Books Archive – Page 2 of 18

The Farm Animal Movement

America is undergoing an ethical revolution involving the industrial treatment of farm animals. This book tells its stories from midwestern slaughterhouses to the halls of Capitol Hill to Ivy League universities and Silicon Valley laboratories. This is a roadmap for people who want to work to end factory farming.

Behind you stand the ghosts of three hundred farm animals killed for every year you have lived. Given the numbers involved, the most significant action you can take to mitigate suffering is to work to improve farm animal welfare. But this book is not about death and suffering. This book is about life and hope.

In less than a decade, farm animal compassion has moved from a niche cause into the pantheon of established social movements. America is undergoing an unheralded ethical revolution involving the industrial treatment of farm animals. As the movement’s workforce has quintupled, the funding dedicated to farm animal welfare has increased geometrically. For the first time in history, many Americans are answering the moral question of what to do with their time on Earth by dedicating their lives to helping farm animals.

A constellation of activists, capitalists, farmers, lawyers, philanthropists, politicians, professors, scientists, and writers are using different tactics with the same motives and goals to address what they see as the world’s most pressing and tractable problem. Collective actions previously impossible have become self-reinforcing as millions of Americans are speaking loudly and clearly about their priorities with their careers, investments, purchases, and votes. This book tells the stories of this revolution from midwestern slaughterhouses to the halls of Capitol Hill to Ivy League universities and Silicon Valley laboratories. What was once the province of itinerant activists has opened so it is now possible for you—yes, you—to dedicate your life’s work to helping end the world’s largest source of suffering.

This book is a roadmap for people who want to learn how to use their career, freedom, and resources to end factory farming in America.

“A masterpiece full of engaging stories and smart ideas for helping animals.”—Milo Runkle, Founder of Mercy For Animals and Joyful Ventures

The Children’s Loving Library

The Children’s Loving Library collection is the perfect special gift for the kids in your life. A bundle of three books written by Cheryl Moss and illustrated by Irene Blasco. Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle are a lovely addition to your child’s library.

Brooklyn Goes Home

Foreword by Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE

Afterword by Simon Parry

Nonfiction Book Awards Silver Winner
IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award Silver Winner
Nautilus Book Awards Silver Winner
American Book Fest Awards Finalist
Book Excellence Awards Finalist

The true story of how one greyhound sparked a movement to close the worst dog track in the world and finally found his forever home with greyhound advocates.

We once met a dog that changed the world. His name was Brooklyn. It’s hard to imagine that a spotted dog would become the inspiration for a worldwide fight; that the campaign would be successful, and that after a decade of suffering, he would come home to us. And yet it happened. In fact, the thirteen short years that Brooklyn spent on this earth would turn out to be one of the most consequential periods in history for greyhounds, and for the broader debate on non-human animal rights. The life of this one dog signaled not only the end of greyhound racing in the United States, but also the emergence of the first successful movement to outlaw an animal abuse industry that was powerful, culturally resonant, and economically significant.

This history is based on the memories and reflections of Christine Dorchak and Carey Theil and describes twenty years of working together to help greyhounds. The two of us grew up more than a decade apart, on alternate coasts, one raised very traditionally and the other quite liberally, one an animal loving “Jersey Girl” turned lawyer, the other a poet and chess master turned political strategist. This Yin and Yang turned out to be a curious balance of opposites that is perhaps the reason that the organization survived and then succeeded against very great odds.

Brooklyn Goes Home is the story of the rise and fall of commercial greyhound racing in the United States and an account of how our small non-profit emerged from to make an impact. It is also a remembrance of three glorious years spent with a magical dog. We hope that readers will find inspiration in our chronicle, and perhaps discover new paths to making positive change in the world.

“Brooklyn Goes Home is about human love and compassion on the one hand and callousness and cruelty on the other. It’s also the incredible account of how two brave and committed people successfully fought against a shameless, yet powerful, industry. Christine and Carey had little more than a belief in themselves and a shared love for their greyhound Brooklyn, but their determination has paid off for thousands of other dogs in the United States and worldwide. My greyhound and I recommend you read this stunning memoir!”—Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE; Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace

“This book is a must-read for activists—full of gripping stories and inspiring lessons. Christine and Carey overcame personal challenges, built a movement, and got a big win for animals. They walk and talk you through how to fight for animals against powerful—and scary—exploiters. Read this book and see how a few motivated people organized and abolished a cruel entertainment.”—Jim Mason; Attorney, author of An Unnatural Order, and coauthor of The Ethics of What We Eat and Animal Factories

“If you think you cannot make a difference because you have little or no resources and face wealthy, powerful opposition, read this book. You will be inspired. This story is a testimony to the ability of intense passion, unwavering determination, and unrelenting persistence to prevail over money and power when fighting for a just cause.”—Carole Baskin; CEO of Big Cat Rescue

“Every greyhound is an individual. Each has their personality and wants and needs, fears and desires. The lucky ones are rescued, becoming beloved family members, acting as ambassadors for their kind in need of our help. Christine A. Dorchak and Carey M. Theil, founders of the US-based, anti-greyhound racing non-profit organization GREY2K USA Worldwide, tell the must-read story of one ambassador, Brooklyn. In Brooklyn Goes Home, Dorchak and Theil write about their successful international campaigns to educate the public and persuade elected representatives to end the greyhound racing industry. They also describe Brooklyn’s moving story as a rescued greyhound from her birth on a puppy farm in Australia, forced to race in China, and eventually, freedom living in their home in the USA.”—Kim Stallwood; animal rights author and independent scholar

“If you love dogs, and rare is the human who does not, you will want to read this amazing chronicle describing the successful fight to free greyhounds from the cruelty of commercial racing. Do yourself a favor and read this book!”—Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson; author of When Elephants Weep and Dogs Never Lie About Love

“Brooklyn Goes Home is the heartwarming and inspirational memoir of Christine A. Dorchak and Carey M. Theil, two of the smartest and most dedicated animal advocates I have ever known. Over the last twenty years, they have worked from the ground up to close down dozens of dog tracks state by state, and now worldwide. If you want an inside look into the politics and strategy of successful grassroots campaigning, this is the book for you.”—Chris DeRose; President and founder of Last Chance for Animals, Author of In Your Face: From Actor to Animal Activist

“If you ever had any doubt that greyhound racing never should have begun, no less continued to grow as a highly abusive and heartless global bloodsport, please read this outstanding book. Brooklyn’s story, along with that of his loving humans, will move you deeply and must be shared worldwide. This outstanding book is a model for what needs to be done to end all sorts of horrific animal abuse.”—Marc Bekoff, PhD; Author of The Emotional Lives of Animals, The Animals’ Agenda, and Dogs Demystified

“Human history is built upon ordinary people doing extraordinary things, a truth we are reminded of once again in this awe-inspiring and entertaining story of the international movement to abolish greyhound racing. There was never a grassroots movement for predatory gambling on greyhounds. Instead, it was driven by the greed of commercialized gambling operators and a lust for power by some public officials from both political parties. But this book is a testimony there is unquestionably an impassioned and vibrant grassroots movement to end the cruel practice. Brooklyn’s story, coupled with the work of Christine, Carey, and their colleagues, is one that will inevitably inspire you to act to do the work and endure the sacrifices it takes to help make the world a more just, merciful, and forgiving place.”—Les Bernal; National Director of Stop Predatory Gambling

Pickle

The third in a trilogy of beautifully illustrated children’s books, this story about a little pig and his journey to freedom and happiness that will delight children and adults alike.

Pickle: Can One Little Pig Weather the Storm? is a riveting, fun and engaging book about a pig born into a factory farm where he is raised to become bacon served on a plate. Pickle, like all of his companions, are raised in crowded and dirty warehouses where everyone is treated without compassion for their feelings or personal comfort. But a hurricane changes his chances for a better life. This book takes you on this journey that is sure to delight children of all ages.

“I find it puzzling that so many adults happily recite numerous fairy tales to children, especially the sanitized Disney versions, even though the stories can be scary and involve a bit of violence. There are stepmothers that want to murder their stepdaughters or treat them like slaves, as in Snow White and Cinderella. And yet, children’s stories about farms and farm animals are more make-believe than these fairy tales! Children are made to believe that animals live happily on green pastures and frolic with their friends and family members. These images are so ubiquitous when we are young that we continue to believe this fantasy as adults.

We need more books like Pickle! Here is a story for young readers that is honest about animal agriculture. It unfolds in a way that is mindful of its young audience, with a joyful and inspiring ending. As in other books in this trilogy by Cheryl Moss (Gabriel and Cluck), Irene Blasco’s brightly colored images enhance the storytelling in a gentle and sensitive way that is appropriate for children. We can relate to needs and desires of Pickle and the other pigs, because in many ways, they are just like us. Pickle: Can One Little Pig Weather the Storm? is an engaging story, perfect for any child’s bookshelf.”—Caryn Hartglass, Co-Founder and President, Responsible Eating And Living

“As a sanctuary-based humane educator, I have struggled to find children’s books that speak to the truths of animal agriculture and showcase the sentience of farmed animals. Pickle is a story that allows young readers to gain a deeper understanding of the lives many farmed animals live. This is all the while demonstrating the incredible qualities of farmed animals. Pickle’s story draws you in and captures your heart while raising awareness about factory farming.”—Kelly Nix, Humane Educator and Outreach Coordinator, Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary

“Children deserve to know that pigs, like cats and dogs, are smart, sensitive beings who deserve a life free from suffering. It’s tragic that factory farming robs them of that life. Pickle takes them on his journey from cramped sad circumstances to a life of freedom. Based on a true story and beautifully illustrated, children can learn that there’s a better way to meet a pig than on a plate.”—John Oberg, Founder, John Oberg Social

“Pickle is an adorable book that inspires both kids and adults. An age-appropriate story meets beautiful artwork, making this book a lovely gift for a lucky child.”—Dr. Camila Perussello, author of Food for Thought: Planetary Healing Begins on Our Plate

“As a mother and the founder of Compassion Rising, it is so important, especially in the world we live in today, that we have books like Pickle to gently explain to our children the truth about the ‘food’ we are conditioned to eat. Animals are not food, but beautiful sentient beings, and I have seen first-hand the innate seed of compassion that children have for animals from birth. It’s through this awareness that my business, Compassion Rising, was born. Thank you, Cheryl, for providing this beautifully illustrated example of the sentience and emotional intelligence of pigs. We need more books like this in the world, and we need more Awakened Authors to step up and write them. Thank you!”—Tricia Shields, Founder, Compassion Rising, LLC

Cultivated Meat to Secure Our Future

Foreword by Ira van Eelen

This provocative book informs, inspires, and opens debates about cultivated meat through an amazing collection of visionary and respected contributors.

Each essay in this collection powerfully presents the latest research and opinions regarding its potential for solving our current planetary crises. Contributors include Isha Datar of New Harvest, Chase Purdy, author of Billion Dollar Burger and Hanna Tuomisto one of the world’s leading researchers in the field of environmental sustainability assessment of cell-cultured food production technologies. Also included is a thought-provoking foreword by Ira van Eelen, daughter of Willem van Eelen the godfather of cultivated meat, cofounder and CEO of KindEarth.Tech, and cofounder of RESPECTfarms.

Essays include:

“Why Our Children’s Future Depends on Meat-Eating as We Know It Becoming a Thing of the Past” by Philip Lymbery

“Twenty Years of Growing Meat: A Commentary” by Alexandra E. Sexton, Neil Stephens, and Clemens Driessen

“Who Will Eat It?” by Christopher Bryant

“Cultivated Meat Safety—Can It Prevent Pandemics?” by Wladimir J. Alonso and Cynthia Schuck-Paim

“How Cultivated Meat Could Be a Healthier Option in a Meat-Eating World” by Michael Greger

“Can Cultivated Meat Benefit the Environment?” by Hanna L. Tuomisto

“The Ethics of Cultivated Meat” by Julian Baggini

“What about Religion and Cultivated Meat?” Introduced and Edited by Joyce D’Silva

“A New Harvest—A New World” by Isha Datar

“Who Is Making it Happen?” by Chase Purdy

“Factory farms cause unacceptable cruelty to sentient animals and major damage to the environment. This book demonstrates that cultivated meat can play an important role in closing them down.”—Dr. Jane Goodall; DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and UN Messenger of Peace

“Producing meat from animals on the vast scale that is happening now is an environmental disaster and a grave public health risk. Can cultivated meat truly secure our future? Michel Vandenbosch and Philip Lymbery have brought together an impressive group of experts to answer this question.”—Peter Singer, Professor of Bioethics, Princeton University

“A thoughtful and well-edited collection of critical discourse on the impacts of integrating cultivated meat into the food systems solutions toolbox.”—Robert E. Jones, President, Cellular Agriculture Europe

“Cultivated Meat to Secure Our Future lives up to its subtitle, offering abundant helpings of hope for animals, food security, climate, and biodiversity. Curated by two of Europe’s most successful advocates for animal protection, this is an inspiring collection of essays by some of the strongest and earliest advocates for and commentators on the scientific endeavor of making real animal meat without the need for live animals.”—Bruce Friedrich, President & Founder, the Good Food Institute

“I transitioned to being an ethical vegan because I couldn’t support the intense cruelty involved in factory farming. That is why I am so excited to read this book. It offers us a real alternative to eating ourselves into extinction because of the destruction caused by intensive animal agriculture to our planet. I mentioned to a friend how thrilled I am by this, and he turned his nose up and said, ‘I don’t trust meat produced in a lab.’ ‘So you prefer the meat, cruelly produced, in the unhygienic conditions of a factory then,’ I asked, and he didn’t reply. However, don’t take my word for it, read this compelling book. It is, in my opinion, the future. Cultivated meat is more humane, it is healthier, and it will ultimately save our wonderful planet.”—Peter Egan, Actor and Animal Advocate

Climate Grief

Penetrating our hearts and minds, climate grief is not an ailment we have to heal from but a call to change the trajectory of our shared future. The universality, urgency, and inescapable scope of climate change leads to a depth of grief we are not prepared to cope with, and a grief that is still largely unknown and ignored. Climate change and climate grief are inseparable, and coping with the emotional fallout of the climate crisis is our first step toward dealing with the crisis itself and to building resilience. From looking inward at our own grief, and emerging with the motivation needed to make lifestyle changes and inspire others, the reader is invited to create a plan for building personal and planetary resilience. The planet can’t be healed by few people working out of despair but by many people working out of hope, care, and an openness to learn.

“‘As climate science continued to prove true, how would we cope as individuals and as a society?’ Thankfully Weaver dedicated her life to answering questions like this one so that we could each benefit from the wisdom in her findings. More than an exploration of climate change and its impact on our mental health, this book eloquently and practically outlines how to thrive despite the seemingly insurmountable odds. If one’s psyche is enmeshed with one’s surroundings, as Weaver states, then surely, we all owe it to each other to surround ourselves with this book, which at once educates, inspires, unites, and comforts. A must-read for anyone who craves a healthier future for all.”—Julie Schnedeker, author, Cofounder of Plant-Based Point

“Weaver’s pertinent observations that our inner life is inextricably woven into the life of the physical world of nature is ever more important in this day of reckless damage to most of the Earth’s ecosystems. She thoughtfully provides clues and answers to a world in which nature’s health is indeed a taproot of our own mental health.”—Terril L. Shorb, Ph.D., author, Faculty Emeritus at Prescott College

“There is no shortage of books that outline the depressing pace of climate change on our planet. This beautifully written, hopeful book breaks new ground. Acknowledging the science of our declining ecosystems, and the grief that comes with it, Shawna writes in equal parts as a scientist, activist, ecotherapist, and poet. It’s as if Greta Thunberg, Annie Dillard, Elizabeth Kubler Ross, and Rachel Carson were rolled into one. Using both Midwestern practicality and dynamic vision, this book takes us on a personal journey using ecotherapy and reconnection to the natural world to overcome our collective climate grief. In the process we find healing for ourselves, our communities, and our planet. If you read only one book this year, please let it be this one.”—Seth Tibbott, author, Founder of Tofurkey

How to End Injustice Everywhere

In this eye-opening and compelling work, psychologist Melanie Joy reveals the common denominator driving all forms of injustice. The mentality that drives us to oppress and abuse humans is the same mentality that drives us to oppress and abuse nonhumans and the environment, as well as those in our own groups working for justice.

How to End Injustice Everywhere offers a fascinating examination of the psychology and structure of unjust systems and behaviors. It also offers practical tools to help raise awareness of these systems and dynamics, reduce infighting, and build more resilient and impactful justice movements.

“Dr. Joy leverages her deep training and ethos towards promoting diversity and culture, as well as respect both for humans and non-humans alike. She delves into questions that gaze at us straight in the eyes, like pink elephants in the room, that the world through willful ignorance or otherwise has had the inability to see. Until now. How to End Injustice Everywhere sheds light on how the relational will always triumph, and how through understanding the drivers and levers of injustice, a just world may be closer than we dare to dream.”—HRH Dr. Anjhula Mya Singh Bais, Chair, International Board, Amnesty International

“In How to End Injustice Everywhere, Melanie Joy powerfully explains how our attempts to end injustice must be inclusive, because the psychology that informs all forms of injustice—against humans, animals, and the environment—is the same.”—Max H. Bazerman, Straus Professor, Harvard Business School and author of Better, Not Perfect and Complicit

“How to End Injustice Everywhere is a thought-provoking book that sheds light on the way we think about oppression and social justice.”—Marianne Williamson, speaker, activist, author of four #1 New York Times bestselling books, and US presidential candidate

“A just world is one where dignity and rights are equally respected. The big question is how to create this just world—for human beings and every other living being, as well as for the environment. Thankfully, Melanie Joy draws our attention to the common denominator driving all injustices, providing a way forward.”—Kwami Kpondzo, Africa Coordinator, Global Forest Coalition and Executive Director, Centre for Environmental Justice—Togo

“How to End Injustice Everywhere has the potential to revolutionize how we think about injustice and to empower our justice movements for humans, animals, and the environment.”—Moby, musician, author, producer, and activist

“Melanie Joy invites readers to look at justice from a new and comprehensive perspective. How to End Injustice Everywhere is refreshing, provocative, and about time. In the age of polycrisis, a systemic approach to justice is essential, and this book is a good place to start.”—Lasse Bruun, Director, Climate and Food, United Nations Foundation

Judaism and Global Survival

Judaism and Global Survival discusses the challenges facing humanity and the Jewish teachings related to these challenges, in order to galvanize Jews to help repair the world (tikkun olam), as required by Jewish law. It argues that we don’t need to discover new values and approaches to address current global threats. What is needed is a rediscovery and application of basic Jewish teachings and mandates, such as to pursue peace and justice, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to act as co-workers with God in protecting and preserving the world.

Judaism and Global Survival is meant to be a wake-up call, the strongest that one can make, on the urgency of addressing climate threats and other environmental threats, and the importance of Jews applying Jewish values in addressing these threats. Among the issues discussed in the book are the following: Jews are to guardians of the earth, partners and co-workers with God in working toward tikkun olam, the healing repair and proper transforming of the world; climate change is an existential threat to the world and the only hope to avert a climate catastrophe is through a major shift to plant-based diets, as that would enable reforestation of the vast areas now used for animal agriculture, reducing atmospheric CO2 to a much safer level; vegetarianism, and even more so veganism, is the diet most consistent with Jewish teachings on preserving our health, treating animals with compassion, protecting the environment, conserving natural resources, and helping hungry people.

The Be Kind Alphabet

From the smallest dragonfly to the largest walrus, all animals deserve to live out their lives naturally. They need help from us, and this book offers gentle, do-able ways to inspire a child to feel empowered, through whimsical verses. The human impact on our beautiful planet has been a destructive one that affects all life. This informative, call to action, lead with your heart and mind book, is filled with engaging drawings and poems to encourage your budding animal activist. Armed with information and compassion, children can stand “together for those whose language we don’t speak. Our voices will be loud and strong, there’s no time to be meek.” As the Zebu says: “We’re plant-eaters, flower-eaters, lovers of life. If the world followed suit, there would be much less strife.

“Along with teaching the alphabet, The Be Kind Alphabet also educates young people about the lives of other animals. This beautiful and engaging book instills empathy and understanding, and it will help inspire the next generation to live more kindly and to respect fellow inhabitants of our shared planet.”—Gene Bauer, Co-Founder & President, Farm Sanctuary

“With beautiful illustrations and playful poetry, young readers will discover a little about each animal’s life and environment, and how we can protect and nurture them. Children are given an empowering message, to make kind, compassionate choices when relating to animals that will benefit all life on Earth.”—Caryn Hartglass, Co-Founder and President, Responsible Eating And Living

“Charmingly illustrated The Be Kind Alphabet is an introduction for children into the wonderful variety of sentient lives we share earth with and the urgency with which we must defend them. Teaching kids the alphabet while simultaneously gently exposing them to the reality and pervasiveness of disrespect towards animals and a need for compassion seems intuitive and necessary.”—Coyote Jacobs, artist, animal caregiver, and author of SALT

“Anouk Frolic’s The Be Kind Alphabet is a beautiful book that instills awareness in children that they can extend compassion to all beings on the planet. The book’s unique concept illustrates that seeing animals as unique individuals is as rudimentary as learning the alphabet!”—Dr. Joanne Kong, editor, Vegan Voices

“Art and rhyme are incredible learning tools. Anouk Frolic has a remarkable talent for both and it’s so pleasing to see them playfully interwoven in one original book. Anouk leverages her strengths to spread kindness and awareness in the world, and in doing so, has created a book that enlightens and inspires.”—Jo-Anne McArthur, animal photojournalist and the founder of We Animals Media

Claude & Medea

Second Edition

Winner of the 2008 Gold Moonbeam Award for juvenile fiction

Claude and Medea aren’t expecting an odd substitute teacher to change their lives. Nor are they anticipating the dangerous adventure in store for them. They seem like normal kids. But are they? Claude has famous parents and sticks to the rules. Medea’s got a scholarship to a fancy private school and can’t get in trouble. How is it that they are thrown together, trying to outsmart Manhattan criminals? And why do they care so much about the weird Ms. Rattlebee? Find out what makes this unlikely pair begin to view the world differently, and to risk everything.

“There are so many things to love about this book: the characters, the suspense, the courage and compassion of the protagonists, and the fact that kids won’t be able to put the book down. At a time when young people feel growing anxiety about the problems in the world, Claude and Medea demonstrate the power of making a difference, and their strange substitute teacher demonstrates the power of education to ignite both learning and action. And who doesn’t love a great story about dogs!?”—Marc Bekoff, Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Guggenheim Fellow, and author of dozens of books about dogs and other animals

“Claude & Medea is a book that matters. A riveting story of adventure and activism, it will engage young people’s imagination and also challenge them to think, feel, and, quite possibly, act in some profoundly new ways. It is a must-read for middle schoolers and for anyone of any age who wants to increase their curiosity, compassion, and moral courage. I truly believe this book belongs in school and classroom libraries everywhere!”—Steve Cochrane, former Superintendent of the Year, Princeton Public Schools

“Inspiring for young readers and adults alike, Claude & Medea tells the story of two New York City teens and improbable friends who learn firsthand what it means to be solutionaries—like revolutionaries only “with the goal of solving problems and making a difference.” This fictional book takes one on an enthralling city adventure that will surely capture the attention of children while teaching them about environmental, social, and animal issues, such as modern-day slavery and animal research, with both accuracy and sensitivity. Claude and Medea are the kind of hero protagonists our world needs now: compassionate, curious, and courageous. I highly recommend this unique book for school libraries, youth organizations, and any young person in your life.”—Elizabeth O. Crawford, teacher educator and mom of a nine-year-old budding solutionary

“Claude & Medea is a call-to-action and invitation to the table for middle schoolers, educators, and classrooms around the world. From age-appropriate conversations about systemic imbalances, responsible consumption and production, and how to be a force for positive change, the adventures of the Solutionary Squad inside these pages, as inspired by their teacher Ms. Flora Rattlebee, take learning, changemaking, and action to a new level. Imagine if every middle school inspired kids to flip their thinking, choose their own learning adventure, and make the world their classroom!”—Julia Fliss, Language Arts, Leadership, and World Studies Teacher

“Claude & Medea is an impressive story that will take readers on a journey of self-discovery. Through each character, readers will be inspired to think about how they can impact the world. Teeming with thought-provoking themes such as kindness, preservation, and the humane treatment of all living beings, Claude & Medea will remind each of us that when we endeavor to better the world, we also better ourselves.”—Andrea Jamison, Professor of School Librarianship, and former Chair of the American Library Association’s Ethnic & Multicultural Information Exchange Roundtable

“Claude & Medea: The Hellburn Dogs was the most inspiring book I have ever read. My favorite part was Chapter 6 when Ms. Rattlebee took them on the wonder walk. It’s incredible how Ms. Rattlebee opened their eyes to the world by just inviting them to notice all the wonders around them, which inspired them to solve problems that in the beginning, they wouldn’t even have noticed. That was my favorite part—how one moment can change you forever. It inspired me sooooo much!”—Clemence Laigle, 6th grade student, Evergreen Middle School

“I love seeing a story that shows children can make a difference in the world. The young people that make their way into global media can seem distant and impossible to match. That’s where fiction comes in, and Zoe Weil has provided a pair of heroes that everyone can relate to. And which kid hero doesn’t want a Ms. Rattlebee?”—Matt Langdon, Founder of the Hero Round Table

“Claude & Medea: The Hellburn Dogs is a thrilling and engaging read. The story follows the journey of two friends, Claude and Medea, who meet a substitute teacher named Ms. Rattlebee. This encounter leads them to become more aware of the injustices towards animals, and they decide to take action. . . . It teaches valuable lessons about compassion, empathy, and activism. I highly recommend this book to other children and young adults as it is a well-written story that is both entertaining and educational.”—Vienna Langdon, age thirteen

“A substitute teacher strikes like lightning, jolting some kids out of their middle school trance of self-concern into a sense of wonder, compassion, and determination to seek justice. The kids, led by the passion of Claude and Medea, discover they can create lives of meaning by seeking to do good and defeat corruption. A fun book with a deep message about the need for a generation of solutionaries. Highly recommended.”—Robert Shetterly, Founder of Americans Who Tell the Truth and author of Portraits of Earth Justice: Americans Who Tell the Truth

“Illuminating! Seeing the world through the eyes of author Zoe Weil is always an adventure. In Claude & Madea, she delivers a page-turning, first-class detective story, transporting us back to our childhood while delivering a powerful truth: we are all capable of creating solutions to what seem like insurmountable problems. This story reminds us that when we live with compassion toward others, we are given insight that activates our brains to become solutionary thinkers. Every school should have a solutionary squad, and every kid should read this book!”—Jennifer Skiff, Author of The Divinity of Dogs and Rescuing Ladybugs: Inspirational Encounters with Animals That Changed the World