Social Action

Reading Program 2002

ACTUAL INNOCENCE
Penguin Putnam
297 pages
Barry Scheck, Peter Neufeld and Jim Dwyer (#3401) /$7.00

This book offers a startling and compelling look into the inadequacies of a criminal justice system in disarray through the stories of ten innocent people who were finally freed due to the work of dedicated crusaders. An excellent resource for the 2002-2003 mission study on Restorative Justice.

BARBARA JORDAN, AMERICAN HERO [A BONUS BOOK]
Random House, 1998
414 pages
Mary Beth Rogers (#3405) /$14.95

This is an inspiring biography of Barbara Jordan, the African-American Congresswoman famous for her role in the impeachment hearings of President Richard Nixon. Raised in the black community and church of Houston, Texas, she became against great odds an effective politician and moral voice of her time. This book counts as two Social Action books.

DEFENDING THE SPIRIT: A BLACK LIFE IN AMERICA [A BONUS BOOK]
Plume Books, 1999
304 pages
Randall Robinson (#3410) /$12.95

The author rose from a poor childhood in the segregated South to become a distinguished political activist. His powerful and poignant story of personal and political struggle is a searing depiction of racism at home and abroad. This book counts as two Social Action books.

DOING WHAT’S RIGHT ER
Random House, 2000
144 pages
Tavis Smiley (#3412) /$10.00

The author urges us to get involved and make a difference in the world, instead of wringing our hands about its state. Sharing examples from his own life, he suggests concrete ways to advocate for change.

ENDING RACISM IN THE CHURCH (S&D)
Pilgrim Press, 1998
149 pages
Susan E. Davies and Sister Paul Teresa Hennessee, eds. (#3415) /$12.95

Speaking boldly to church members everywhere, this book raises awareness of how racism influences behavior and spawns hatred. Four case studies illustrate how groups are working to eliminate racism. A guide is included to help groups discuss issues.

GRACE AT THE TABLE: ENDING HUNGER IN GOD’S WORLD
Paulist Press, 1999
219 pages
David Beckmann and Arthur Simon (#3428) /$10.95

Written by the president and founder of Bread for the World, this book uses heartfelt personal stories to illustrate ways to end hunger in God’s world. Widespread global hunger is no longer inevitable. All we need is the will to change the situation.

HARVEST OF EMPIRE: A HISTORY OF LATINOS IN AMERICA [A BONUS BOOK]
Penguin USA, 2001
346 pages
Juan Gonzalez (#3430) /$14.00

This epic and inspiring story traces the triumphs and tragedies of Hispanic experience in the United States. Portraits of immigrant pioneers from South and Central America help us better understand the conditions that force many to seek a new life in this country. A helpful resource for the 2002-2003 mission study on Mexico. This book can count as two books–one in Social Action and one in Education for Mission

LIFE LESSONS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME
Putnam Publishing Group, 2000
255 pages
Andrea Young (#3438) $15.00

This eloquent book celebrates the author’s mother, Jean Young, a respected advocate in the Civil Rights and children’s rights movements, and wife of former U.N. Ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young. It’s a loving tribute to a good mother, a life well lived, and faith that sustained a family during turbulent times.

LOCKDOWN AMERICA: POLICE AND PRISONS IN THE AGE OF CRISIS [A BONUS BOOK]
Verso, 2000
290 pages
Christian Parenti (#3440) /$14.00

Over 1.7 million Americans live in prisons, a 300% increase since 1980. In documenting the horrors of corporate prisons, gang sweeps, border raids, and jailhouse violence, the author moves toward a deeper understanding of the links between crime and politics in a period of gathering economic crisis. An excellent resource for the 2002-2003 mission study on Restorative Justice. This book counts as two Social Action books.

THE LOST BOY
Health Communications, Inc., 1997
340 pages
David Pelzer (#3441) /$10.95

In this sequel to A Child Called It, the author traces his move from his own dysfunctional home to search for love and understanding in five different foster homes. Tears and laughter, devastation and hope play parts in his testimony to the need for quality foster care and a caring social service system.

THE NEW INEQUALITY: CREATING SOLUTIONS FOR POOR AMERICA
Beacon Press, 1999
83 pages
Richard B. Freeman (#3446) /$10.00

The United States is the richest nation in the world, yet many of our people have become poorer over the last two decades. In a brief, readable book, the author offers real solutions to the problem: raise the income of the working class, reinvest in cities, and encourage local citizens’ organizations.

ORDINARY RESURRECTIONS: CHILDREN IN THE YEARS OF HOPE [A BONUS BOOK]
HarperCollins, 2001
388 pages
Jonathan Kozol (#3447) /$14.00

Hopeful, funny and sad stories of children living in poverty reflect the role of devoted teachers and a church that provides a warm, safe, and nurturing place. The result: ordinary resurrections, the small miracles that occur in children’s lives as they rise and rise again in spite of their circumstances. This book counts as two Social Action books.

STOLEN HARVEST: THE HIJACKING OF THE GLOBAL FOOD SUPPLY (DR)
South End Press, 2000
146 pages
Vandana Shiva (#3463) /$14.00

This impassioned and inspiring book charts the impact of globalized agriculture on small farmers, the environment, and the quality of our food. Readers gain understanding of debates about genetic engineering and corporate agriculture.

A STRANGE FREEDOM: THE BEST OF HOWARD THURMAN ON RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE AND PUBLIC LIFE
Beacon Press, 1999
340 pages
Howard Thurman (#3466) /$15.00

Known as a mystic and a deeply spiritual person, Howard Thurman was also an activist who worked for civil rights and peace. This collection of sermons illustrates both sides of a famed African-American church leader and demonstrates the balance between the inner search of the spirit and the outward struggle for justice.