Get cozy with a book during the break

As the district heads into the winter break, Dallas ISD librarians, teachers, and other team members have curated a special reading list, ideal for those cozy, dark winter evenings.

For many, reading is one of the few times they truly manage to disconnect. In a world where people are constantly multitasking, the simple act of reading forces one to slow down. When holding a physical book or an e-reader, the distractions of emails and social feeds fade away. 

Reading offers a powerful avenue to escape, to learn new philosophies, and to gain empathy by walking in the shoes of others. The experience can be relaxing, fun, and even stressful, but it’s a “good stress,” as the emotional stakes belong entirely to the characters, not to the reader.

FICTION: Literary masterpieces and classics

The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong 

Summary: This radiant novel begins with a life-altering moment on a New England bridge. Hai, a young man ready to end it all, is unexpectedly talked down to by an 80-year-old woman with dementia. As he becomes her caretaker, they forge a deeply moving, unlikely friendship. It is a breathtaking story about the “invisible” people in our society and how the strangest connections are often the ones that save us.

 

 

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

Summary: Often cited as Steinbeck’s magnum opus, this masterpiece of American literature is currently trending on BookTok, proving that great writing is timeless. Set in the rich farmland of California’s Salinas Valley, it follows the destined rivalry of two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—as they reenact the fall of Adam and Eve. It is a big, beautiful, and essential read that wrestles with the ultimate human question: Do we have a choice between good and evil?

 

 

FICTION: Adventure, mystery and fun

Pony Confidential by Christina Lynch

Summary: A unique mystery thriller narrated by…a pony. Penny (the pony) is reunited with his owner, a girl who grew up in the “less affluent” stable, to help her clear her name after a horse trainer is murdered. It is Knives Out meets Black Beauty—a distinct, funny, and surprisingly touching whodunit that is perfect for escaping reality.

 

 

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Summary: Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship with no memory, only to realize the sun is dying and he is the only one who can save it. The catch? He’s a middle school science teacher. This is the ultimate celebration of competence, showing how patience, the scientific method, and teacher skills can save the world. (Pro Tip: The audiobook narration is legendary!)

 

 

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

Summary: A superbly written adventure set in 1954. Two friends escape a juvenile work farm and hijack an 18-year-old’s road trip, steering him away from California and toward New York City. It feels like a classic American road trip movie—spirited, charming, and filled with literary quality that makes the pages fly by.

 

 

 

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

Summary: A heart-pounding page-turner about a bookstore owner in Acapulco who is forced to flee instantly from a cartel. She and her 8-year-old son become migrants, riding “The Beast” (trains) north to the US border. It is a story of a mother’s ferocious love and the terrifying reality of leaving home.

 

 

 

The Women by Kristin Hannah

Summary: A sweeping, emotional tribute to the unsung female heroes of history. It follows a nursing student who joins the Army Nurse Corps in 1965 and follows her brother to Vietnam, only to return to a country that wants to forget she was ever there. It is a “big” story that will completely absorb you for days.

 

NONFICTION: Psychology and education

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Summary: Haidt connects the dots between the rise of the smartphone and the decline in youth mental health. It validates what every teacher has seen since 2010, but more importantly, it offers a hopeful, concrete roadmap for how we can reclaim childhood (and our own focus) in 2026.

 

 

When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink

Summary: Pink uses science to prove that “timing” isn’t an art, it’s a science. He explains why students test better in the morning and provides the scientific formula for the perfect nap (the “Nappuccino”). It is the practical, self-improvement guide we all need for Winter Break.

 

 

 

The Wager by David Grann

Summary: From the author of Killers of the Flower Moon, this narrative nonfiction reads like a thriller. A British ship wrecks in the 1740s, and when the starving survivors finally return to England, they accuse each other of mutiny and murder. A gripping look at human nature and the stories we tell to survive.

 

SPECIAL FEATURES: Holiday and audio

A Winter Wish by Emily Stone

Summary: The mandatory “holiday cheerful” pick! Lexie and Theo—total opposites—are forced to run a travel agency together during the holidays, taking them to snowy slopes and festive markets acrossEurope. It is cozy, romantic, and full of travel vibes.

 

 

 

Harry Potter: The Complete Series (New Full-Cast Audio Productions)

Summary: These brand-new productions feature over 100 actors, a full musical score, and Dolby Atmos sound effects. It’s like listening to a movie with your eyes closed—the perfect way to “re-read” a favorite while you fold laundry or drive to visit family.