Leonardo Da Vinci, by Walter Isaacson 

Endless curiosity fueled this polymath’s great mind: From why the sky is blue to physics or a woodpecker’s tongue, Da Vinci wanted to know all the answers to questions about life on earth and beyond.

Feature Writing, by William Brundell

The Wall Street Journal’s internal guide to great writing. An excellent reference book not just for journalists, but anyone who writes.

Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Cannon Doyle

Great nightstand reading with sharp, crisp writing about the sleuth.

Wonder: R.J. Palacio
The book that inspired the Choose Kind movement. August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a severe facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, Auggie wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past his extraordinary face. Wonder begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include the perspectives of his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend and others. These voices converge to portray a community as it struggles with differences, and challenges readers, both young and old, to wonder about the true nature of empathy, compassion, acceptance, friendship, and—ultimately—kindness. Auggie is a hero for the ages, one who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.

Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit, by Chris Matthews

A revealing new portrait of Robert F. Kennedy that gets closer to the man than any book before.