John Quaye, Nancy J. Evans, and Deanna S. Forney. The book provides a simple yet deep dive into the topic of student development theories. Thacze notes that "It really puts into perspective how we as educators can support students". Thacze recommends this book for those currently in or looking to enter the Student Affairs and Services field, or supporting school/post secondary aged students (including your own children!) in any capacity.
Teacher and Child: A Book for Parents and Teachers, by Haim Ginott, was recommended by CTL student, Tin Yuet (Tiffany) Tam. This book was written by a once frustrated and novice teacher, who dedicated his life to finding how to guide teachers and parents to listen to the needs of students. Tiffany says that readers may enjoy this book if they “feel anxious about teaching for the first time; for those who want to recharge during their teaching journey.”
Yoonsuh Lee, a student in CTL, recommended What School Could Be, by Ted Dintersmith. To anyone who is curious as to what this book is about, the title says it all: "What School Could Be." In this book, the author explores a transformative vision for education, showcasing inspiring examples of innovative learning environments across America, offering his insights on what he has learned from his 40-week journey across the 50 states to visit 200 schools. This book is perfect for anyone who wonders what schools can be.
Naturally Inclusive: Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors
, by Ruth Wilson, was recommended by Kevin Southgate, a student in APHD. Kevin says he is becoming increasingly interested in outdoor education, and wanted to learn how to support children with special needs in outdoor settings: "I love how the book uses lots of recent sources and information, while also being colorful and filled with photos and illustrations making it easy to read." Any educator or parent interested in exploring the benefits of nature for children with special needs would find this book interesting.
They Said This Would Be Fun, by Eternity Martis, is the recommendation of LHAE student Imani King, who learned about the book three years ago at a Race and Racism conference held at Victoria College here at U of T. Imani says: "It matters to me because I could relate heavily as a Black-identifying person who has always been the minority in academic spaces but still loved learning and interacting." Imani thinks this book is best for MT and MEd candidates, especially as it touches upon the transition between high school and post-secondary education.
Black Boys Like Me: Confrontations with Race, Identity, and Belonging, 
by Matthew Morris, was recommended by APHD student Sumeya Shash. It's a series of essays written by TDSB teacher, Matthew Morris, and touches on themes of Black masculinity, hip-hop education, identity and belonging. It examines about his experiences as a student growing up in Scarborough, and his later experiences as a Scarborough teacher. Sumeya thinks this is an important read for all teachers and Master of Education students to read.
Gabriella Cooper, a student in CTL, recommends Walking Together, a beautiful, illustrated children's book by Elder Albert Marshall and Louise Zimanyi and illustrated by Emily Kewageshig. This book matters to Gabriella because there is a theme of cultural understanding as it offers Indigenous wisdom, values, and perspectives. The idea of “walking together” implies support within communities and connections. Personal growth is also an important theme in this book, promoting reflection and self-awareness that encourages readers to reflect on their place in the world, values and relationships.
Michelly Peixoto, a student in CTL, recommended Black Skin, White Masks 
by Frantz Fanon. Michelly says the book is "thought-provoking as it makes us reflect on the idea of colonized psychic and how blackness as an identity is constructed." This is a great read for anyone interested in reflecting how the society we live in and the societal power dynamics influence our identity formation and establishes our place in the world.
CTL student Emily Doyle recommended Babel by RF Kuang. The novel is an historical fantasy that tells an epic tale of magic interwoven with history. Set in in the 19th century at Oxford university, the story takes on themes of colonialism and power imbalances in academia through the lens of languages and the mysteries of translation. If you’re a fan of languages, history, or dark academia this is absolutely the book for you!
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata 
was recommended by Ashley Bejoy, a student in APHD. The book follows the story of 36-year-old Tokyo resident Keiko Furukura who has worked in the same convenience store for 18 years. Keiko is seen as strange and an outsider in her society because she does not conform to its expectations of normalcy in terms of career and personal life. Ashley recommends this book for anyone interested in adult fiction, contemporary fiction, Japanese culture, and short but engaging reads.
Isabel Khudr, a student in APHD, recommended the novel, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. The book is about a psychotherapist who is keen on helping an infamous artist reclaim her life after 7 years of silence after killing her husband. She has been in an institute and has not said a word. Isabel says "the book takes you on an emotional roller coaster" as the author tries to figure out what really happened the day she murdered the love of her life. It's a great read for anyone interested in detective work and psychology. If you enjoy novels that are engaging and captivating this is for you.
The Color Pynk: Black Femme Art for Survival 
by Omise'eke Natasha Tinsley was recommended by CTL student Narisa Vickers.This book is an arresting collection of material (painting, poetry, essays) that explores Black femmes life giving presence to the queer/trans world. The strife that comes with existing at the crossroads of a world not designed with a space for them is torn apart and used to grow a new one. It is a resounding laugh in the face of cruelty, at times loud and quiet, but always there.
Aakriti Mahajan, a student in CTL recommended Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain. This non-fiction title not only provides introverted students and educators with the tools to better understand and leverage their innate strengths, but it also enriches the broader community's appreciation for diversity in personality and thought. In an academic environment, where collaboration and active participation are often emphasized, understanding, and valuing the contributions of introverts can lead to more effective learning and teaching strategies, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community.
The novel A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum was recommended by Alyssa Ahmed, a student from LHAE. Etaf Fum, a Palestinian-American woman, sheds light on what it’s like to be a Palestinian Muslim woman living in America. It makes readers feel all sorts of emotions from anger to joy as it follows three generations of women. It dives into the social constructs and expectations of women compared to men and inspires women that even though it might be scary, you can use your voice to make a difference.
Finally, Mandy Nelson a student in LHAE, recommended Radically Content: Being Satisfied in an Endlessly Dissatisfied World by Jamie Varon. Mandy says: "I feel like this should be required reading for anyone going through a transition period in their lives. It's written by a plus-sized woman who is on a journey to accepting her body, and the ways in which we can all learn to take radical joy in our existence in a world that teaches us to despise ourselves." We have ordered this title for the OISE Library's new popular reading collection! In the meantime, you can find it in the Toronto Public Library.
Thank you again for everyone who shared their picks with us!