Social justice books

Poverty, by America
What is Poverty, by America about?
“Poverty, by America” is a book by Matthew Desmond that reveals why so many people are poor in the United States. The author argues that many policies and systems benefit the wealthy at the expense of the poor, making it even harder for people to escape poverty. Desmond wants to change how we think about poverty and find better ways to help people who are struggling.

To Kill a Mockingbird
What is To Kill a Mockingbird about?
“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for” is just one of many insightful ideas in the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. Besides, it also touches on themes like racial injustice and the loss of innocence through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl. If you want to read a beloved classic of American literature, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a great choice.

The New Jim Crow
What is The New Jim Crow about?
Systemic racism and mass incarceration — how are these two things connected? "The New Jim Crow" takes a long, hard look at the unfairness of American prison system. Michelle Alexander, a civil rights lawyer and legal scholar, offers historical context to help readers see the issue.

Hood Feminism
What is Hood Feminism about?
“Hood Feminism” is a bold and honest book written by Mikki Kendall about feminism. She reveals how the movement often overlooks the struggles of women of color, particularly those living in marginalized communities. Kendall is a fearless social justice advocate, who underscores the intersection of race, class, and gender.

Disability Visibility
What is Disability Visibility about?
Each disability experience has its unique hardships and lessons. "Disability Visibility", an anthology of first-person essays, offers a view of personal stories. This emotional collection connects readers to the experiences of others.

So You Want to Talk About Race
What is So You Want to Talk About Race about?
“So You Want to Talk About Race” helps readers understand the problems of people of color, explains why racism still exists in society, and demonstrates how to fight it.

Invisible Women
What is Invisible Women about?
“Invisible Women” by Caroline Criado Perez helps us realize that even today's modern and advanced life is based on a male point of view, ignoring women's opinions, needs, and experiences. From the book, we find out how underrepresented females are and how this fact negatively affects not only the women themselves but the world as a whole.

Between the world and me
What is Between the world and me about?
“Between the World and Me” delves deeply into the challenges that Black Americans face in the United States. Author Ta-Nehisi Coates shares his experiences and observations to shed light on the systemic oppression that plagues Black communities. He wants to draw public attention to racism, police brutality, and violence. Coates prompts readers to reflect on the complex issues underlying racial injustice and encourages detailed discussions on addressing and dismantling these injustices.

White Fragility
What is White Fragility about?
When white people are confronted with racism, it's common for them to get defensive. Dr. Robin DiAngelo's book aims to change that. As she puts herself: "Stopping our racist patterns must be more important than working to convince others that we don't have them".

The Story of Jane
What is The Story of Jane about?
Abortions has been part of tense discussions for a long time. "The Story of Jane" by Laura Kaplan depicts the courageous efforts of a group of women in the 60s and 70s who formed an underground network to provide safe abortions. Known as "Jane," this service operated in Chicago and helped thousands of women regain control over their reproductive rights.

A People's History of the United States
What is A People's History of the United States about?
Howard Zinn’s "A People’s History of the United States" tells America’s history from the perspective of marginalized groups and challenges elite-centred narratives. Read and find out about grassroots fights for justice, including workers’ rights, racial equality, and women’s suffrage.

Hidden Figures
What is Hidden Figures about?
Do you know anything about "human computers?" These were people who performed vital calculations that launched rockets and astronauts into space. "Hidden Figures" is a real-life story of African American women mathematicians and their input in NASA’s space achievements. In a male-dominated field, these women persevered and influenced America’s future.

I Am Malala
What is I Am Malala about?
“I Am Malala” is the autobiography of a girl from the Swat Valley who fought for education her whole life. You will learn what Malala Yousafzai faced in the war for rights and freedom.

The Color of Law
What is The Color of Law about?
In addition to human connections and prejudices, segregation in America has also influenced urban planning. Richard Rothstein explores the laws and housing policies related to segregation, proving that this period in history has left an undeniable mark on American cities. His book highlights the role government plays in the way society builds its future.

No One Cares About Crazy People
What is No One Cares About Crazy People about?
“No One Cares About Crazy People” (2017) by Ron Powers showcases the study of mental illness throughout American history. The author talks about his experience – his sons' battle with the disorder. The combination of personal experience, history, and science points to the threat of mental illness and the importance of its treatment.

Ain't I a Woman
What is Ain't I a Woman about?
In “Ain't I a Woman”, Bell Hooks delves into the intricate intersection of race and gender, highlighting the unique struggles of Black women in America. Through a critical lens, she unravels the deep-seated biases that permeate society's foundations. This exploration is a call to recognize, understand, and rectify the multifaceted oppression Black women endure.


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