Featured

By official count, more than one out of every six American children live beneath the poverty line. But statistics alone tell little of the story. In Invisible Americans, Jeff Madrick brings to light the often invisible reality and irreparable damage of child poverty in America. Keeping his focus on the children, he examines the roots of the problem, including the toothless remnants of our social welfare system, entrenched racism, and a government unmotivated to help the most voiceless citizens. Backed by new and unambiguous research, he makes clear the devastating consequences of growing up poor: living in poverty, even temporarily, is detrimental to cognitive abilities, emotional control, and the overall health of children. The cost to society is incalculable. The inaction of politicians is unacceptable. Still, Madrick argues, there may be more reason to hope now than ever before. Rather than attempting to treat the symptoms of poverty, we might be able to ameliorate its worst effects through a single, simple, and politically feasible policy that he lays out in this impassioned and urgent call to arms.

Successful people literally see the world differently. Now an award-winning scientist explains how anyone can leverage this “perception” gap to their advantage. When it comes to setting and meeting goals, we are often susceptible to perceptual illusions: We think we are closer or further away depending on our mindset, and we might handicap ourselves by looking only at the big picture or too long at the fine detail. But as award-winning social psychologist Emily Balcetis explains in Clearer, Closer, Better, there is great power in these misperceptions–if we know how to use them to our advantage. Drawing on her own unique research and cutting-edge discoveries in vision science, cognitive research, and motivational psychology, Balcetis gives readers an unprecedented account of the perceptual habits, routines, and practices that successful people use to set and meet their ambitions. Through case studies of entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, and celebrities–as well as her own colorful experience of trying to set and reach a goal–she brings four powerful yet largely untapped visual tactics to life.

Who helped you become the person you are today? And, have you ever thanked them? Approaching a milestone birthday, Kho decided to send thank-you letters to the many people who had influenced her, helped her, and inspired her over the years: family, friends, mentors, teachers, co-workers, even exes. Her recipients always seemed genuinely pleased to read the letters, but Kho never expected the profound and positive effect the process would have on her. Here she shows how to appreciate the formative people in your life, past and present– and perhaps create a lasting increase in your happiness levels. — adapted from back cover.

Different faiths, shared hopes. Are we more alike than we know? In 30 first-person stories from eight different faith traditions, hear from people whose faith inspires acts of justice and love amidst our world’s violence and divisions. Gain a deeper understanding of the diverse beliefs practiced by your neighbors and our shared hopes for building a better world. Reflection questions with each chapter make this book perfect for small group study or read as a private devotional. Acting on Faith inspires hope and encourages personal action through concrete examples of faithfulness, justice, and love from those on the front lines of activism and advocacy.