These agile project management books don't just gather dust on my shelf—they're my tried and true resources. If you're eager to grasp the latest strategies and nuances in agile, you're in the right place.
15 Best Agile Project Management Books
Having poured through countless titles, I've curated this list to address your agile project management needs. All these books are available on Amazon.
- Agile Estimating and Planning by Mike Cohn
- Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time by Jeff Sutherland and J.J. Sutherland
- Large-Scale Scrum: More with LeSS by Craig Larman
- Coaching Agile Teams by Lyssa Adkins
- User Stories Applied: For Agile Software Development by Mike Cohn
- The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
- The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win by Gene Kim
- Project Management the Agile Way by John Goodpasture
- The Agile Samurai: How Agile Masters Deliver Great Software by Jonathan Rasmusson
- The Agile Mindset: Making Agile Processes Work by Gil Broza
- Doing Agile Right: Transformation Without Chaos by Darrell Rigby, Sarah Elk, and Steve Berez
- The Art of Agile Development by James Shore
- Essential Scrum: A Practical Guide to the Most Popular Agile Process by Kenneth Rubin
- Agile Project Management For Dummies by Mark C. Layton, Steven J. Ostermiller and Dean J. Kynaston
- Agile Project Management by Jeffrey Ries
Overviews Of The 15 Best Books for Agile Project Management
1. Agile Estimating and Planning by Mike Cohn
Summary:
Mike Cohn's Agile Estimating and Planning bridges the gap between the agile principles of iterative development and the practicalities of project planning. The book illuminates how to create realistic agile project plans, providing a guide for any agile team.
What You'll Learn:
You will gain insights into estimating agile projects, including techniques to size user stories using story points and ideal days. The book also delves into iteration planning, release planning, and strategies to plan for risk.
Why You Should Read It:
For those who feel agile methods may lack structured planning, this book dispels the myths and outlines a framework that combines agility with effective estimation and planning.
Quote From The Book:
"Agile estimating and planning supports any agile, semiagile, or iterative process, including Scrum, XP, Feature-Driven Development, Crystal, Adaptive Software Development, DSDM, and others."
About The Author:
Mike Cohn is a renowned agile practitioner and founder of Mountain Goat Software. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
2. Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time by Jeff Sutherland and J.J. Sutherland
Summary:
Jeff and J.J. Sutherland take readers on a journey into the world of Scrum, a revolutionary project management approach. With anecdotes and real-world applications, they illustrate how Scrum can transform the way work is done.
What You'll Learn:
Learn the core principles of Scrum, including roles, ceremonies, and artifacts. Understand the philosophy behind rapid iteration, continuous improvement, and the importance of team collaboration in the Scrum framework.
Why You Should Read It:
If you're looking to transform your work processes, increase productivity, and bring more value in less time, this book serves as the definitive guide to Scrum's transformative potential.
Quote From The Book:
"Scrum's starting point is a humble admission: we can't plan our way out of problems. We have to do our way out of problems."
About The Author:
Jeff Sutherland is the co-creator of Scrum, and J.J. Sutherland is the CEO of Scrum Inc. Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn and Twitter. Connect with J.J. Sutherland on LinkedIn.
3. Large-Scale Scrum: More with LeSS by Craig Larman
Summary:
Large-Scale Scrum dives into the challenges and solutions of scaling agile development with Scrum. Craig Larman explains how to apply the Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS) framework in large-scale operations without compromising the fundamental principles of Scrum.
What You'll Learn:
Grasp the LeSS principles, framework, and rules. Understand how to implement agile practices in large-scale environments, manage multi-team coordination, and align and coordinate with larger organizational needs.
Why You Should Read It:
For organizations that wish to scale agile across large teams and departments, this book provides an invaluable roadmap for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of Scrum.
Quote From The Book:
"Simplicity–the art of maximizing the amount of work not done–is essential."
About The Author:
Craig Larman is a thought leader in the world of agile and Scrum methodologies.
4. Coaching Agile Teams by Lyssa Adkins
Summary:
Lyssa Adkins presents a comprehensive guide tailored for those transitioning into the roles of Scrum Masters, agile coaches, and modern project managers. The book offers deep insights into the mindset, role, and skills necessary to be an effective coach in an agile environment.
What You'll Learn:
Discover how to nurture agile teams to reach peak performance, facilitate the collaboration and engagement of team members, and handle conflicts in an agile context. Learn the nuances of coaching agile roles, from developers and product owners to stakeholders.
Why You Should Read It:
If you're stepping into an agile coaching role or want to enhance your current coaching techniques, this book serves as a thorough guide to mastering the art and science of agile coaching.
Quote From The Book:
"Coaching is the side of agile that’s all about people, about our higher selves, about becoming the best we can be."
About The Author:
Lyssa Adkins has been in the IT industry for decades and transitioned to agile coaching after observing the transformational power of agile methodologies. Connect with her on LinkedIn, Twitter, and her personal website.
5. User Stories Applied: For Agile Software Development by Mike Cohn
Summary:
Mike Cohn delves deep into the practice of constructing user stories, a foundational element of agile software development. The book sheds light on the techniques to write user stories that capture requirements from the user's perspective, promoting better products.
What You'll Learn:
Understand the core components of a user story and the benefits they offer. Learn how to gather requirements in the form of user stories, split them, and prioritize them. Also, get insights into planning and managing releases and iterations using user stories.
Why You Should Read It:
For those seeking to create more user-centered software and ensure clear communication between developers and stakeholders, this book offers invaluable techniques and practices.
Quote From The Book:
"Conversations about user stories shift the emphasis from writing about features to discussing them."
About The Author:
Mike Cohn, as mentioned previously, is an influential figure in the agile community. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
6. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Summary:
Eric Ries introduces a new approach to business that's transforming the way companies are built and products are launched.
The Lean Startup covers prioritizing adaptability and flexibility, advocating for building minimum viable products, measuring real progress without resorting to vanity metrics, and learning what customers truly want.
What You'll Learn:
Dive into the principles of creating a successful startup using a systematic, scientific approach. Learn about the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop, understanding when to pivot versus when to persevere, and how to adapt and adjust before spending excessive time and money.
Why You Should Read It:
For any entrepreneur or business leader looking to innovate more efficiently and cultivate a sustainable startup, this book lays down the essential blueprint.
Quote From The Book:
“Startup success can be engineered by following the process, which means it can be learned, which means it can be taught.”
About The Author:
Eric Ries is an entrepreneur and the creator of the lean startup methodology. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
7. The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win by Gene Kim
Summary:
Using a narrative structure, Gene Kim provides readers with a look into the world of IT and DevOps. The novel follows an IT manager as he faces a series of challenges and, with the help of a mentor, navigates the world of DevOps to transform his company's IT department.
What You'll Learn:
Witness the trials and tribulations of a fictional company, gaining insights into the principles and practices of DevOps. Understand the importance of breaking down silos, enhancing collaboration between development and operations, and accelerating delivery.
Why You Should Read It:
This engaging book offers a unique combination of entertainment and education, making complex DevOps concepts accessible and relatable.
Quote From The Book:
“Improving daily work is even more important than doing daily work.”
About The Author:
Gene Kim is a multi-award-winning CTO, researcher, and author. He's a prominent figure in the DevOps community. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.
8. Project Management the Agile Way by John Goodpasture
Summary:
John Goodpasture's Project Management the Agile Way is a comprehensive guide designed for project managers adapting to the agile approach in more extensive corporate environments. The book addresses the challenges and intricacies of implementing agile in enterprise settings, while also offering practical solutions and insights.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will gain insights into how agile and traditional project management practices can coexist and complement each other. The book touches on integrating agile with mainstream project management software and demonstrates how to scale agile for enterprise-level projects.
Why You Should Read It:
For project managers seeking to navigate the complexities of agile in larger corporate settings, this book provides invaluable strategies and best practices.
Quote From The Book:
"Balancing agility with structured project management is crucial for enterprise success."
About The Author:
John Goodpasture is an experienced project management professional and consultant with a deep understanding of agile methodologies. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
9. The Agile Samurai: How Agile Masters Deliver Great Software by Jonathan Rasmusson
Summary:
Jonathan Rasmusson's The Agile Samurai brings readers into the world of agile project management and software development. The book offers a mix of practical wisdom, real-world examples, and insightful techniques for mastering the art of agile.
What You'll Learn:
Uncover the core principles behind agile, understand the nuances of iterative delivery, and grasp the tools and techniques that make agile teams successful.
This will help software engineers and programmers in extreme programming, software projects and agile product management. The book also provides insights into stakeholder engagement, feature prioritization, and continuous improvement.
Why You Should Read It:
This book serves as an essential guide for good teams of software developers and project managers who want to dive deep into the world of agile, ensuring efficient and effective product development.
Quote From The Book:
"Mastering Agile is about understanding the heart of iteration, feedback, and continuous improvement."
About The Author:
Jonathan Rasmusson is a seasoned software developer with vast experience in agile methodologies. You can connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.
10. The Agile Mindset: Making Agile Processes Work by Gil Broza
Summary:
In The Agile Mindset, Gil Broza delves into the core essence of agile, emphasizing that it's not just a process but a mindset. The book illuminates the values, principles, and practices that foster an agile culture.
What You'll Learn:
Broza outlines the importance of embracing an agile way of thinking, beyond just implementing agile processes. Readers will learn the significance of collaboration, adaptability, and delivering value consistently.
Why You Should Read It:
For those who wish to genuinely understand and embrace agile, this book goes beyond surface-level practices to help readers adopt an authentic agile mindset.
About The Author:
Gil Broza is a dedicated agile coach and mentor. His mission is to make the software industry more effective, humane, and responsible. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.
11. Doing Agile Right: Transformation Without Chaos by Darrell Rigby, Sarah Elk, and Steve Berez
Summary:
Doing Agile Right dives into the practical and balanced application of agile methodologies. The authors discuss how companies can smoothly transform their operations without descending into disarray by correctly implementing agile.
What You'll Learn:
Explore the fine line between agile transformation and chaos. Gain insights on the potential pitfalls and misconceptions associated with agile, how to maintain stability during transformation, and best practices to ensure agile's effectiveness in an organization.
Why You Should Read It:
For business leaders and PMP professionals who want a clear roadmap for agile transformation without the turbulence, this book provides invaluable guidance.
About The Author:
Darrell Rigby, Sarah Elk, and Steve Berez are thought leaders in the field of Agile transformations. Engage with them on their respective LinkedIn profiles for deeper insights: Darrell, Sarah, and Steve.
12. The Art of Agile Development by James Shore
Summary:
James Shore's The Art of Agile Development offers a holistic overview of agile practices, principles, and values. The book functions as a comprehensive tech guide that includes case studies for those looking to grasp the nuances of agile software development.
What You'll Learn:
Discover the inherent philosophy behind agile, its iterative processes, and the techniques that drive successful agile projects. The book also discusses team dynamics, client collaboration, and continuous improvement in the agile context.
Why You Should Read It:
For software developers, project managers, and stakeholders who aim for a deep understanding of agile, this book acts as an all-encompassing guide.
About The Author:
James Shore is a renowned figure in the Agile community, with extensive expertise in software development and Agile practices. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
13. Essential Scrum: A Practical Guide to the Most Popular Agile Process by Kenneth Rubin
Summary:
Kenneth Rubin's Essential Scrum is a comprehensive dive into Scrum, one of the most widely used agile processes. Rubin demystifies Scrum's framework and showcases its applicability in various organizational contexts.
What You'll Learn:
The Scrum guide offers a complete understanding of the Scrum methodology, its roles, ceremonies, and artifacts. Additionally, readers will explore practical tips on implementing Scrum, overcoming common challenges, and ensuring that teams derive maximum value.
Why You Should Read It:
For professionals, involved in product development or those new to agile, this book presents a thorough guide on how to leverage Scrum for project success and be a certified scrum master.
About The Author:
Kenneth Rubin is an agile expert and Scrum enthusiast with years of experience.
14. Agile Project Management For Dummies by Mark C. Layton, Steven J. Ostermiller, and Dean J. Kynaston
Summary:
Agile Project Management For Dummies provides an accessible introduction to agile methodologies. Authored by experts, this guide simplifies the complex facets of agile and offers a roadmap to its efficient execution.
What You'll Learn:
Understand the foundational principles of agile, its various methodologies, and practical techniques. Dive into topics like sprint planning, retrospectives, and stakeholder management within the agile realm.
Why You Should Read It:
Perfect for beginners and those transitioning to agile, this book breaks down the essence of agile project management in an easy-to-grasp manner.
Quote From The Book:
"Embracing Agile is about adaptability, continuous learning, and delivering products that resonate."
About The Authors:
Mark C. Layton, Steven J. Ostermiller, and Dean J. Kynaston are recognized authorities in the Agile domain. Interact with them on their LinkedIn profiles: Mark, Steve, and Dean.
15. Agile Project Management by Jeffrey Ries
Summary:
Jeffrey Ries's compilation provides an exhaustive exploration of agile project management, its methodologies, and its application in software development. This three-in-one guide is an encyclopedia for anyone looking to master agile.
What You'll Learn:
From foundational agile principles to its nuanced methodologies, and further into its practical application in software development, this compilation covers all facets of agile.
Why You Should Read It:
For those seeking a one-stop resource on agile, from its basics to advanced practices, this book is a treasure trove of knowledge.
Quote From The Book:
"Agile is not a one-size-fits-all; it's a framework of principles adaptable to every project's unique demands."
About The Author:
Jeffrey Ries is a seasoned agile practitioner and thought leader.
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