Better Than We Found It: Conversations to Help Save the World
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
From the New York Times best-selling author of The Black Friend and a seasoned activist comes an indispensable guide to social and political progressivism for young people and anyone wanting to get more involved.
What is disinformation, and how does it influence our lives? How did the wealth gap become so staggeringly wide? Why do so many Americans lack access to quality health care? And—most importantly—what can we do about it all? Through a combination of personal anecdotes and interviews, authors Frederick Joseph and Porsche Joseph make a compelling case for tackling some of the biggest issues of our day, from gun violence, the prison system, transphobia, and indigenous land theft to climate change, education, housing, and immigration. Covering sixteen topics and featuring more than two dozen interviews with prominent activists, authors, actors, and politicians, this it the essential resource for those who want to make the world better than we found it.
Featuring interviews with:
Mehcad Brooks
Keah Brown
Julián Castro
Sonja Cherry-Paul
Chelsea Clinton
Charlotte Clymer
Mari Copeny, aka Little Miss Flint
Greg D’Amato
Jesse Katz
Amed Khan
Daniel Alejandro Leon-Davis
Willy and Jo Lorenz
Ben O’Keefe
Brittany Packnett-Cunningham
Anna Paquin
Robert Reich
Brandon T. Snider
Nic Stone
Anton Treuer
Andrea Tulee
David Villalpando
Elizabeth Warren
Shannon Watts
Natalie Weaver
Brandon Wolf
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Debut author Porsche Joseph and Frederick Joseph (The Black Friend), a married couple, endeavor to "let young people see themselves as vital changemakers" so they "will make vital change" in this affecting work. Using an approachable first-person narration, the Josephs tackle a wide range of topics, including the climate crisis and environmental racism, wealth gaps, and gun violence. Conversations with experts in their respective fields, such as Keah Brown on the dangers of ableism and Chelsea Clinton discussing disinformation, feature throughout, combining to provide a "deeper and more intersectional lens through which to view these vital topics." In "We Have Money for War but Won't Feed the Poor," for example, humanitarian Amed Khan outlines his experiences working with refugees while navigating the U.S.'s military-industrial complex. These interviews elevate what would otherwise read as a familiar contribution to the expanding canon of social activism narratives. Though the creators note that many of the topics discussed can cause discomfort, they argue that it is only through this discomfort that real change can occur. While maintaining a warmth and sense of hope that keeps readers engaged, this worthy read offers necessary deep dives into relevant topics. A glossary and source notes conclude. Ages 12–up.
