Build Knowledge, Skills & Second Chances Through Reading
When it comes to rehabilitation and reentry, education is one of the most powerful tools an inmate can access. Whether it’s earning a GED, building a business mindset, or learning practical life skills, books play a central role in helping incarcerated individuals prepare for a better future. At SureShot Books Publishing LLC, we specialize in sending educational books for inmates, all approved for prison mail and available in paperback for secure delivery to both state and federal correctional facilities.
In this blog, we’re highlighting the top educational books for inmates, all of which are available for fast, compliant delivery through SureShotBooks.com. These titles cover GED prep, business, career training, and self-development, key areas for inmates focused on growth, reentry, and long-term success.
Why Educational Books Matter Behind Bars
Education behind bars is directly tied to lower recidivism rates and better post-release opportunities. Inmates who engage in educational reading often gain:
- A sense of purpose and confidence
- Practical skills for employment
- Credentials for job readiness
- Tools for self-discipline and self-improvement
- Increased literacy and cognitive skills
Whether someone is studying for a GED, preparing for reentry, or exploring entrepreneurship, the right books can help turn time served into time invested.
Top Educational Books for Inmates
(All available on SureShotBooks.com – Paperback, New, and Prison-Approved)
1. GED Test Prep 2024-2025 by The Princeton Review
ISBN: 0593516974
Price: $24.99
This comprehensive GED prep guide is designed to help inmates pass all four subject areas of the GED test: Math, Science, Reasoning Through Language Arts, and Social Studies. With full-length practice exams and detailed strategies, it’s ideal for correctional education programs or individual study.
Perfect for:
Inmates preparing for their high school equivalency exam.
Themes:
- GED test preparation
- Academic confidence
- Literacy and core skills
2. GED Test Prep 2024/2025 for Dummies with Online Practice
ISBN: 9781394287437
Price: $29.99
This all-in-one guide by the trusted For Dummies brand breaks down the GED exam into manageable lessons, covering math, language arts, science, and social studies. With clear explanations, practice tests, and a no-nonsense tone, it’s one of the most inmate-friendly GED prep books available today.
Perfect for:
Inmates seeking a beginner-friendly GED study guide with broad subject coverage.
Themes:
- GED full-subject review
- Practical test strategies
- Confidence-building for adult learners
3. The Side Hustle by Nick Loper
ISBN: 9781095579046
Price: $12.48
This motivational business guide shows inmates how to take a simple idea and turn it into a legal, income-generating hustle, even with limited resources. With easy, step-by-step actions, it’s ideal for those preparing to build income streams upon reentry.
Perfect for:
Inmates preparing for reentry and looking to develop entrepreneurial skills or earn legally and independently.
Themes:
- Entrepreneurship
- Side income strategies
- Reentry economic empowerment
4. The Only Grammar Book You’ll Ever Need by Susan Thurman
ISBN: 9781507223680
Price: $13.99
Improving writing and communication is vital for job applications, interviews, and self-expression. This concise grammar guide helps inmates sharpen their skills in a straightforward, easy-to-understand format.
Perfect for:
Inmates working on GED writing, job readiness, or improving literacy.
Themes:
- Grammar and writing
- Communication
- Literacy development
5. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
ISBN: 9789394178069
Price: $21.32
A classic in personal development, this book teaches the soft skills that make all the difference in the outside world—communication, empathy, and leadership. It’s often used in inmate career prep and self-improvement programs.
Perfect for:
Inmates preparing for interviews, jobs, or leadership roles in reentry.
Themes:
- Social skills
- Relationship-building
- Personal growth
6. Business Made Simple: 60 Days to Master Leadership, Sales, Marketing, Execution, Management, Personal Productivity and More by Donald Miller
ISBN: 9781400203819
Price: $22.99
This structured, 60-day guide breaks down critical business skills into daily lessons. It offers accessible, real-world strategies that inmates can internalize and later apply to jobs, side hustles, or entrepreneurship.
Perfect for:
Inmates focused on career skills, leadership development, or business-minded reentry.
Themes:
- Business education
- Self-discipline
- Practical leadership
7. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
ISBN: 9781982137274
Price: $19.99
This best-selling personal development book is foundational for any inmate seeking transformation. The habits taught like being proactive, setting goals, and sharpening personal vision—are life-changing tools during incarceration and after release.
Perfect for:
Any inmate working toward personal growth and long-term success.
Themes:
- Mindset and motivation
- Personal responsibility
- Reentry preparation
8. Resume Writing 2024 by Lisa McGrimmon
ISBN: 9781502429322
Price: $24.37
Writing a resume from inside prison can be challenging, but this guide breaks it down clearly. With templates, modern examples, and sections specifically for those with gaps in employment, it’s a reentry must-have.
Perfect for:
Inmates preparing for work release, parole, or post-incarceration employment.
Themes:
- Career readiness
- Professional writing
- Employment preparation
Why Families & Programs Choose SureShot for Inmate Education
SureShot Books is more than a bookstore, we’re a trusted partner for inmate literacy, rehabilitation, and reentry preparation. When you order from SureShotBooks.com, you get:
- 100% Paperback, Prison-Compliant Books
- Fast & Secure Delivery to Federal & State Facilities
- Trusted by families, reentry programs, and prison educators
- A wide collection of GED, business, and career-building books
Plus, we simplify the process of sending books with accurate packaging, no restricted materials, and complete DOC-compliant labeling.
Tips for Sending Educational Books to Inmates
When sending books to someone incarcerated, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Only paperback books are allowed (no hardcover, spiral-bound, or used books).
- Always include the inmate's full name, ID number, and facility address at checkout.
- Do not send more than 2–3 books per package, unless the prison allows otherwise.
- Do not include letters or notes with the book order.
- Always order from a trusted vendor like SureShotBooks.com to ensure acceptance.
Final Thoughts
Education is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to an incarcerated loved one. With the right books, inmates can study for their GED, develop career skills, plan for business opportunities, and most importantly, build a new life with knowledge, purpose, and dignity.
All the books listed above are approved for prison delivery, available in paperback, and shipped securely through SureShotBooks.com.
Invest in their future today—order educational books for inmates at SureShotBooks.com.
