What I appreciated most about this book was how it reminded me of my "why." After seven years in education, there have been moments when I felt burned out and questioned whether I could keep going. Working with middle school students is not always easy, and every year seems to bring new challenges, expectations, and changes. As I read this book, I found myself reflecting on why I became a teacher in the first place. It reminded me that the long days, the hard conversations, and the challenges are worth it when you see a student finally believe in themselves. It reminded me of the students who came into my classroom with little confidence and left knowing they were capable of more than they ever imagined. This book helped me reconnect with the purpose behind what I do every day. It reminded me that while education can be difficult, the impact we make on students lasts far beyond the classroom. Sometimes we all need a reminder of our "why," and this book did exactly that for me.

As a parent, I want nothing more than for my child to be taught by educators who are not only skilled, but also supported, inspired, and thriving. That’s why I truly wish every teacher had access to High Five to Thrive by Donita Grissom, Viki Kelchner, and Debbie Simões. This isn’t just another professional development book—it’s a lifeline. In a time when burnout is rampant and teachers are being pulled in countless directions, High Five to Thrive offers a much-needed breath of fresh air. The authors, all veteran educators with decades of combined experience, understand what teachers are going through. They provide real, research-backed strategies to help educators reconnect with their purpose, prioritize their mental and physical well-being, and build meaningful relationships in and out of the classroom. What I love most is that this book doesn’t just focus on improving classroom instruction (though it does that too); it emphasizes the whole person behind the teacher. As a parent, that matters deeply to me. When teachers feel seen, valued, and empowered, that positivity flows directly to our children. Healthy, passionate educators create classrooms where students feel safe, motivated, and excited to learn. Every teacher my child has—past, present, and future—deserves the support and encouragement this book offers. If school districts are serious about teacher retention, student success, and building resilient school communities, they should make High Five to Thrive required reading. Our kids need thriving teachers. This book helps make that possible.

High Five to Thrive is a light, heartwarming read that somehow speaks deep to your soul. It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling refreshed, seen, and inspired—not just as a teacher, but as a human being. Filled with practical ideas and real talk, this book offers powerful shifts that can lead to personal and professional transformation. Whether you’re brand new to the classroom or a seasoned teacher, administrator or district supervisor, you’ll find yourself nodding along, laughing, and maybe even tearing up a little. It’s the perfect summer read—easy to digest but packed with meaningful takeaways. Ideal for a school-wide or PLC book study, too. If you’re looking for something that will remind you of your value, reignite your passion and help you build stronger connections with students (and yourself), this is the one. If you're worn out, overwhelmed, fed up or wondering if teaching is for you, this book is for you. If teacher retention is a priority for your school or district, this book has solutions that get to the root of the problem.

I am not a teacher but looking through the new book releases this caught my eye. I decided to buy a copy and check it out. What a great read! I was immediately struck by how easy the lessons and tools are laid out and even as a non teacher I thought "I could use this!" It's so positive and feels like I have a cheering squad in my corner. I'm so happy I bought it and having a lot of teachers in my family and friends, everyone is getting a copy as the school year comes to a close.

Excellent book for best practices! A good refresher to stay polished within the classroom routines. It is also a heartfelt and practical guide that speaks directly to the emotional and professional challenges educators face in today’s classrooms. More than just a “how-to” manual, this book is a much-needed breath of fresh air for teachers who are tired, burned out, or questioning their place in the profession. From the beginning, the authors acknowledge a powerful truth: teaching is not just a job but a calling. This recognition sets the tone for an empathetic and empowering book. Whether you're a brand-new teacher navigating your first classroom or a seasoned educator looking to rediscover your spark, this book offers actionable strategies to help you thrive rather than just survive. Great book for the summer! Must get it!