Birdie by Tracey Lindberg
Canadian bestseller Birdie, by first-time Cree novelist Tracey Lindberg, is the story of one Indigenous woman’s quest for family, purpose, love, and meaning. Birdie captures voices not often heard in literature but that compel new perspectives on the human need to belong and be loved. The title character moves from challenging situation to challenging situation, finding friendship and generally managing to make the best of whatever she faces.—Peter Gow, Independent Curriculum Resource Director, One Schoolhouse
Justice for Animals: Our Collective Responsibility by Martha C. Nussbaum
Almost 50 years ago, Peter Singer’s Animal Liberation began a new ethical movement that led to the formation of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and a growing body of philosophical literature on animal rights.Since then, there have been significant additions to the case for animal rights, culminating in last year’s Justice for Animals by Martha C. Nussbaum, one of the few contemporary philosophers whose reputation, contributions, and readability stand beside Singer’s.
As Nussbaum observes, there are several grounds for treating animals as “persons” for the purpose of moral judgment. Singer’s argument, for example, draws on classical utilitarianism: Animals, like humans can suffer, and unnecessary suffering is to be avoided as part of the “greatest good for the greatest number.” Others have argued, referring to Immanuel Kant, that animals, like people, should be treated as ends and not means to the ends of others.
Nussbaum surveys these and other arguments and proposes her own theory, which she calls a “Capabilities Approach.” Extending almost back to Aristotle, Nussbaum argues, those animals with awareness and capabilities, such as growth, reproduction, nurturing, affiliation, and others, should have these capabilities respected, not only by negative means (not killing or injuring them deliberately), but by protecting them from incidental harm such as habitat destruction.
Other countries have taken these concerns seriously. For years, India has legally asserted that elephants “are also beings entitled to dignified existence and humane treatment sans cruelty and torture.” Colombia has ruled that hippopotamuses imported by drug lord Pablo Escobar have legal standing in court cases.
These issues strike an immediate chord among our students today and can lead to both class discussions and social action. Fifteen years ago, I was teaching a senior philosophy elective and assigned a section of Singer’s book. One of my students said that our new biology teacher had read Singer when she was 5 and became a vegetarian. I later asked the teacher if this was correct. “No,” she said, “I was 6.”
—Richard Barbieri, Longtime Independent School contributor who spent 40 years as a teacher and administrator in independent schools
School Leadership from A to Z: How to Lead Well Without Losing Your Way by Bradley James Davies
I recently picked up Bradley James Davies’ School Leadership from A to Z, and then I struggled to put it down. After finishing it in only a few days, I plan to buy copies for my leadership team. It is that good. That helpful. That authentic.
I specifically valued two things about this book. First, the format. Divided into accessible stand-alone essays, A to Z can be consumed easily as the reader’s interest leads. After the hilarious and heartbreaking opening essay, “Now I Know My ABCs,” I found myself bouncing around from “D is for Dancing Guy” to “L is for Lifeguard Parenting” to “S is for Satan” to “Y is for You’re Really Not That Funny.” Each essay had me laughing, offered super-honest and helpful perspectives on our challenges as leaders, and left me wanting more.
I also valued the book’s radical, transparent candor. Writing what leaders often think but can never say, Davies offers a near-naked narrative of his struggles leading schools. I felt I learned the most from reading about his struggles. Our work is challenging. Davies names that fact fearlessly via a beautiful, lighthearted writing style while offering tangible advice designed to help leaders lead better without burning out. I couldn’t recommend it more highly to any aspiring, new, or veteran leader.
—Valorie Baker, Head of School, St. Johns Country Day School (FL)
Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy Klotz
Too often we ignore subtraction as a powerful pathway to initiate change. Frequently in schools it’s about addition—more programs, more requirements, more expectations. Indeed, we often think bigger is better. But what if we did less, better? Klotz challenges readers to consider the “stop doings” rather than piling on more to-dos. And with students, faculty, and staff stretched thin, perhaps it’s time we add subtract to our mental models in schools. Blending salient research, powerful anecdotes, and accessible, breezy writing, Klotz’s work is a must-read for anyone thinking about creating sustainable schools for years to come.—Justin Cerenzia, Dean of Teaching & Learning and Director of the Merck Center for Teaching, St. George's School (RI)
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