20 Best Books About Poverty (Jan 2023 Update)

New york times bestseller – winner of the pulitzer prize – named one of time’s ten best nonfiction books of the decade – one of the most acclaimed books of our time, this modern classic “has set a new standard for reporting on poverty” (barbara ehrenreich, the new york times book review). in evicted, princeton sociologist and mac – arthur “genius” matthew desmond follows eight families in milwaukee as they each struggle to keep a roof over their heads. hailed as “wrenching and revelatory” (the nation), “vivid and unsettling” (new york review of books), evicted transforms our understanding of poverty and economic exploitation while providing fresh ideas for solving one of twenty-first-century america’s most devastating problems. its unforgettable scenes of hope and loss remind us of the centrality of home, without which nothing else is possible. named one of the best books of the year by president barack obama – the new york times book review – the boston globe – the washington post – npr – entertainment weekly – the new yorker – bloomberg – esquire – buzz – feed – fortune – san francisco chronicle – milwaukee journal sentinel – st. louis post-dispatch – politico – the week – chicago public library – book – page – kirkus reviews – library journal – publishers weekly – booklist – shelf awareness – winner of: the national book critics circle award for nonfiction – the pen/john kenneth galbraith award for nonfiction – the andrew carnegie medal for excellence in nonfiction – the hillman prize for book journalism – the pen/new england award – the chicago tribune heartland prize – finalist for the los angeles times book prize and the kirkus prize“evicted stands among the very best of the social justice books.”—ann patchett, author of bel canto and commonwealth “gripping and moving—tragic, too.”—jesmyn ward, author of salvage the bones “evicted is that rare work that has something genuinely new to say about poverty.”—san francisco chronicle

From the authors of the south was right comes a new edition of what one historian calls one of the most important and original histories of the southern people. punished with poverty tells the unvarnished story of the intentional policy of economic devastation and exploitation of the south which has affected all southerners, both black and white, long after the close of the "civil war" and "reconstruction." in fact, the sad legacy of these punitive policies continues to this very day. the over-arching theme of southern history is not race, as is conventionally stated, but poverty-poverty not due to the south's shortcomings but imposed on them by the system under which they live. – punished with poverty is a timely and much needed contribution to the understanding of both the south and the nature of the "federal empire" under which all americans now live. – comments on punished with poverty"if enough southerners would read and take to heart punished with poverty, it would bring about a revolution in american politics." – dr. clyde n. wilson, author, publisher, and "godfather" of southern history"long known for their intellectual fearlessness, the best-selling authors of the south was right examine the roots of southern poverty and the continuing struggle between the southern culture-bible believing, conservative and pro-constitution-and the federal empire, which seeks to expand its power and stifle and restrict individual liberty at every opportunity. this eye-opening book focuses on the economic aspects of that struggle (but not exclusively) and should be required reading in every american history course in this country. . ." – dr. samuel mitcham, author of it wasn't about slavery: exposing the great lie of the civil war and the greatest lynching in american history: new york 1863"as the kennedy's have explained in this impressive book, the confederate dead were not the only southerners buried by the war. lincoln's 'new america' foisted years of poverty on the south and her people, which is why for generations more southerners considered reconstruction a greater calamity than the war itself. this book will certainly open your eyes." – brion mc – clanahan, ph. – d, author of southern scribblings and 9 presidents who screwed up america"the numerous photographs of southern sharecroppers in grinding poverty, malnourished and disease-ridden, along with dirty ragged children, are heart-wrenching. this book is thoroughly researched and documented and it corrects many egregious untruths promoted by the politically correct. it is a lively read with a strong bibliography and valuable addenda. it greatly enhances one's understanding of the causes of the war between the states, and the enormous suffering in its aftermath." – gene kizer, jr, author of slavery was not the cause of the war between the states, the irrefutable argument

A new york times notable book of the yearfifty years after michael harrington published his groundbreaking book the other america, in which he chronicled the lives of people excluded from the age of affluence, poverty in america is back with a vengeance. it is made up of both the long-term chronically poor and new working poor—the tens of millions of victims of a broken economy and an ever more dysfunctional political system. in many ways, for the majority of americans, financial insecurity has become the new norm.the american way of poverty shines a light on this travesty. sasha abramsky brings the effects of economic inequality out of the shadows and, ultimately, suggests ways for moving toward a fairer and more equitable social contract. exploring everything from housing policy to wage protections and affordable higher education, abramsky lays out a panoramic blueprint for a reinvigorated political process that, in turn, will pave the way for a renewed war on poverty.it is, harrington believed, a moral outrage that in a country as wealthy as america, so many people could be so poor. written in the wake of the 2008 financial collapse, in an era of grotesque economic extremes, the american way of poverty brings that same powerful indignation to the topic.

The way out of poverty, he explains, is freedom, and freedom alone.

The way out of poverty, he explains, is freedom, and freedom alone.

A beautiful picture book that explores what poverty and hunger are and how they affect children all over the world sensitively illustrated by award-winning artist hanane kai the children in our world picture book series helps children make sense of the larger issues and crises that dominate the news in a sensitive and appropriate manner. with relatable comparisons, carefully researched text and striking illustrations, children can begin to understand what poverty and hunger are, how they affect people in countries all over the world and how readers can help those affected. where issues aren't appropriate to describe in words, award-winning illustrator, hanane kai, uses striking and sensitive illustrations help children visualise the people and situations impacted by poverty and hunger with images that are suited to their age and disposition. the series forms an excellent cross-curricular resource that looks at refugees, war, poverty and racism, and this book is ideal for tying into discussions on food, wealth and current affairs. words and pictures combine to excellent effect … an excellent way to develop empathy and understanding – parents in touch

Ruby payne's first book and the first book rft publishing co. (now aha! it is fitting that the book and the company's history are intertwined. the central goal of the company is educating people about the differences that separate economic classes and then teaching them skills to bridge those gulfs. framework is the method that delivers that message. ruby's thesis for framework is simple. individuals accustomed to personal poverty think and act differently from people in the middle and upper economic classes. most teachers today come from middle-class backgrounds. economic class differences, in an educational setting, often make both teaching and learning challenging. too often, teachers don't understand why a student from poverty is chronically acting out or is not grasping a concept even after repeated explanations. at the same time, the student doesn't understand what he/she is expected to produce and why. framework also illuminates differences between generational poverty and situational poverty. ruby explains the "voices" that all of us use to project ourselves to the outside world and how poverty can affect those voices. through the use of realistic teaching scenarios, ruby focuses attention on sources of support, or resources, which might or might not be present in a student's life. resources are important assets – things like mental stability, emotional support, and physical health – and the more resources students have in their lives, the better able they'll be to achieve their goals. framework is a teacher's book. it draws on years of experience in multiple school systems, along with a wide range of academic positions. in this groundbreaking work ruby payne matter-of-factly presents the issues central to teaching students from poverty, then takes a pivotal next step by offering proven tools educators can use immediately to improve the quality of instruction in their classrooms.

“savage, wise, and witty . . . it is hard to think of a more timely, powerful, or necessary book.”–j. k. rowlinginternational bestseller! darren mcgarvey has experienced poverty and its devastations firsthand. he grew up in a community where violence was a form of currency and has lived through addiction, abuse, and homelessness. he knows why people from deprived communities feel angry and unheard. and he wants to explain . . . so he invites you to come along on a safari of sorts. but not the kind where the wildlife is surveyed from a safe distance. his vivid, visceral, and cogently argued book—part memoir and part polemic—takes us inside the experience of extreme poverty and its stresses to show how the pressures really feel and how hard their legacy is to overcome.arguing that both the political left and right misunderstand poverty as it is actually lived, mcgarvey sets forth what everybody—including himself—could do to change things. razor-sharp, fearless, and brutally honest, poverty safari offers unforgettable insight into conditions in modern britain, including what led to brexit—and, beyond that, into issues of inequality, tribalism, cultural anxiety, identity politics, the poverty industry, and the resentment, anger, and feelings of exclusion and being left behind that have fueled right-wing populism and the rise of ethno-nationalism.

“savage, wise, and witty . . . it is hard to think of a more timely, powerful, or necessary book.”–j. k. rowlinginternational bestseller! darren mcgarvey has experienced poverty and its devastations firsthand. he grew up in a community where violence was a form of currency and has lived through addiction, abuse, and homelessness. he knows why people from deprived communities feel angry and unheard. and he wants to explain . . . so he invites you to come along on a safari of sorts. but not the kind where the wildlife is surveyed from a safe distance. his vivid, visceral, and cogently argued book—part memoir and part polemic—takes us inside the experience of extreme poverty and its stresses to show how the pressures really feel and how hard their legacy is to overcome.arguing that both the political left and right misunderstand poverty as it is actually lived, mcgarvey sets forth what everybody—including himself—could do to change things. razor-sharp, fearless, and brutally honest, poverty safari offers unforgettable insight into conditions in modern britain, including what led to brexit—and, beyond that, into issues of inequality, tribalism, cultural anxiety, identity politics, the poverty industry, and the resentment, anger, and feelings of exclusion and being left behind that have fueled right-wing populism and the rise of ethno-nationalism.

Families and children living in poverty explores the factors that contribute to the existence of poverty, as well as the social, developmental, and environmental ramifications of poverty. through scholarly studies, case studies, historical events, and contemporary happenings, readers examine the connections between poverty and family-related challenges, including adverse childhood experiences, lack of a living wage, health disparities, social exclusion, and homelessness. part i of the text explores poverty and social class inequality. the chapters discuss how poverty is measured in the united states, the role of capitalism in poverty, global health challenges, and the economic effects of conflict. in part ii, students learn about health disparities caused by chronic stress, food insecurity, lack of dental health, exposure to pollutants, and human trafficking, as well as the wide-spread implications of adverse childhood experiences. part iii focuses on housing instability, homelessness, and social exclusion. the final part illuminates various programs and resources available for impoverished families and children, and demonstrates how individuals, researchers, and institutions can create lasting positive change within affected communities. presenting valuable research and various theoretical frameworks through which to examine poverty, families and children living in poverty is an ideal text for courses in human development, family studies, and other social sciences. it is also an exemplary resource for helping professionals who support the care and well-being of children and families.monica miller-smith, ed.d. has been a professor for 12 years and has taught courses in human development and family studies at the university of connecticut, university of bridgeport, and central michigan university. she has expertise in service-learning and distance education, and has presented at national and international conferences on topics such as economic inequality, experiential learning, and distance learning.

The winner of the nobel peace prize outlines his vision for a new business model that combines the power of free markets with the quest for a more humane world–and tells the inspiring stories of companies that are doing this work today.

Overcome the never-enough mentality to walk in true abundance prosperity. it's one of the most dividing words in the church. some pastors use it to tell their congregations that god will make them all rich, rich, rich! others spurn the word and insist that true christlikeness is found in forsaking all worldly riches and possessions. the truth is, neither of these extremes is fully right or fully wrong.in his latest book, kris vallotton mines the scriptures in an eye-opening study of what the bible really says about money, poverty, riches and wealth.in it you'll find keys to· overcome the never-enough mentality to experience true abundance· break free from a poverty mindset that reaps lack in your life· demystify biblical teaching on money so you can discover peace in your finances· learn the difference between riches and wealth kingdom prosperity begins from the inside out. when you learn to cultivate a mindset of abundance, no matter your circumstances, you will begin to experience the wealth of heaven in every area of your life.

What if the idealized image of american society–a land of opportunity that will reward hard work with economic success–is completely wrong? few topics have as many myths, stereotypes, and misperceptions surrounding them as that of poverty in america. the poor have been badly misunderstood since the beginnings of the country, with the rhetoric only ratcheting up in recent times. our current era of fake news, alternative facts, and media partisanship has led to a breeding ground for all types of myths and misinformation to gain traction and legitimacy. poorly understood is the first book to systematically address and confront many of the most widespread myths pertaining to poverty. bullock powerfully demonstrate that the realities of poverty are much different than the myths; indeed in many ways they are more disturbing. the idealized image of american society is one of abundant opportunities, with hard work being rewarded by economic prosperity. but what if this picture is wrong? what if poverty is an experience that touches the majority of americans? what if hard work does not necessarily lead to economic well-being? what if the reasons for poverty are largely beyond the control of individuals? and if all of the evidence necessary to disprove these myths has been readily available for years, why do they remain so stubbornly pervasive? these are much more disturbing realities to consider because they call into question the very core of america's identity. armed with the latest research, poorly understood not only challenges the myths of poverty and inequality, but it explains why these myths continue to exist, providing an innovative blueprint for how the nation can move forward to effectively alleviate american poverty.

The text, translated and introduced by james skillen, was originally a speech by abraham kuyper (1837-1920) that opened the first christian social congress in the netherlands on 9 november 1891. his words not only illuminate with stark simplicity many of the enduring problems of poverty, they also bring a strong and pointed biblical message that has outlived kuyper's time and place. roger henderson's essay "how abraham kuyper became a kuyperian" is included in the appendix.

Chris came to california to forget about the war. what he found was a pregnant woman and her nine-year-old son abandoned on a place called poverty flat. when he offered to find her missing husband, people started shooting at him. mary ellen shafer was more trouble than he had bargained for, but he couldn't just ride off and leave her. worst of all, she was a yankee, and he hadn't forgotten what they had done to his beloved south. "written with a flowing pace and a steady eye to the hero's voice. a pleasant read." janet bly "written with major's humorous western style, poverty flat reveals how one man's compassion for a woman will influence him to say things, endure hardships, and act in ways foreign to him. i especially enjoyed the ending!" vanessa jackson

Overcome the never-enough mentality to walk in true abundance prosperity. it's one of the most dividing words in the church. some pastors use it to tell their congregations that god will make them all rich, rich, rich! others spurn the word and insist that true christlikeness is found in forsaking all worldly riches and possessions. the truth is, neither of these extremes is fully right or fully wrong.in his latest book, kris vallotton mines the scriptures in an eye-opening study of what the bible really says about money, poverty, riches and wealth.in it you'll find keys to· overcome the never-enough mentality to experience true abundance· break free from a poverty mindset that reaps lack in your life· demystify biblical teaching on money so you can discover peace in your finances· learn the difference between riches and wealth kingdom prosperity begins from the inside out. when you learn to cultivate a mindset of abundance, no matter your circumstances, you will begin to experience the wealth of heaven in every area of your life.

This resource provides an authentic opportunity for gaining a foundation, rooted in lived experience and research, for understanding poverty and addressing its impacts. it is designed to shatter stereotypes with facts about poverty and provide ideas for creating programs and systems that are responsive to the needs of people from poverty background. it will provide some concrete tools for educating, communicating, and working more effectively with those you serve and hopefully inspire you to want to learn and do more!

Winner of the mother theresa international memorial award ". . . a coming of age story of courage, survival and inner strength which illuminates the human condition in all its squalor and glory."–vikas swarup, writer of slumdog millionnaire from devastating poverty and childhood trauma to international standing rising from the slums of calcutta, where jillian haslam and her family were forced to live after british colonization ended, a voice out of poverty traces the remarkable journey of this determined, and compassionate woman as she uses her story and her voice to speak for the poor and powerless. a voice out of poverty leaves the reader asking how someone so young had the tenacity to overcome so much–and then go back to face it all again in a passionate effort to spare others from the suffering that she endured and witnessed all around her growing up. "it is no cinderella story, but rather emphasizes hard work and sheer courage. poverty, gender, and race are at the forefront of our problems–and indeed, problems worldwide." –shachi amdekar president, cambridge university international development society, uk

"this book helps to expand the definition of diversity in children's books by shedding light on an element of diversity that is sometimes overlooked–economic situation or income . . . teachers and librarians will find it informative and engaging as it deepens their experience with both authors and books as well as their understanding of children who are experiencing generational poverty." –from the foreword by dr. rudine sims bishop, professor emeritus, the ohio state university drawing from her own lived experience, in this guide dorr shines a light on some of the cultural values that exist across both rural and urban poverty, inviting teachers, librarians, and others who work with children from low-income families to see them in their cultural context and appreciate the values they bring to the classroom or library. she spotlights a range of books for children and teens that offer literary mirrors to low-income children, as well as windows to more economically privileged readers, enabling all young readers to celebrate our common humanity. and she also shares the work of ten authors and illustrators familiar with poverty, offering insights into the sources of their stories and the ways storytellers' lived experience can influence their creative works and make their characters more authentic. you will discover an introduction which explores what it's like to grow up in generational poverty, including its long-term effects on children, the roles played by intersectional and institutional racism, the power of family, and how reading can act as powerful catalyst; biographical sketches of elizabeth acevedo, jason reynolds, cynthia rylant, kelly yang, and other authors and illustrators; inspiring profiles and books spanning age ranges, genres, and formats that chronicle the lives of ruth bader ginsberg, kareem abdul-jabbar, sonia sotomayor, john lewis, wilma mankiller, and other people who were raised in generational poverty; and four appendixes which spotlight even more stories of resilient individuals and fictional characters.

Clara miller, president of the f. b. heron foundation: the alternative, is not only important reading, it's imperative. miller, a trained engineer, the one-time manager of a top social service organization and most importantly, the son of a remarkable single mother, has both lived and observed the failings embodied in our attitudes toward the poor and, as a result, the flaws in our systems meant to help people in poverty. he merges heart and soul with system thinking to yield a prescription featuring the real math, trust relationships and courage that can change the "us and them," to "upward together" and put american families in the driver's seat to build their futures.