It’s August and we’re in the dead-heat of the summer, so I thought it would be fun to share a round-up of books that I particularly love in the social justice space. While I read a lot of books focused on best practices and methodologies in this space too, these are books that eloquently balance engaging storytelling with informative knowledge. They’re perfect for a summer read. In fact, I think I’ve read all of these during the summer by the lake or pool, now that I think of it! Perhaps you have a summer vacay around the corner or you’re stretching out by the pool and you’d like a good book to read. Well, here are 5 of my favorites, comin’ at you fast!

I’ve been thinking a lot about the earth lately…and our connection to it as humanity too. Anyone else? Perhaps it’s a combination of the recent arrival of spring, having celebrated Earth Day last month, or the fact that we’re stuck inside a bit more than we’re used to – Maybe it’s a combination of all three! As such, I thought it was appropriate timing to make our incredible earth the topic of discussion for another month, at least.

If I’m being honest, quarantine has NOT been a time to relax over here. If anything, I’ve been WAY busier – just the way I prefer it to be though! But I have taken way more walks than usual, and that’s where many of these thoughts were formed. So if you don’t like this one, blame it on the crazy quarantine thoughts, and if you do like it, well then I’ll take all the credit and attribute it to getting more fresh air and sunshine than usual! 😉

One of the top 5 most memorable experiences I’ve had in my life was meeting our sponsored child in person. I mean, look at him! Isn’t he cute?

His name is Dawensley and he’s 11 years old. He lives in Figuier, Haiti. His favorite color is red. He lives with his grandmother, while his parents are working in Port-au-Prince. He has 7 siblings. In his spare time he likes to play soccer and help his grandmother with dishes (yep, that’s what he told me! Chores are part of what he enjoys doing in his free time.) He’s in the second grade and he wants to be a doctor.

Perhaps these are all things I could have learned through The 410 Bridge or by writing letters back and forth, but I actually got to ask him questions in person! I got to see his reactions, mannerisms, and facial expressions. I got to hear his soft voice.

Awhile back, I came across NASA astronaut, Mark Kelly’s, remarks about how he’s seen the earth visibly change from his view in outer space. After describing what he’s seen, such as the vastly visible deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest, he concluded, “As an astronaut, I’m often asked about the climate, our environment and how we are destroying the Earth. My response often surprises people. ‘Don’t worry about the planet, the Earth will be just fine’, I tell them. ‘What you need to worry about is us – all of us.’”

It wasn’t until I read this, that I started to think about our environment and the “global warming” controversy in a different light. Maybe it was his choice of words that really struck me – making me really think about how damaging our actions can be to the earth, and then how that directly affects humanity. Of course, I care about our world, but the environment wasn’t always top of mind for me like social issues were, until… he connected it back to people. As I dig into it, I’m learning more about how our world is interconnected, and how our actions, really do come back to affect us…good or bad. Call it karma, fate, science, God’s design, the truth is, our environmental actions are affecting all of us, and not only is it affecting the poor first, it’s affecting them worst.