Have a look at some worthwhile books and films to educate and entertain you this summer, as chosen by Danielle Lobo, Education Intern for World Vision.

Books

The Life You Can Save: Acting Now to End World Poverty
by Peter Singer
This book is especially important for us at World Vision; we are currently reading it in our departmental book study. The book tries to answer some difficult questions such as why people in affluent countries should donate money and how much they should give. It is a compelling and thought provoking read that draws upon many real life examples.
Learn more: http://www.thelifeyoucansave.com/

28 Stories of AIDS in Africa
by Stephanie Nolan
The AIDS crisis in Africa is a complex and multifaceted problem with various causes and solutions. Nolan attempts to capture the epidemic through narratives that personalize how HIV and AIDS have affected people living in different African countries. These twenty-eight stories will draw upon your compassion while helping you understand the bigger picture of HIV and AIDS.
Learn more: http://www.28stories.com/home/default.asp

The Everyday Activist: 365 Ways to Change the World
By Michael Norton
Ever feel like you aren’t doing much for social activism? This book provides you with a variety of ways you can find a cause you’re passionate about and act on it. Read up on different issues and learn about the unique and interesting ways every day people are fighting for social change. By the end you will have lots of ways to influence social change.
Learn more: http://www.365act.com/ourbook.html

Films

Earth 2100
Directed by Rudy Bednar
A special two-hour film narrated by a fictitious character named “Lucy”, who experiences life in its worst as a result of climate change, overpopulation and misuse of energy resources. The film includes predictions of the situation on earth in 2015, 2030, 2050, 2085 and 2100 by a panel of leading experts. This is anengaging film that will illustrate the crises our planet faces if we don’t act now.
Learn more: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Earth2100/

Refuge
By Jonathan Pedneault and Alexandre Trudeau
Pedneault, a student, and Trudeau, a filmmaker, team up to brave the tragedy of Darfur, Sudan. For a long time, public awareness of this situation has been limited to news accounts, however, Pedneault and Trudeau hope to personalize this disaster with the faces of those who are most oppressed: Darfurian refugees. The men are guided covertly by rebel groups into Western Sudan, closer and closer to the war-torn area to answer the question, .genocide or civil war?
Learn more: http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/passionateeyeshowcase/2008/refuge/

Food Inc.
Directed by Robert Kenner
Kenner’s documentary provides a shocking and disturbing look at the American food industry. Government agencies are putting the consumer’s health aside and approving food with benefits to major corporations, in line with the long standing dilemma of profits before people. The never-rotting tomato and perfect pork chop come at the expense of E. Coli poisoning, widespread obesity and epidemic levels of diabetes.
Learn more: http://www.foodincmovie.com/about-the-film.php