{"product_id":"better-than-we-found-it-conversations-to-help-save-the-world-isbn-9781536233025","title":"Better Than We Found It: Conversations to Help Save the World","description":"\u003cb\u003e“Accessible and enlightening. . . . Whether considered individually or taken as a whole, these crucial topics will shape the future, and the Josephs want readers to be ready to join the conversation.” —\u003ci\u003eBooklist \u003c\/i\u003e(starred review)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat 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 is \u003ci\u003ethe \u003c\/i\u003eessential resource for those who want to make the world better than we found it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eFeaturing interviews with:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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 WolfWhile this material is both accessible and enlightening, the most compelling parts of the book are when the co-authors share personal experiences. They tell stories about events they've witnessed, recalling their emotions and reactions, and explaining the lasting effects. . . . Whether considered individually or taken as a whole, these crucial topics will shape the future, and the Josephs want readers to be ready to join the conversation.\u003cbr\u003e—Booklist (starred review)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsing 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. . . . While maintaining a warmth and sense of hope that keeps readers engaged, this worthy read offers necessary deep dives into relevant topics.\u003cbr\u003e—Publishers Weekly\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerfect for anyone interested in helping others or getting involved to help the current generation be better and more informed. . . . The matters are current and provide a tell-tale sign of the times for future readers to consider.\u003cbr\u003e—School Library Connection\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNow more than ever, young people yearn to drastically change the world, and the question so many of them pose is \u003ci\u003ehow?\u003c\/i\u003e The Josephs have not only provided answers to the \u003ci\u003ehow\u003c\/i\u003es but also the \u003ci\u003ewhy\u003c\/i\u003es and the \u003ci\u003ewhy now\u003c\/i\u003es. \u003ci\u003eBetter Than We Found It\u003c\/i\u003e is the manual for change that every young and not-so-young activist-in-the-making needs. This book will empower a generation.\u003cbr\u003e—Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eBetter Than We Found It \u003c\/i\u003eis an unflinching and incisive clarion call, road map, and lighthouse guiding us toward social change and collective liberation in these tough times. Fred and Porsche Joseph demand that we dig deeper into the rotted roots of injustice in order to stand tall on the mighty shoulders of our revolutionary predecessors. Vital and radically profound!\u003cbr\u003e—Ibi Zoboi, New York Times best-selling author and coauthor of Punching the Air\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a text that not only debunks the myth that certain topics are ‘too complex’ for young people but also breaks said topics down in a way that young people can understand, identify with, discuss . . . and push back against. Should be required reading for every high schooler in America.\u003cbr\u003e—Nic Stone, author of Dear Martin\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDelivering clear, approachable, and intentional messaging, \u003ci\u003eBetter Than We Found It \u003c\/i\u003eenables its audience to understand the biggest issues of our time in order to reflect, repurpose, and revolutionize our future. Serving as the catalyst to understanding so many of the crises facing our current generation of young people, \u003ci\u003eBetter Than We Found It \u003c\/i\u003eis THE essential bread-crumb trail to initiate readers’ understanding of the widespread inequalities in our world and to help them do something about them. \u003ci\u003eBetter Than We Found It \u003c\/i\u003eis an invitation to safeguard the future, a powerful and accessible book that empowers readers to disengage from detrimental systems of regressive inequity in order to build a progressive and hopeful tomorrow.\u003cbr\u003e—Willy and Jo Lorenz, writers and cofounders of the Progressivists\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInsightful, heartfelt, and informed, \u003ci\u003eBetter Than We Found It \u003c\/i\u003elives up to its name.\u003cbr\u003e—Dr. Anton Treuer, educator and author of Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians But Were Afraid to Ask\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn this comprehensive, intersectional callout of inequitable systems and institutions, the Josephs call us in, focusing our attention on not only what is important to fight against but also what is critical to fight for. This book is urgent, as is the work we each must do to dismantle oppressive forces that work to divide and destroy us.\u003cbr\u003e—Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul, educator and coauthor of Stamped (for Kids)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eBetter Than We Found It \u003c\/i\u003eis a singular guide to making the world just that—better than we found it. But with so much going wrong, it can be hard to know where to start. Through intimate interviews with some of the most impactful leaders of today, the Josephs weave a powerful guide for the next generation, empowering them to understand and take on some of today’s biggest challenges. This book will leave you fired up and ready to be the change.\u003cbr\u003e—Ben O’Keefe, social change activist and political commentator\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNot only does this book touch on how to get involved in the climate crisis, it also gives advice for how to help take action on systemic racism, transphobia, the housing crisis, and more. It’s not only for young readers, and it’s a great place to start for dozens of interviews with current activists and politicians on how to get involved on the issues that matter most.\u003cbr\u003e—Book Riot\u003cb\u003eFrederick Joseph\u003c\/b\u003e is a Yonkers, New York–raised two-time \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eUSA Today\u003c\/i\u003e best-selling author. His books include the poetry collection \u003ci\u003eWe Alive, Beloved\u003c\/i\u003e; the nonfiction works \u003ci\u003ePatriarchy Blues\u003c\/i\u003e,\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Black Friend\u003c\/i\u003e,\u003ci\u003e \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eBetter Than We Found It\u003c\/i\u003e, co-written with Porsche Joseph; the picture book \u003ci\u003eBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever: The Courage to Dream\u003c\/i\u003e, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith; and the forthcoming YA novel \u003ci\u003eThis Thing of Ours\u003c\/i\u003e. He was recognized with a 2021 International Literacy Association Young Adult Book Award, was named to the 2019 \u003ci\u003eForbes\u003c\/i\u003e 30 Under 30 list for marketing and advertising, and is an activist, philanthropist, and poet. Frederick Joseph was also honored with a 2023 Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Vanguard Award and the 2018 Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award, and he was selected for the 2018 \u003ci\u003eRoot\u003c\/i\u003e 100, a list of the most influential African Americans.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePorsche Joseph\u003c\/b\u003e is a development professional, writer, and former educator who has worked many years in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. \u003ci\u003eBetter Than We Found It: Conversations to Help Save the World\u003c\/i\u003e is her debut book. She lives in New York City with her husband, Fred, and their dog, Stokely.INTRODUCTION \u003cbr\u003e TOGETHER, WE CAN . . . \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Dear one, \u003cbr\u003e \u003ci\u003eProgress \u003c\/i\u003eisn’t the longest word in the dictionary, but in many ways it’s the largest. Housed within its definition are words such as courage, hope, learning, and effort. But progress is more than just a word; it’s an ideal and a direction toward who and what we may become. \u003cbr\u003e Progress by its very definition requires change, and unfortunately the concept of change is something deeply opposed by many people. ­ There are those who find change intimidating or frightening, and there are also those who actively try to stop change because they benefit from things remaining the same. \u003cbr\u003e But the truth is that change is necessary. ­ The scourge of destructive forces such as racism, sexism, climate change, and gun violence have left the fabric of our society in tatters. Communities, families, cultures, individuals, and entire races have been devastated and even destroyed because of these forces. \u003cbr\u003e And the devastation continues. Too many people are still suffering and far too much will be lost if we do not act. \u003cbr\u003e Growing up, neither of us had the tools or resources necessary to combat or even understand many of the issues we discuss throughout the book. Which is why we wanted to give others what we wish we would have had sooner. What would Porsche’s life as a young biracial woman have been like if she hadn’t had to worry about her family being houseless when her apartment burned down or about how horribly her brother was treated by the justice system because he is half Black? How would Fred’s life as a young Black man have been different if he hadn’t constantly been afraid someone might bring a gun to school or if he hadn’t felt ashamed about his interests because people around him said a young boy should enjoy football more than musicals? \u003cbr\u003e While we each faced these traumas and hardships as individuals, we are part of a community of billions around the world who have faced similar experiences of poverty, violence, and prejudice. Understanding that the various challenges that exist in our society are all connected is the first step to eradicating these challenges. \u003cbr\u003e We called upon this community when putting together this book. Like everyone, the two of us come from very specific backgrounds and have experiences that shaped who we are and what we say in this book. But we are aware that our perspectives can’t speak for everyone. ­There are communities we don’t belong to and experiences we don’t share—but at the center of progress is the ability to make space to learn from and be better for those unlike ourselves. Which is why we’ve made space for others to offer their knowledge and perspectives. ­ The book features conversations with numerous thought leaders, activists, and experts to help create a deeper and more \u003cb\u003eintersectional\u003c\/b\u003e lens through which to view these vital topics. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e SIDE NOTE: In the back of the book, we’ve added definitions for the words that are bolded throughout. We’ve also created an online toolkit focused on the topics discussed throughout the book, which includes additional resources and actionable steps to make change. Be sure to check out BetterThanWeFoundItBook.com. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e When we began writing, we didn’t want to simply tell stories about the ways the world might have wronged us; we also wanted to provide an opportunity to see how all of us might be unknowingly wronging the world. No one is perfect, and there are many ways that the two of us have had to listen and learn. As much as this book is an opportunity to take action, it’s also an opportunity for growth. Because we’re all still learning. \u003cbr\u003e In forging a path to a better world, stumbling is inevitable. Many of the struggles, missteps, and mistakes you will make, we have made as well—and we will all continue to make mistakes. But there should be grace for those who are willing to be held accountable when they stumble. A person is remembered for how they got up, not how they fell. What did they learn? How did they grow? Did they have the courage to be better the next time? Progress is a journey filled with imperfection; the important part is that you take the journey. \u003cbr\u003e Our imperfections give us the opportunity to constantly strive for better. Th­is book offers all of us that opportunity. ­ \u003cbr\u003e These pages are both a labor of love and a leap of faith. In them we offer our truths, our failures, and the ways in which we’ve grown, in hope that readers will feel not only inspired— but loved. \u003cbr\u003e Love for others is fundamental to the work we’re doing. In so many ways, we are all family, connected by our pain and our joy. In the stories and conversations throughout this book, we have tried to help people understand these connections and the importance of considering why even a stranger should be dear to you. \u003cbr\u003e We hope that even if some, many, or most of the experiences relayed in this book do not resonate for you firsthand, the stories and interviews still serve to create the building blocks of empathy that will inspire you to take action. Our greatest desire is that you will choose to use whatever privilege you may have to understand and protect others, and that others will do the same for you in spaces where you lack privilege. \u003cbr\u003e For the sake of the dear ones in our lives and for the sake of the children we hope to have one day and the people they will consider dear ones, we’ve challenged ourselves to give more to this world than we take, and we are challenging you to do the same. More thoughtfulness, more acceptance, more respect—and more love. \u003cbr\u003e Progress is possible—if we lean into the bravery and leadership it will take to create it. ­ This book is our attempt to do that. With it, we hope to shed light on some of the most critical issues we face as a society and inspire you to create necessary change—inspire you to be brave along with us and to lead alongside us, and alongside the millions of others already growing and taking action. \u003cbr\u003e \u003ci\u003eBetter ­Than We Found It\u003c\/i\u003e isn’t just a title; it’s the manifestation of our wildest dream: that future generations won’t have to face the challenges we are facing. ­ The world is changing quickly, no matter how much some may try to avoid or even prevent it, and together we will decide in what direction it goes. All of us are the youth of yesterday and the ancestors of tomorrow. As such, let us be remembered for progress, let us be remembered for saying “enough is enough,” and let us be remembered as leaders who saw the greatest issues and challenges of our time and chose to boldly overcome them. \u003cbr\u003e Because having a vision for what the world should be means nothing if you won’t do what’s necessary to create a world in that image. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e With love, ­ \u003cbr\u003e The Josephs \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e A NOTE ON THE ANECDOTES: While we strove to make these scenes as accurate to reality as possible, the dialogue has been re-created from memory, which means it's a representation of what happened and not a literal transcript of what was said. 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