“Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them at all.” —Henry David Thoreau
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood
by Trevor Noah
“This book came out almost 10 years ago so I’m late to the game, but it was fascinating to hear Noah’s perspective as a biracial person growing up under Apartheid in South Africa. He talks about race and language and connection in a way that is both relevant and unique from the USA conversations about race.”
The House in the Cerulean Sea and Somewhere Beyond the Sea (Coming Sept. 16)
by TJ Klune
“Part two to this much-loved and much-anticipated work is coming soon! In the first book, a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth travels a great distance to check on a residential operation housing a number of especially unique young people. Hijinx ensue.”
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
by Isabel Wilkerson
Isaebel Wilkerson wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winner, The Warmth of Other Suns. This latest book called Caste is about the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and shows how our lives are still defined today by a hierarchy of human divisions. This title made Oprah’s Book Club!
Demon Copperhead
by Barbara Kingsolver
“This fictional novel is a retelling of the Charles Dickens classic David Copperfield. In this retelling, the main character is thrust into the child welfare system in 1990s Appalachia. The book addresses a myriad of issues such as substance abuse, poverty, mental health, crime, neglect, and more. The book is a stark portrayal at times but gave many of us food for thought in the work we do and the supports our children and families need.”
Ferris
by Kate DiCamillo
“This is a charming coming-of-age story about one summer and love and loss for Ferris, a soon-to-be fifth grader who lives with her mom, dad, younger sister, grandmother, uncle, and dog. It’s a heartwarming story of family and friendship that will make you laugh and cry in all the best ways.”
With the Fire on High
by Elizabeth Acevedo
“A beautiful story about Emoni, a high-school senior who lives with her aging grandmother and is also caring for her own young daughter. Emoni loves to cook and has dreams of pursuing the culinary arts. She has some tough decisions to make about how she takes care of her responsibilities while also following her talents and passions.”
Follow the Love: Permanent Connections Scaffolding
by Elizabeth Wynter, Marisha Kashyap, and Gaelin Elmore
“Very few books combine research and decades of expertise in the field with stories from a lived experience expert. This book does that. The authors highlight the importance of permanent connections in the lives of young people transitioning out of the foster care system and provide a visionary roadmap and framework on how to do so. They describe “Follow the Love” as, “A compelling call to action, resonating with child welfare professionals, policymakers, and anyone deeply concerned about the well-being of transitioning youths.” This book provides inspiration, motivation, and practical action steps to co-creating permanent connections with young people rather than for them.”
Garbage Bag Suitcase: A Memior
by Shenandoah Chefalo
“Shendandoah Chefalo will be one of our keynote speakers at the Texas Child Care Administrators Conference this year. I read her memoir last summer and really appreciated learning more of her story.”
Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World
by Vivek Murthy
“Vivek Murthy, former US Surgeon General, discusses how loneliness and social isolation contributes to the current mental health crisis and shares compelling and practical ways we can build community and connection in our everyday lives.”
What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma
by Stephanie Foo
“This memoir is by Stephanie Foo who will be the opening keynote speaker for our TCCAC 2024 conference. She deeply investigates C-PTSD.”
