Best Winter Reads!

Best Winter Reads for K-12 Teachers: It’s time to Cozy-up with a good book for a Much-Needed Break

Winter offers the perfect backdrop for stories filled with drama, reflection, and magic. For K-12 teachers seeking to unwind during the winter break, here’s a curated list of books to match the season’s cozy vibes or its frosty mysteries. Whether you want a thrilling page-turner, a heartwarming tale, or a thoughtful escape, these stories set in wintery landscapes promise to transport you. Light the fire, put some cookies in the oven and grab one of these books. Enjoy your break. You earned it!

1. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (For Teachers)

C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a timeless classic and the first published book in The Chronicles of Narnia series. One of the best winter reads for K-12 teachers, this book is a rich resource for teaching themes of courage, sacrifice, redemption, and the battle between good and evil. Set in a magical land, it captivates readers of all ages while offering opportunities for discussions about morality, faith, and friendship.

2. Beartown by Fredrik Backman

In the small, wintry town of Beartown, the local hockey team’s success becomes a symbol of pride—and tension. Beartown is a heartfelt, complex look at community, loyalty, and the consequences of a single tragic event. This novel will appeal to teachers who enjoy exploring deep emotions and social issues, all while navigating the cold, gritty realities of winter life.

3. Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak (For Teachers)

Boris Pasternak’s Dr. Zhivago is a sweeping epic set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent civil war. It combines history, romance, and philosophical musings, making it a profound text for exploring themes of love, individuality, and the effects of political upheaval. While the novel’s complexity and mature themes may suit older high school students or advanced literature classes, it provides a rich opportunity for discussing history, human resilience, and moral dilemmas.

4. Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Frozen River follows the stories of two women—one a housewife and the other an immigrant—whose lives become intertwined as they both struggle to survive in a remote, frozen river town. This gripping, fast-paced story examines themes of sacrifice, identity, and survival. Teachers looking for a compelling tale of resilience set in a wintery landscape will find this book a powerful choice.

5. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

A magical, wintry tale set in 1920s Alaska, The Snow Child is about a childless couple who discover a girl living in the woods, seemingly made of snow. It’s a beautifully crafted novel perfect for teachers who enjoy fairy-tale-like stories with elements of magic and emotional resonance.

6. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Set in the breathtaking but brutal Alaskan wilderness, The Great Alone tells the story of a family struggling with trauma, survival, and the beauty of nature. With an unforgettable setting and deep emotional stakes, this novel explores themes of love, survival, and redemption, making it an excellent pick for teachers who enjoy tales of grit and human resilience.

7. The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler

A heartwarming romantic comedy set in a small, snowy town in Alaska, The Tourist Attraction offers lighthearted fun with charming characters and a festive atmosphere. Teachers looking for something cheerful and escapist will love this cozy winter romance.

8. Light on Snow by Anita Shreve

In this moving, winter-set novel, a mother and daughter find a stranger’s abandoned car in the snow, setting off a series of events that uncover dark secrets and hidden emotions. Light on Snow is for teachers who enjoy literary fiction with quiet moments of beauty and a gradual unfolding of mysteries.

9. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie’s beloved detective Hercule Poirot investigates a murder on a luxurious train traveling through snowy Europe. This classic whodunit is perfect for teachers looking for a thrilling mystery with intricate characters and a satisfying twist. The winter setting adds an extra layer of isolation and intrigue.

10. Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

Set in the vast, wintery landscapes of the American Midwest, Peace Like a River is a beautifully written novel about family, faith, and the search for justice. Teachers who enjoy poetic, deeply philosophical books with a dash of adventure will find this an inspiring read, with themes of healing and redemption.

11. A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella

A Quiet Life is a deeply introspective novel about a man recovering from the loss of his wife while living in a small, quiet town during the winter. Its themes of grief, healing, and the passage of time will resonate with teachers who appreciate subtle, emotionally nuanced stories that focus on the human experience.

12. Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

Set in a remote Scottish getaway during a snowstorm, Rock Paper Scissors is a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Teachers who enjoy stories with unexpected twists and dark secrets will find this an addictive winter read.

13. The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse

In a snow-covered former sanatorium turned luxury hotel, guests are trapped by a dangerous storm—just as a murderer begins targeting them. This atmospheric thriller will appeal to teachers who enjoy suspense, mystery, and a sense of claustrophobic dread, all set against a chilling winter landscape.

15. Still Life by Louise Penny

Set in the snow-covered village of Three Pines, Still Life is the first book in the Inspector Gamache series. Teachers who love cozy mysteries with a rich setting and multi-layered characters will find this a satisfying winter read.

16. The Daughter of the Sword by Steve Bein

The Daughter of the Sword is the first novel in Steve Bein’s Fated Blades series, blending Japanese history, myth, and a contemporary crime thriller. The story weaves together two timelines—modern-day Tokyo and feudal Japan—united by the mystical power of an ancient katana. Teachers looking for an emotionally rich, character-driven story will find this an unforgettable winter read.

When you’ve gotten through your list of the best winter reads for K-12 teachers and it’s time to jump back to reality, please consider using The Teacher’s Academy for your continuing education hours. We provide professional development that is affordable, relevant and convenient. Find your state or browse our course catalog for more information. We are teachers. Happy Holidays!