Mark Rasmussen, Striving Together (www.strivingtogether.com), 200 Pages, Hardcover, $11.95

Perhaps the best way to categorize this book is the word “devotional.” Teachers will appreciate reading and digesting these tips one at a time, probably one a day. They are divided into two groups: “Things We Should Know” and “Things We Should Do.” There is a lot of wisdom in the entries, written by an educator with many years of experience. “Increased predictability lowers impact,” “Can’t usually means won’t,” “Wasting time is really wasting life,” “Choose your battles wisely,” and “Learn from your students” are just some samples of the valuable counsel. The book would make a great gift for teachers.