Free books to inspire democracy and community
This summer, the nation is throwing a birthday celebration, and everyone is invited! It’s been two and a half centuries since the founders of our country set forth their vision of equality in the Declaration of Independence. While much has changed, the core value of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness remains central.
The 250th anniversary (known as a semiquincentennial, for the word lovers out there), is officially celebrated on July 4, but you can recognize this historic milestone at any time with a book from The Ford Family Foundation’s SelectBooks collection. This month, we are highlighting four selections that offer unique perspectives on democracy, community building and the many stories that, woven together, form our nation. The books invite readers of all ages to reflect on what it means to be part of America, and how we can each contribute to a stronger society that understands that our differences can make us stronger.
Whether your interest is in history, engaging with your community or introducing children to the values of democracy, you will find a powerful message about the continuous journey toward a more perfect union in each book.
Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality
A good place to start is with Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality, an analysis of our country’s founding document.
Political philosopher Danielle Allen transports readers to the colonial world of the late 1700s as she takes a deep dive into the intentions of the country’s founders.
“The Declaration of Independence matters because it helps us see that we cannot have freedom without equality,” Allen writes. “If the Declaration can stake a claim to freedom, it is only because it is so clear-eyed about the fact that people’s strength resides in its equality.”
The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters
“The way we gather matters,” writes author Priya Parker. “In democracies, the freedom to assemble is one of the foundational rights granted to every individual … And yet, most of us spend very little time thinking about the actual ways in which we gather.”
Drawing on her extensive background as a master facilitator, Parker presents a comprehensive guide to transforming gatherings by focusing on human connection and purposeful design.
Packed with real-world examples, The Art of Gathering goes step by step into how bringing people together can strengthen democracy and foster meaningful connections.
The Water Remembers: My Indigenous Family’s Fight to Save a River and a Way of Life
This book acknowledges the importance of honoring the past and highlights the essential role that civic participation plays in shaping our communities — both of which are fundamental to preserving the values and ideals upon which the United States was founded.
Part memoir and part history, The Water Remembers is altogether a compelling read.
Cordalis begins with the origin story of her Yurok Nation, situated at the mouth of the Klamath River, which sprawls through southern Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. She writes about the landmark Supreme Court case spearheaded by her great-uncle, which eventually reaffirmed the Yurok Nation’s rights to land, water, fish and sovereignty.
Mexikid: A Graphic Novel
Just as America’s 250th anniversary invites us all to reflect on the stories that have helped shape our democracy, Mexikid conveys deeper messages about unity and belonging. Mexikid is an engaging graphic novel that bridges Mexican and American worlds.
One family’s adventurous road trip from California to Mexico takes young readers on a quest to bring back their legendary grandfather (abuelito).