It is a special thing when a book affirms your most fundamental professional beliefs and practices, but when you can also take new learning and new inspiration from that book as well. This was the case for me with Peter Johnston's Choice Words. Even though it has been three years since I first read Johnston's book, it still resonates with me strongly and impacts my teaching. I often find connections to and examples of things I read in the book as I go about my daily work. This is a book that really did impact my life, and one that has great "staying power." All teachers could benefit from reading this book about how the way we communicate with students can empower them or tear them down.