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Summer Tech Reads for Parents: Turning Pages, Navigating Screens
Empowering Families to Navigate a Digital World with Confidence
Brought to you by United Parent Council’s Technology Committee

📖 Welcome!

This summer, we invite parents and caregivers to explore our 2025 summer reading list that offers a wide range of perspectives on digital citizenship, screen time, technology's role in our lives, and the future of AI. This collection includes practical parenting strategies, thought-provoking investigations, and big-picture thinking. 

Whether you're just beginning to navigate parenting in a digital world, or ready to explore deeper trends in technology and society, there's a track for you! 📖✨

Note to readers: Some books may challenge different viewpoints or feel more critical of modern technology, while others embrace digital tools thoughtfully. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of every perspective.

Dedicated to all families navigating the future together. There is no single right way to navigate parenting in the digital age. Each family is unique, and we hope these books spark conversations, inspire reflection, and support your efforts to raise thoughtful, resilient digital citizens. 📚✨


📋 Table of Contents
Starter Pack: For Parents New to Technology and Digital Parenting
Starter Pack Full Info
  1. Raising Humans in a Digital World (2019) — Diana Graber
  2. Screenwise (2016) — Devorah Heitner
  3. Parenting in the Age of Attention Snatchers (2015) — Lucy Jo Palladino
  4. The New Childhood (2018) — Jordan Shapiro
  5. Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (2024) — Salman Khan
  6. Digital Minimalism (2019) — Cal Newport
  7. The Future of Feeling (2020) — Kaitlin Ugolik Phillips
  8. Because Internet (2019) — Gretchen McCulloch
  9. Glow Kids (2016) — Nicholas Kardaras
  10. The Art of Screen Time (2018) — Anya Kamenetz

Deep Dive Challenge: For Seasoned Digital Thinkers
Deep Dive Full Info
  1. The Anxious Generation (2024) — Jonathan Haidt
  2. Stolen Focus (2022) — Johann Hari
  3. The Chaos Machine (2022) — Max Fisher
  4. The Art of Invisibility (2017) — Kevin Mitnick
  5. Reclaiming Conversation (2015) — Sherry Turkle
  6. Hello World (2018) — Hannah Fry
  7. Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI (2024) — Ethan Mollick
  8. Life 3.0 (2017) — Max Tegmark
  9. Brave New World (1932) — Aldous Huxley
  10. iGen (2017) — Jean Twenge
  11. Surveillance Capitalism (2019) — Shoshana Zuboff

📚 Important Note About This Reading List:

This reading list includes a wide range of perspectives to help families think critically about technology, AI, and raising children in a digital world. It is organized to offer flexible exploration. Feel free to start with any title that speaks to your interests — there's no required order. Whether you choose one book or many, each offers valuable insights into raising thoughtful digital citizens.

The inclusion of a book on this list does not imply endorsement of all viewpoints expressed by the author. Our goal is to empower parents to engage thoughtfully with these important topics, respecting the diversity of experiences and beliefs within our school community.

Brought to you by UPC’s Emerging Technology & Digital Learning Committee — Empowering Families for a Digital Future. 🌟

Happy reading!
#UnitedParentCouncil #ParentSummerReads #MindfulParenting #RaisingDigitalCitizens #FamilyTechSkills
❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to read the books in a specific order?
Nope! You’re welcome to start with any book that sparks your interest. For parents who prefer a step-by-step path, we’ve included a Suggested Reading Order to build skills and understanding gradually.

2. Are these books appropriate for all ages of children?
Most of the books focus on raising children from elementary through high school in today’s digital world. Some, like iGen and The Anxious Generation, focus heavily on teens and tweens, while others like Raising Humans in a Digital World offer guidance for younger kids.

3. Do I have to buy the books?
Not at all! Many titles are available through public libraries in print, ebook, and audiobook formats. We've included Amazon links for convenience, and most books are also available on Audible if you prefer listening.

4. Why are some of the books a few years old? Is the information still relevant?
Yes! While technology evolves quickly, the core ideas around parenting, empathy, digital citizenship, and mental health remain highly relevant. We chose books that offer timeless strategies as well as insights into current and emerging digital trends.

5. What if I want even newer information about apps and platforms my child uses?
We recommend supplementing your reading with trusted resources like Common Sense Media, which offers up-to-date app reviews, platform guides, and tech trend updates for parents.

6. How were the books selected?
Our Technology Committee at United Parent Council selected books based on expert recommendations, Common Sense Media reviews, New York Times bestsellers, and input from parenting leaders to offer a balanced and thoughtful list. ChatGPT helped, of course. 

7. Are these books politically biased?
The list includes a range of perspectives. We've noted the general cultural or political leanings where relevant to help parents choose books that align with — or challenge — their own views thoughtfully.

8. What if I don't agree with everything a book says?
That’s completely okay! We’ve included books representing a variety of viewpoints and approaches to technology, parenting, and digital citizenship. You are encouraged to explore the titles that resonate with you and your family's values — there's no expectation to agree with every idea.

9. Are these books appropriate for my child to read?
This list was selected for parents and caregivers. Some titles (like Brave New World) contain mature themes and are recommended for adult readers or older teens with parental guidance.

10.  Is the school district or UPC endorsing these authors' opinions?
No. These books are provided as resources for thoughtful discussion. Inclusion on the list does not imply endorsement of all viewpoints expressed.

Emerging Technology Chairs:  Rebecca Guglielmo & Nisha Shah    -  [email protected]

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Servicios de traducción en Español están disponibles para todas las reuniones generales de la UPC. Si desea este servicio en una de nuestras reuniones por favor contacte El Departamento de adquisición de lenguaje al 602- 449-2116. Antes de las 3pm, el Jueves antes del día de la reunión. ​
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