Rebekah's Reading Recs

Hi there! I’m an author, educational consultant and coach, social entrepreneur, and the writer of two Substacks: The Cocoon, a newsletter about transformation in learning, literature, and life, and RSBB, on the pleasures, perils, and politics of mid-40s, post-divorce, perimenopausal, red-state dating.

I'm a lifelong bookworm. As a high school English teacher in New York City public schools for ten years, the best part of my job – far and away – was that every single day I got to read and talk about books with kids. Because I wanted to spread that reading joy to even more young people in my community, in 2017 I founded Boogie Down Books, a bookstore-without-walls® for kids, teens, families, and educators in the Bronx and beyond. Through transformative reading experiences and inspiring community events, we pushed the boundaries of what a traditional children’s bookstore typically does by curating, designing, and facilitating programs and services that center young people and the grown-ups who read with them.

My first book, Educating with Passion and Purpose: Keep the Fire Going without Burning Out, was published in 2023 by Jossey-Bass. (If you're a school or organization interested in purchasing my book for teachers or leaders, email [email protected] to set up your tax-exempt account.) I’ve been an educator for more than two decades as a high school English teacher, founding faculty member, teacher leader, university instructor, and instructional and teacher leadership coach. I currently partner with schools, districts, and other organizations across the country to promote transformative, innovative, learner-centered practices that advance educational justice. A third-generation Miami native, I graduated magna cum laude from Harvard and am a culinary school alum, marathon runner, pink Vespa owner, and favorite aunt. Learn more about me at rebekahshoaf.com.

Although I now mostly teach adults and Boogie Down Books completed operations in 2025, reading continues to be central to my life and my identity, including in my free monthly Substack The Cocoon, which always includes a whole section on my reading recommendations. I'm thrilled to be able to help spread the word about the books I love here on Bookshop, where your purchase supports locally owned independent bookstores. Thank you for being part of this reading community!

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