Summary
Many of the most successful entrepreneurs don't have college or university degrees, confirming that academic education is not the prerequisite for business success.

Michael Ellsberg uses real-life examples to highlight the practical skills and character traits that are required to achieve big dreams.

He provides tips about how to find great mentors, build a world-class network, make your work meaningful, build your brand, and more.

Why it's worth reading

Ellsberg highlights the myths that our society believes and the flaws in the traditional school system. He tells stories to show you how to take steps to make sure you develop the mental attitude and the practical skills you need to succeed in the world of business.

Quote from the book
"Education is still necessary to learn how to do your great work that gets you paid. But these days, almost all of the education that ends up actually earning you money ends up being self-education in practical intelligence and skills acquired outside of the bounds of traditional educational institutions."

Summary
Discover how successful entrepreneurs were raised and how they used their talents, opportunities and connections to innovate their way to triumph in their games! Margot Machol Bisnow, mother of two thriving entrepreneurs, explored how a diverse range of other young entrepreneurs were educated and supported to achieve their dreams. She interviewed both entrepreneurs and their parents and highlights the valuable lessons and conclusions we can make from both perspectives.

Why it's worth reading
Nothing inspires us like seeing that what we dream of can be done and has been done. Stories of real and rather ordinary people and how they overcame the challenges they faced show us what is possible for our families too. As you read story after story, you will start to see the common threads and see how to raise confidence, competence and socially responsible young people, who will work to make the planet a better place to live!

Summary
Entrepreneurship is a game with risk but done right, it can change your financial reality. The author points out who wins at entrepreneurship and who loses and why. Poverty Proof highlights common pitfalls and helps you find the ‘smart-cuts’, to ensure that your endeavours lead to victory rather than disaster.

Why it's worth reading
This is a light read that even teens will enjoy, yet the 50 ways are fifty nuggets of practical wisdom that anyone can implement. We can shorten our learning curve by learning from the mistakes of others and building on the successes of those who've built new businesses before us.

Quote from the book

"Your willingness to face and push through that difficulty is precisely what will set you apart from the median average. Rich is different, and you will require tenacity and courage to live that difference."

Summary
Douglas Kruger, a renowned expert on business and wealth, cuts through the fluff and focuses on practical, actionable principles. He takes you through the mindset habits that trap individuals, families, and businesses in cycles of poverty across generations. By comparing the radically different ways of thinking between the self-made wealthy and the ultra-rich, he reveals the behaviors you should adopt to boost your wealth and the ones that could sabotage your financial future. Break free from poverty, increase your value, and shift the direction of your life—it all starts with transforming your mindset.

Why it's worth reading
This is an easy read with a clear message. The 50 ways the rich think differently will show you the changes you need to make to enjoy greater financial success. With clever analogies like "the great wheelbarrow escape" and "loading gold", Kruger illustrates how to change your thinking and your actions.

Quote from the book

"We don't question inherited thinking because inherited ideas are invisible to us. They are so normal to us that we aren't even aware of them."

Summary
Kiyosaki expands on his belief that the school system was created to produce compliant employees, those A-grade students who score well on tests. It doesn't cater well for the creative thinkers, visionaries and dreamers –entrepreneurs-in-the-making.

Why it's worth reading
The book reiterates many of the stories and lessons from his first book Rich Dad, Poor Dad but it offers a broader perspective on how the current economy and the educational industry work. He calls out the "needy and greedy" in high places and points out that government leaders who spend tax money, often lack financial savvy! It provides useful advice for parents to develop their children's financial literacy.

Summary
This award-winning book on economics offers a clear, engaging, and enjoyable breakdown of key concepts like the history of money and the dollar, investment cycles, velocity, business cycles, recessions, inflation, the demand for money, government economic behavior, and much more. The explanations are rooted in the Austrian and Monetarist schools of economic thought, making complex topics accessible and easy to understand.

Why it's worth reading
Most people I know are not really that interested in economic issues and yet they affect all of us. This book makes these concepts interesting and easy enough for children to understand. I learned so much from it. I've read it twice with my children.

Quote from the book
"The Lie is, I will give you what you want, and I will make someone else pay for it. The candidate that can tell the lie most convincingly is the one who wins the election." 

Summary
This is Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin brand, telling his bold, sometimes outrageous story. He was a dyslexic boy who did not perform well in school yet he became one of the most successful businessmen ever. In just a few decades, he launched nearly 100 businesses across all kinds of industries — from airlines and music to soft drinks and even bridalwear. Time and again, he went up against big-name competitors and proved the critics wrong by focusing on what customers really needed but weren’t getting.

Why you should read this book

What makes Branson’s story so refreshing is that he didn’t follow the usual rules. He built a global brand without corporate red tape, all while making space for fun, family, and adventure. Losing My Virginity is an inspiring reminder that success doesn’t have to mean burnout —and that with courage, creativity, and a bit of rebellion, we can build lives and businesses we actually love. In a few places, I filtered some crude bits for a young 12 year old.

Quote from the book
"I can honestly say that I have never gone into any business purely to make money. If that is the sole motive then I believe you are better off not doing it. A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts."

Summary
At first glance, Made to Stick might seem like just another trendy business book—but it’s really a masterclass in storytelling. Chip and Dan Heath take a playful yet practical approach to unpack what makes ideas memorable. By studying everything from urban legends to clever ad campaigns from business you will recognise, they reveal why some messages take hold while others fade away.

The heart of the book is a simple, memorable acronym that captures their formula for "stickiness"—a tool that can be used in any context where clear, persuasive communication matters.

Why it's worth reading
If we want to raise children who can communicate with clarity, lead with conviction, and share ideas that matter, we need to understand what makes messages truly memorable. This book doesn’t just teach theory—it offers tools we can use in everyday conversations, lessons, and even family traditions to make the truths we care about really stick.

Quote from the book
"The most basic way to get someone’s attention is this: Break a pattern."

Summary
Small business owners and freelancers often charge an hourly rate for their talent and skill and don't realise that they don't appreciate themselves the value that they bring to their customers.
The value they bring is the solution and the impact that their service has on the performance of the customer's business. They should be selling solutions, not hours and finding customers who value what they offer.

Why it's worth reading
Discussing price and determining what to charge for a job is often an awkward and uncomfortable experience, especially when customers haggle or the job doesn't go as smoothly as planned. Many solo-preneurs and small businesses struggle to break even because they undervalue their services and lack the confidence and insight to present the impact they bring. This short book is a quick read (about an hour) written in a story form, making it easy to digest the lessons and advice given in the form of an over-coffee-conversation between a start-up businessman and a more experienced mentor.
You need a new perspective and this book provides that.

Quote from the book

"When you look inward and push yourself to come up with ways to serve your clients, you end up redefining what you do and expanding your services."

Summary
In All Marketers Are Liars, Seth Godin challenges traditional ideas of marketing by revealing a simple truth: people don’t buy products—they buy the stories they tell themselves about those products. Great marketers don’t just highlight features or even benefits; they craft authentic, emotionally resonant narratives that people want to believe.

Why its worth reading
Godin shows how to tell stories that stick, stories that spread, and stories that make people feel seen, understood, and inspired. All Marketers Are Liars helps you understand how stories shape beliefs—and how to tell your own with integrity and impact. This book isn’t just for marketers. It’s for anyone who wants to build trust, stand out with authenticity, and make their message matter in a world full of noise.

Quote from the book
“All marketers are storytellers. Only the losers are liars.”

Summary
Own Your Industry is a practical, no-fluff guide to positioning yourself as the trusted authority in your field—the person people automatically think of when they need expertise. It walks you through how to build a standout reputation, craft a strong personal brand, and communicate your ideas in ways that are clear, memorable, and impactful. You’ll learn how to use media channels effectively, how your pricing signals your value, and how to create frameworks that simplify what you do and set you apart.

Why its worth reading
Own Your Industry shows you how to earn that trust, not just through qualifications, but by communicating your value clearly and consistently. If you want your message to reach the right people, without shouting, selling out, or burning out, this book gives you the roadmap. It’s not just about personal brand; it’s about stewarding your gifts so you can make a meaningful difference in your space.

Summary
Douglas Kruger asks the questions: Could you be :
the Branson of business?

the Clarkson of cars?
the Oprah of talk-show television? or
the Schwarzenegger of bodybuilding?

Using 50 clear, actionable suggestions, he shows exactly how to rise to the top of your industry and become the go-to authority others can’t ignore. When you reach that level of expertise and visibility, everything changes—opportunities seek you out, your income rises significantly, and you gain access to networks, platforms, and privileges others only dream of. This isn’t about luck or talent alone—it’s about doing the right things consistently, with focus and purpose.

Why its worth reading
This book is a blueprint for excellence. What Makes Them Great? is for anyone who wants to show up in the world with intention and become a trusted voice in their space. Whether you're raising children to lead, launching a purpose-driven business, or building a legacy, the insights in this book will challenge and equip you to play at a higher level—without compromising your values. It reminds us that greatness isn’t reserved for a select few—it’s cultivated through deliberate action.

Quote from the book

"We speak of the child who wonders what she might become, then fight giants to become it."

Summary
Challenging the idea of adolescence as time with little to no responsibility and much rebellion, Alex and Brett Harris redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life. They offer a flight-plan to a journey of growth, fulfillment and impact on communities and the world.
 
Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things calls teens to get up and get out and do things that really matter. The book includes their own story and stories of other teens who did things like manage a political campaign, organise a huge conference, launch a global forum and other feats that we'd imagine only adults could accomplish.

Why it's worth reading
It was written by two homeschooled 18-year olds, calling their generation to use their youth, strength and enthusiasm to rise to greater things, while walking in the wisdom of older, more experienced people (who are less energetic.)

It highlights the need to develop character by going outside your comfort zones, collaboration and daring to be counter-culture. Through the stories and testimonies we get insight at handling the problems, crises and lessons they learned along the way.

The book has a Christian perspective with a few verses of wisdom from the Bible and comments scattered here and there about finding what God has placed in your life and doing big things for Him, but even if you are Muslim, Hindu or atheist or anything else, you can read the book and apply the principles.

Anyone who plans to succeed in business and in life, needs to learn these lessons - including us, the adults! I've read this book three times!

Quote from the book

"It's ordinary people who step out and do something big. That's when they become extraordinary."

Summary
Most Likely to Succeed challenges the traditional model of education, urging parents and educators to rethink what it truly means to prepare children for a successful future. Authors Tony Wagner and Ted Dintersmith explore how the current system, which was built for the industrial age, fails to equip children with the real-world skills they need in a fast-changing, innovation-driven economy.

Why it's Worth Reading

For parents raising entrepreneurially minded children, Most Likely to Succeed offers a powerful call to action: raise kids who are problem-solvers, risk-takers, and value-creators. Through real-life examples of schools that are getting it right, Wagner and Dintersmith show that meaningful learning happens when children are encouraged to pursue their passions, tackle real-world challenges, and take ownership of their education. This book will resonate with parents who know deep down that their child was born to do more than just follow a script and who are looking for guidance on how to nurture the kind of character and thinking that leads not just to academic success, but to a life of purpose and possibility.

Quote from the book
"Education credentials are our country's caste system."

Summary

In Creating Innovators, Tony Wagner explores a pressing question for our time: how do we nurture the next generation of creative problem-solvers? Through compelling stories of young innovators and a behind-the-scenes look at forward-thinking schools, universities, and workplaces, Wagner highlights that fostering innovation isn't about reinforcing outdated systems. Instead, it's about cultivating play, passion, and purpose.

Why its worth reading
If you're a parent wondering why your bright child doesn't thrive in traditional schooling, a teacher wanting to ignite curiosity instead of compliance, or an employer seeking future-ready thinkers, Creating Innovators is a must-read. As someone who believes in raising children to think differently, lead boldly, and live purposefully, I found this book both affirming and inspiring. It’s a call to action for those of us who want to prepare the next generation not just to succeed—but to solve real problems, build meaningful ventures, and reshape the world for good. Reading it will challenge the way you see learning, and equip you to be part of the change that’s urgently needed.

Quote from the book
"For students to become innovators in the twenty-first century, they need a different education, not merely more education."

Summary

In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell explores what truly sets extraordinary people apart—not just talent or hard work, but the often-overlooked factors of timing, culture, upbringing, and opportunity. Through fascinating stories and surprising research, he shows that high achievement isn’t simply about individual brilliance; it’s about the hidden advantages that shape success. From the rise of tech billionaires to the training paths of elite athletes, and from cultural attitudes towards education to the lucky breaks behind legendary bands like The Beatles, Gladwell challenges the myth of the “self-made” success story.

Why its worth reading
If you’re raising children to live purposefully and think entrepreneurially, Outliers will shift how you view success—and how you support your child’s potential. This book is a powerful reminder that greatness is not born in isolation. It grows in the right environment, through timing, mentorship, meaningful practice, and cultural context. As parents and educators, we can’t control every factor, but we can intentionally shape the conditions for our children to thrive. Gladwell’s insights will help you reframe your approach to education, opportunity, and legacy—so you can raise a child who’s not just gifted, but prepared for the moments that matter most.

Quote from the book
“Cultural legacies are powerful forces. They have deep roots and long lives. They persist, generation after generation, virtually intact, even as the economic and social and demographic conditions that spawned them have vanished, and they play such a role in directing attitudes and behavior that we cannot make sense of our world without them.”

Summary
In Grit, psychologist Angela Duckworth explores what really drives success—and it’s not talent. It’s grit: a powerful mix of passion and perseverance. Through personal stories, research, and interviews with high achievers, she shows that sticking with something over the long haul matters far more than natural ability. Whether it’s athletes, artists, students, or business leaders, those who succeed are often the ones who just don’t quit.

Why its worth reading
As parents, it’s easy to worry whether our kids are "gifted" enough. But Grit is a game-changer—it reminds us that character counts more than raw talent. If you want to raise a child who can bounce back from setbacks, keep going when things get tough, and stay committed to what truly matters, this book will show you how. It’s not about pushing harder—it’s about nurturing long-term resilience, purpose, and a love for growth.

Quote from the book
“...there are no shortcuts to excellence. Developing real expertise, figuring out really hard problems, it all takes time―longer than most people imagine....you've got to apply those skills and produce goods or services that are valuable to people....Grit is about working on something you care about so much that you're willing to stay loyal to it...it's doing what you love, but not just falling in love―staying in love.”

Summary
In an era where we are inundated with information and misinformation, children need skills beyond classroom academics. They need to development the abilities to evaluate and think critically about the information that is presented to them and to discern the trustworthiness and motives of the source.

Why it's worth reading
The author explains, not only how we all develop critical thinking and the factors that sometimes inhibit that process, but she also provides practical activities for parents and children to do together, so that they can learn-by-doing. The activities are as simple as asking questions and having discussions together. Anyone can do them. Julie Bogart teaches us how imagination, self-awareness, empathy, and introspection make true critical thinking possible.

Quote from the book
"Learning is not primarily for the purpose of amassing money or power but for gaining wisdom and putting that knowledge to use for bettering of life for all people."

Summary
In Dumbing Us Down, former teacher John Taylor Gatto speaks from the heart—and from experience—about what’s really going wrong in our school systems. He argues that kids are naturally curious, creative, and capable, but school tends to squeeze that out of them. Gatto doesn't just point out the problems—he pushes families to rethink what real learning looks like and reminds us that genius isn’t rare; it just needs the right environment to thrive.

Why it's worth reading
As someone who believes in raising purpose-driven, entrepreneurial thinkers, I see Dumbing Us Down as a wake-up call. Gatto challenges us not just to critique the system, but to reimagine education altogether, education rooted in curiosity, connection, and real-world relevance. This book empowers parents to reclaim their role as primary educators and inspires families to create learning environments that honour their children's potential.

Quotes from the book
“Schools teach exactly what they are intended to teach and they do it well: how to be a good Egyptian and remain in your place in the pyramid.”

"Whatever an education is, it should make you a unique individual, not a conformist; it should furnish you with an original spirit with which to tackle the big challenges; it should allow you to find values which will be your roadmap through life; it should make you spiritually rich, a person who loves whatever you are doing, wherever you are, whomever you are with; it should teach you what is important, how to live and how to die."

Summary
John Taylor Gatto pulls back the curtain on the true purpose of modern schooling—and it’s more unsettling than you might think. Gatto argues that the system isn’t just flawed or outdated; it’s intentionally designed to keep people compliant and dependent. Schools, he says, train young people to rely on experts, break natural connections between family and community, and disconnect them from their own real-life experiences, all in the name of control and conformity.

Why it's worth reading
As a parent, educator, or entrepreneur, this book will challenge you to think beyond grades and curriculums, and to reimagine what true education could look like. Gatto doesn’t just critique—he calls us to action. Reading this will equip you to reclaim your role in shaping a child’s mind, and to raise young people who are not just informed, but free-thinking, self-directed, and purpose-driven.

Quote from the book
"If we wanted we could easily and inexpensively jettison the old, stupid structures and help kids take an education rather than merely receive schooling."

Summary
The Magic of Thinking Big is a classic self-development book that helps you break out of small thinking and start seeing the bigger possibilities for your life. David J. Schwartz shows that success isn’t about being the smartest person in the room, instead it’s about thinking confidently, setting bold goals, and taking action even when things feel uncertain. The book is packed with practical tips and inspiring stories to help you build self-belief, overcome fear, and create a mindset that sees opportunity instead of limits. It’s a roadmap for turning big dreams into real results.

Why its worth reading
If you're raising a child to think independently, take initiative, and believe they can make a real impact, The Magic of Thinking Big is a must-read for both you and them. It teaches the mindset behind every successful entrepreneur: don’t shrink your dreams to fit your current situation but grow your belief to match your vision.

Quote from the book

"The tendency for so many people to think small means there is much less competition than you think for a very rewarding career."

Summary
John Holt, one of the pioneers of the modern homeschooling movement teamed up with Pat Farenga to show that parents are more than capable of guiding their children’s education. The book challenges the idea that children need to be taught in a formal way to learn effectively—instead, it encourages trust in a child’s natural curiosity and ability to learn through everyday life. From practical advice on getting started with homeschooling to honest discussions about socialisation, structure, and freedom, this book is a supportive companion for families choosing a different path.

Why it's worth reading
If you're homeschooling—or even just thinking about it—Teach Your Own is like a reassuring conversation with someone who’s been there and truly gets it. It strips away the pressure to recreate school at home and reminds you that learning can be joyful, organic, and led by your child’s interests. As a parent who values raising independent, purpose-driven children, this book will inspire confidence in your role and give you the tools to create a learning environment that’s both rich and relaxed. It’s not about having all the answers—it's about trusting the process and believing in your child's ability to grow, thrive, and discover his or her own path.

Quotes from the book
"Education is an important element of civil society, but it has become a sedentary institution, serving much more as a gatekeeper for employment opportunities instead of enabling active learning for students."

"The most important think, besides love, that you can bring to your home school is the trust in yourself to help your children learn and the trust you have in your children to learn in their own way."

Summary
The Enchanted Hour is a beautiful reminder of something timeless and powerful: the simple act of reading aloud. Meghan Cox Gurdon blends neuroscience, behavioural research, and literary wisdom to show how this age-old practice strengthens brains, hearts, and relationships—across all ages and backgrounds.

Why it's worth reading
If you're wondering how to build deeper bonds and a love for learning in this fast-paced, screen-filled world, The Enchanted Hour offers a gentle, compelling answer. As a homeschooling parent or someone passionate about nurturing purpose and presence in your home, this book will inspire you to reclaim the joy of stories as shared experiences.

Quotes from the book
"Words are keys that unlock the world. Every time we read a book to a child, we are holding out a new box of interesting and useful keys for them to collect."

Summary
The Enchanted Hour is a beautiful reminder of something timeless and powerful: the simple act of reading aloud builds unforgettable memories and family bonds. Meghan Cox Gurdon blends neuroscience, behavioural research, and literary wisdom to show how this age-old practice strengthens brains, hearts, and relationships—across all ages and backgrounds.

Why it's worth reading
If you're wondering how to build deeper bonds and a love for learning in this fast-paced, screen-filled world, The Enchanted Hour offers a gentle, compelling answer. As a homeschooling parent or someone passionate about nurturing purpose and presence in your home, this book will inspire you to reclaim the joy of stories as shared experiences.

Quotes from the book
"By the time our children leave our homes, we don't want them to wonder whether their lives matter. We want them to know that they do. If we tell them enough stories, they will have encountered hard questions and practiced living through so many trials, hardships and unexpected situations that, God willing, they will have what they need to become the heroes of their own stories."

"We read in the hope that our children will feel the heartbeat of a hero thrumming within them and look to the heavens and ask, 'What great think have I been created to accomplish?'"