For incarcerated individuals, preparing for life after release is just as important as serving their time. One of the most impactful ways inmates can start that preparation is by reading books that build real-life skills, tools that can help them reenter society, secure employment, rebuild relationships, and make better choices.
At SureShot Books Publishing LLC, we understand the importance of education and self-development during incarceration. That’s why we’ve spent over 30 years providing inmates with access to correctional facility-approved books that inspire transformation, teach practical skills, and offer hope for a better future.
Why Life Skills Matter for Inmates
Life outside of prison comes with challenges, finding a job, managing money, reconnecting with loved ones, and avoiding past mistakes. Books that teach life skills help inmates:
- Develop a strong mindset for reentry
- Learn how to manage responsibilities
- Build better relationships
- Plan for education or employment
- Understand and regulate emotions
- Create a structured and positive lifestyle
Learning doesn’t have to stop because someone is incarcerated, in fact, reading can be the start of something better.
Top 10 Best Books That Teach Inmates Life Skills
Here are some of the most impactful, correctional-approved books that help inmates build practical life skills for a fresh start outside prison walls.
1. Today: Turning Your Passion Into Your Profession
What It Teaches:
This inspiring guide helps readers identify their passions and map out a career or business path after incarceration. It covers mindset, purpose, and actionable steps for building a fulfilling future.
Key Life Skills:
- Goal-setting
- Entrepreneurship
- Career planning
Why It’s a Top Pick:
It empowers inmates to turn their talents into opportunities and take control of their destiny after release.
2. Beyond the Field
What It Teaches:
While rooted in sports, this book focuses on lessons learned through discipline, teamwork, and leadership, skills that translate directly to life after prison.
Key Life Skills:
- Leadership
- Self-discipline
- Responsibility
Why It’s a Top Pick:
This book shows how to apply athletic principles like focus and resilience to everyday life, making it great for those who want structure and personal growth.
3. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
What It Teaches:
This bestselling book outlines seven powerful habits that lead to personal and professional effectiveness. It’s used in reentry programs and correctional education across the country.
Key Life Skills:
- Time management
- Prioritization
- Integrity and accountability
Why It’s a Top Pick:
It’s a complete blueprint for responsible living, a must-read for anyone preparing to reenter society with a plan.
4. 22 – A Guide for Young Athletes: Built by Athletes. For Athletes.
What It Teaches:
Although targeted at athletes, this book offers powerful advice on building the right mindset, staying disciplined, and setting clear goals.
Key Life Skills:
- Mental strength
- Focus and discipline
- Self-awareness
Why It’s a Top Pick:
Perfect for young inmates or anyone needing help with structure, mindset, and performance in everyday life.
5. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
What It Teaches:
This timeless classic teaches that thoughts shape character and circumstances. A short, powerful read that encourages personal responsibility and mental discipline.
Key Life Skills:
- Positive thinking
- Self-control
- Personal responsibility
Why It’s a Top Pick:
It helps inmates understand that change starts from within, which is the foundation for success post-release.
6. The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
What It Teaches:
This straightforward book teaches the basics of personal finance, how to save money, get out of debt, and build financial freedom.
Key Life Skills:
- Budgeting
- Saving
- Debt elimination
Why It’s a Top Pick:
Financial literacy is one of the most overlooked yet critical skills for returning citizens, and this book delivers clear steps.
7. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
What It Teaches:
While not a how-to guide, this powerful memoir teaches empathy, justice, and humanity. It gives inmates hope and reminds them of the value of redemption.
Key Life Skills:
- Empathy
- Emotional intelligence
- Understanding the justice system
Why It’s a Top Pick:
A transformational story that encourages reflection, healing, and self-compassion.
8. Letters to an Incarcerated Brother by Hill Harper
What It Teaches:
Hill Harper’s heartfelt letters address everything from spiritual growth to education, family, and financial planning.
Key Life Skills:
- Emotional wellness
- Personal development
- Communication
Why It’s a Top Pick:
Written directly for incarcerated readers, this book provides real-life advice and inspiration to make the most of their time inside.
9. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle
What It Teaches:
This international bestseller focuses on mindfulness, presence, and emotional control. It’s a deep but accessible read that helps inmates quiet their minds and become more aware of their thoughts and actions.
Key Life Skills:
- Emotional regulation
- Mindfulness
- Self-awareness
Why It’s a Great Fit for Inmates:
The ability to be present and centered is crucial during incarceration. This book can help inmates let go of anger, regret, and anxiety, and instead focus on building peace from within.
10. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
What It Teaches:
This bestselling classic explores the psychology of power, influence, and strategy. While sometimes controversial, it provides readers with a deep understanding of how decisions, perception, and social dynamics work, knowledge that can be crucial for navigating both prison and post-incarceration life.
Key Life Skills:
- Strategic thinking
- Social awareness
- Personal control
Why It’s a Great Fit for Inmates:
Inmates often live in high-stress environments where understanding people, setting boundaries, and managing emotions are key. This book helps develop a more informed, controlled, and thoughtful approach to relationships and decisions.
Why Order Life Skills Books from SureShot Books?
For over three decades, SureShot Books Publishing LLC has been a trusted name in helping inmates prepare for a better future. We specialize in correctional-approved titles and have long-standing partnerships with correctional facilities nationwide.
Why Families and Friends Trust Us:
- Approved reading materials for all major U.S. prisons
- Titles focused on rehabilitation and reentry
- Easy ordering and fast delivery
- Real-world support for real-world change
When you send a book, you send a message of hope, encouragement, and opportunity.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Growth, One Page at a Time
Books that teach life skills do more than fill time, they build the foundation for a better future. Whether it’s learning how to manage money, control emotions, communicate better, or plan for a career, these books give inmates the tools they need to succeed on the outside.
If you're looking to help a loved one grow, recover, and rebuild, send them a book that matters.
Order now from SureShot Books Publishing LLC and give the gift of learning, growth, and lasting change.
Contact SureShot Books
Have questions or need help placing an order? We’re here to assist you.
- Email: jessica@sureshotbooks.com
- Phone: 845.675.7505
- Website: www.sureshotbooks.com
For over 30 years, SureShot Books has proudly served families and loved ones by delivering correctional facility-approved books nationwide. Let us help you send a book that truly makes a difference.