The Little Book of Agency: Tiny Shifts That Transform How We Learn, Lead, and Grow

by Tonya Gilchrist

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2026

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many gems of wisdom in this book, and as a school leader, I could see immediately how it could impact my practice. Many schools systems are at a breaking point, managing the twin crises of student mental health and teacher burnout. Well-being is thus an urgent priority for school leaders like me, and I’m always looking for the ideas that will support my goal of creating a school where all can flourish. This book about agency is the book I didn't know I needed. Agency is not a “nice to have,” it is central to well-being.

Our American context is deeply individualistic, so I expected a book on agency to encourage even greater individualism. Tonya Gilchrist upends this assumption right away in her first chapter, building a counterintuitive vision for agency within a context of interdependence. This view is both refreshing and deeply aligned to my own values as a school leader. Tonya is not suggesting we allow teachers to go off and do anything they wish in the name of professional autonomy. Instead, she advocates for a mission-driven, community-centric view of autonomy, where we eschew compliance for engagement and measure data that really matters.

In part 1, she lays out this counter-cultural vision, encouraging us to question our own beliefs and assumptions. In part 2, she suggests daily habits that can bring this vision to life. Being intentional about little shifts, like questions vs commands, strengths-spotting, and pausing rather than moving forward without intentionality— these are all habits that build a culture of agency within a school. In part 3, she widens her lens to consider not just habits, but structures. These layers of reflection work together to create a vision for a school where every teacher and every student have agency to do their very best teaching and learning.

My favorite part of this book were the vignettes, where Tonya shows, again and again, how small shifts in mindsets, habits, or systems can impact a classroom or a community of adults. Her deep expertise working with many schools around the world was immediately clear.

This is a great book for school leaders to read to reflect on your assumptions and practices, in order to foster a school where teachers and students alike can step into their agency and thrive.

[Gioia Morasch · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many gold nuggets in this book, and I love the practical takeaways. As an educator and school leaader, I couldn't help myslef but put sticky notes everywhere so I could reference strategies and implement these tiny, yet powerful shifts in practice at meetings immediately. Tonya Gilchrist has a way of sharing profound wisdom that feels like a supportive conversation with a peer. The book is incredibly authentic and packed with truth, delivered in a "here you go" style that resonates in any learning context. It’s a breath of fresh air for anyone working in schools right now, especially the way it reframes agency as something we build together through community rather than just another thing for individuals to manage on their own.

What really resonates is how the book shifts the goal of learning and leading toward deep thinking and a collective practice. This kind of engagement does more than just get things done; it empowers every person and student in the building and fosters a meaningful culture of growth and collective empowerment. By focusing on small, intentional habits, Tonya shows how we can move away from a culture of compliance toward one where everyone has the voice and the space to thrive. I love how this book makes such a powerful, transformative vision feel achievable for any school community. I know I'll personally be referring to it for years to come. A highly-recommended resource for all school leaders working to build culture authentically and with clear, intentional steps on how to get there.

[Swarkc · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever had a team that just waits to be told what to do—or a class that’s perfectly behaved but kind of… flat—this book gets at that problem directly with straightforward, helpful tips you can implement tomorrow morning. The best part is the idea of the “tiny shift.” It’s not asking you to overhaul everything. It’s about small, concrete changes—like how you phrase a question—that actually build agency over time.

Gilchrist's book pushes on control and compliance without pretending those things are optional. It assumes you’re under pressure and works from there, not against you. The frameworks are simple enough to remember mid-day but not simplistic. “Feed Up, Feed Back, Feed Forward” and “Interdependence over Independence” actually stick. It works across contexts as well: school, leadership, anywhere—you’re still dealing with people who either contribute or comply.

This book is less about systems and more about how people show up in them. If you’re trying to move past managing behaviour and actually get people thinking, it’s a valuable resource that will help you make immediate changes!