As speech-language pathologists (SLPs), we constantly evolve our skills and approaches to serve our students and clients better. Professional reading is one of the best ways to stay current and inspired in our field. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your clinical strategies, explore new research, or feel more confident in your therapy sessions, the right book can make all the difference. Keep reading to find a list of must-read books for SLPs that will expand your knowledge and give you fresh ideas to bring into your practice.
Why is Professional Development Books for SLPs Important?
Professional reading is essential for SLPs and anyone striving to grow in their career because it keeps you informed about the latest research, techniques, and best practices in the field. It allows you to continuously refine your skills, stay updated on new trends, and adapt to the ever-changing needs of your clients. Beyond that, reading enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, empowering you to deliver more effective and confident therapy. Investing time in professional development through reading not only benefits your career but also enriches the lives of those you serve.
Continue reading to find my favorite professional development books for SLPs and why I enjoy them so much.
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Professional Development Books for SLPs
Make sure to download the list below! Don’t let some of these suggestions turn you away. I like reading books that are outside my current caseload. I’ve often learned the most, reaching outside my scope of practice. So even though I currently don’t work with adults, I still can gain a lot of perspective from how the brain works…or isn’t. You can see them all on my Amazon list for Professional Development—affiliate links are included in this post.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
THIS IS A MUST-READ. I’m reading it aloud to my boys. It looks at virtues that foster grit and explores how we, as educators, can nurture grit from the outside. I recently saw my school principal recommending it online also.
Reading In The Brain: The New Science Of How We Read by Stanislas Dehaene
This one is a bit technical, but it will fascinate anyone interested in the neurology behind reading. If you have a psychology background, you will enjoy it!
Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz
This is a best-seller for a reason. If you aren’t confident in your knowledge of what exactly the difference between a struggling reader and true dyslexia is, get this book! I recently diagnosed a 5th grader who was new to our school. She has struggled for YEARS in school and gone through multiple tutors until I was able to show them the true cause of her deficits.
Look Me In The Eye: My LifeWith Asperger’s by John Elder Robinson
I love this insightful and humorous book because it has insights from the author’s first-hand experience with Asperger’s.
The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida
This is truly one of the most fascinating books I’ve ever read from the perspective of a young teenage boy. It will give you more insight into the real world of a child with autism.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey by Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D
My uncle had a TBI many years ago, and ever since, I have been fascinated with brain rehab. The author, a Harvard-trained brain scientist, experienced a massive stroke on the left hemisphere of her brain. Her testimony is inspiring.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat by Oliver Sacks
Anything by this author is worth reading. This book has tales of real people who suffer from various inescapable neurological disorders. He has a beautiful way with words.
Brain On Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan
Wow…this one. It is a riveting medical mystery that is powerful! It perfectly blends a suspense novel and a case study of neurological diagnosis.
The Diving Bell And The Butterfly: A Memoir of Life In Death by Jean-Dominique Bauby
This man wrote this novel by blinking his left eye. Think about that. He had a rare stroke that locked him inside his body. One of the most remarkable books ever.
More Professional Development Books for SLPs
Ok…enough with the heavy. Below, you will find books that are more light-hearted and helpful! These get straight to the point without as much focus on the emotions as the books above. They’re still amazing, but more to the point if you prefer.
Reading Magic by Mem Fox and The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
I think this book should be given to every parent. Every. Single. Parent. They both provide compelling reasons for how and why reading can change the course of a person’s life. As a speech therapist, there is little I cannot teach using a book.
1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline For Teachers by Thomas Phelan
I was introduced to this “discipline method” by a classroom teacher (way back) when I was in grad school. I have used it ever since. It is a simple yet magical tool. If you read one book on managing student behavior, let it be this one.
Word Nerds by Brenda Overturf
This book shows creative and flexible ways to implement vocabulary instruction through multisensory activities. It’s a great practical book that will get you excited to teach vocabulary!
Hearing Is Believing: How WordsCan Make or Break Our Kids by Elisa Medhus
I LOVE this author. She has a beautiful writing style that will have you laughing cover to cover. I picked this up as a parent, but it has many practical applications we can use as therapists. It makes you think about the impact of the words we use.
Thirty Million Words: Building A Child’s Brain by Dana Suskind
This is a fascinating read—especially if you work with preK or have influence with parents of young children…. I suggest this book! It’s very eye-opening! It is based on fascinating research about children who hear thirty million words by the time they are four years old vs. those who are not exposed to rich vocabulary.
Have you read any of these? Do you have a favorite book that you think SLPs should read?! Drop a comment below!
If you want to purchase any of these, they are all on my Amazon Professional Development list.
If you want a printout of these books, download them here: SLP book recommendations.
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