Over the last few evenings I’ve noticed the sun sinking down a bit earlier, a sure sign that autumn is near. But there’s still over a month of summer left…which in my world means there’s still plenty of light to read by.
In my days as a high school English teacher, one of my greatest joys was hearing students recommend books to one another to read over vacation. They’d discover not only common reading interests, but common values and beliefs. Books truly do have the power to build relationships and strengthen commitments. That’s why we decided to see what our friends and followers enjoyed reading—we specifically asked for books that explore the kinds of social justice issues we work on here at the League. My heart leaped when our Facebook followers shared dozens of titles we could dig into over the next few weeks.
Here’s a partial list for your end-of-summer book binge. You can find all the recommendations here.* Have a book you’d like to add? Leave us a comment!
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond | This book provides a vivid and wrenching look into the lives of eight families in Milwaukee as they struggle with housing issues. Several folks recommended this read, and our partners at ACCESS chose it as their book club selection this summer.
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein| In an exploration of the laws and policy decisions passed by local, state and federal governments, Rothstein traces the history of racist segregation in America.
White Fragility: Why it’s so Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo | Recommended by several of our Facebook followers, this book addresses the behaviors among White people that protect racial inequality and prevent meaningful cross-racial dialogue. DiAngelo explores how white fragility develops and also provides thoughtful insights on how people can engage more constructively.
Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon | This personal story reflects on abuse and trauma as well as the state of American society.
Just Mercy: A Story of Jutice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson | Written by the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, this book provides an account of our broken criminal justice system by following the story of a man who was sentenced to die for a murder he insisted he did not commit.
Not a Crime to be Poor: The Criminalization of Poverty in America by Peter Edelman | By shining a light on policies, fees, fines and regulations that unfairly target Americans who are homeless and have low incomes, this book provides a complete look at systems that seal entire communities into poverty.
We hope you seek out some books that will feed your soul, your heart and your mind this month. There’s still plenty of daylight left.
*The books included on this list have been recommended by our Facebook followers. They do not necessarily have the League’s endorsement.
Emily Jorgensen joined the Michigan League for Public Policy in July 2019. She deeply cares about the well-being of individuals and families and has a great love for Michigan. She is grateful that her position at the League enables her to combine these passions and work to help promote policies that will lead to better opportunities and security for all Michiganders.
Jacob Kaplan 
Mikell Frey is a communications professional with a passion for using the art of storytelling to positively impact lives. She strongly believes that positive social change can be inspired by the sharing of data-driven information coupled with the unique perspectives of people from all walks of life across Michigan, especially those who have faced extraordinary barriers. 
Rachel Richards rejoined the League in December 2020 as the Fiscal Policy Director working on state budget and tax policies. Prior to returning to the League, she served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Department of Treasury, the tax policy analyst and Legislative Director for the Michigan League for Public Policy, and a policy analyst and the Appropriations Coordinator for the Democratic Caucus of the Michigan House of Representatives. She brings with her over a decade of experience in policies focused on economic opportunity, including workforce issues, tax, and state budget.
Donald Stuckey 
Patrick Schaefer
Alexandra Stamm 
Amari Fuller
Renell Weathers, Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) Community Engagement Consultant. As community engagement consultant, Renell works with organizations throughout the state in connecting the impact of budget and tax policies to their communities. She is motivated by the belief that all children and adults deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or economic class.
Megan Farnsworth joined the League’s staff in December 2022 as Executive Assistant. Megan is driven by work that is personally fulfilling, and feels honored to help support the work of an organization that pushes for more robust programming and opportunities for the residents of our state. She’s excited and motivated to gain overarching knowledge of the policies and agendas that the League supports.
Yona Isaacs (she/hers) is an Early Childhood Data Analyst for the Kids Count project. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan, she began her career as a research coordinator in pediatric psychiatry using data to understand the impacts of brain activity and genetics on children’s behavior and mental health symptoms. This work prompted an interest in exploring social determinants of health and the role of policy in promoting equitable opportunities for all children, families, and communities. She returned to the University of Michigan to complete her Masters in Social Work focused on Social Policy and Evaluation, during which she interned with the ACLU of Michigan’s policy and legislative team and assisted local nonprofit organizations in creating data and evaluation metrics. She currently serves as a coordinator for the Michigan Center for Youth Justice on a project aiming to increase placement options and enhance cultural competency within the juvenile justice system for LGBTQIA+ youth. Yona is eager to put her data skills to work at the League in support of data-driven policies that advocate for equitable access to healthcare, education, economic security, and opportunity for 0-5 year old children. In her free time, she enjoys tackling DIY house projects and trying new outdoor activities with her dog.
Amber Bellazaire joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a policy analyst in June of 2019. Her work primarily focuses on state policy and budgets affecting Michigan’s Medicaid programs. Previously, Amber worked at the National Conference of State Legislatures tracking legislation and research related to injury and violence prevention, adolescent health, and maternal and child health. She also brings with her two years of Americorps service. As a full time volunteer, Amber had the opportunity to tutor high school students in Chelsea, Massachusetts and address issues of healthcare access and food insecurity through in-person outreach in Seattle, Washington.
Simon Marshall-Shah joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a State Policy Fellow in August 2019. His work focuses on state policy as it relates to the budget, immigration, health care and other League policy priorities. Before joining the League, he worked in Washington, D.C. at the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), providing federal policy and advocacy support to nonprofit, Medicaid health plans (Safety Net Health Plans) related to the ACA Marketplaces as well as Quality & Operations.
Thanks,Laura. Have heard good things about #s 1,2,3,and 6 on this list.
Currently reading,and recommend,Jane McAlevey’s No Shortcuts: Organizing for Power in the New Gilded Age,and Whose Detroit? Politics,Labor,and Race in a Modern American City by Heather Ann Thompson. McAlevey’s academic credentials are informed by her many years as a community and union organizer. The latter book mentions Schoolcraft Gardens,a well-organized attempt at building in central city Detroit during the McCarthy era,a racially and religiously integrated housing community. It was derailed by a group of white citizens opposed to integrated housing,and vetoed by then-mayor Jerome Cavanaugh. My parents,Eunice and Maury Beck,were involved in the planning. But the failure of Schoolcraft Gardens ended up being the League’s gain,as our family left Detroit for the Lansing area in 1955.
Thank you for your input, Natasha! Your parents are indeed legends here at the League! We’ll definitely check out these books.
Thank you for all your good work.
Correction: Mayor Cobo vetoed.The Schoolcraft Gardens .