Books worth reading: a summer reading list for administrators.

I took mostly friendly flak when I provided a "Summer Reading List for School Administrators" in this column last May/June. More than one of you questioned the quality of my selections, but a number of you responded more along the lines of, "What's up with this serious stuff, George? It s summer, already!" I thought I had provided a nice balance between school and world-related issues--along with books to distract you from reality. But, as someone always seeking continuous growth, here's a summer reading list that will not tax too many brain cells.

* "Please Write in the Book," by Mary Amato (2008)

Chances are your students have or will have read this funny story about a teacher who provides a notebook for students to write in. It gets pretty bad before it gets better.

* "The American Savior," by Roland Merallo (2008)

Jesus runs for president of the United States with a platform of the "Golden Rule." Now there's a plot line. This humorous political satire also delivers a pleasingly warm message.

* A mystery by Nevada Barr

Chances are good that Nevada Barr has written a mystery about a murder that takes place in your favorite national park. (You have 13 parks to choose from.) Pick the park and see if you can solve the mystery before Ranger Anna Pigeon does.

* "A Book of Luminous Things," by Czeslaw Milosz (1998)

Sorry, but I just had to slip a collection of poetry in here. This is an anthology of great poems that are also accessible (meaning we can understand them).

* "Blue Highways," by William Least Heat-Moon (1999)

The classic travel guide to the road less traveled. Ride along with Heat-Moon as he drives America's blue (off the interstate) highways and discovers again just how remarkable this country can be.

* "Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself," by Alan Alda (2008)

Alda has been called "America's quintessential nice guy." In this book he shines the brightest when commenting on prior speeches that were delivered from the heart.

* "Laughing without an Accent: Adventures of an Iranian American, at Home and Abroad," by Firoozeh Dumas (2009)

A collection of anecdotes about family life--and about being a citizen of the world. This builds on the author's previous memoir, "Laughing in Farsi."