This question, and the companion question ("what have you read lately?") is often a favorite among principals who were once English teachers. Being prepared for this question will help to present a favorable atmosphere in which you answer it. Relax, pretend that you have not ever considered the question before, and then launch into a three or four minute description of the book you might consider most helpful for a lifetime to be spent alone on a deserted island. We don't pretend to have a list of books you should address, but we've heard excellent cases made for both fiction and non-fiction. One idea is to select a book you have read and then describe how important it is to you. Don't be afraid to show enthusiasm and excitement during your presentation. And then, as you wind down, you can say something like "...but maybe, after all that, it might be better to have a book like "The Way Things Work" so I could make some sort of shelter and cook food."

Some thoughts on what NOT to say. We recommend that teacher candidates stay away from the subjects of Politics and Religion in job interviews.