An anti-trafficking advocate’s reading list for World Book Day
World Book Day was created on April 23, 1995, by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Today, we celebrate the rich history of reading and the power of books to connect us. For World Book Day, we want to encourage you to read something meaningful. When it comes to anti-trafficking and ethical fashion books, we have a few recommendations for you.
For those who want to make an ethical change:
“The Conscious Closet” by Elizabeth Cline
We wrote about this book last May on the blog, where you can find a full review. It’s a great option if you’ve decided you want to construct an ethically-driven closet, but you’re not quite sure where to start. We love this book not only because it is straightforward and easy to understand, but also because it has loads of great information about how to buy or rent ethically and sustainably-made clothing. She also discusses how to purge your own closet while still getting something in return for expensive items you may have purchased in the past. Cline goes into detail on how to get the most wear out of your clothes, too, detailing tips for washing, determining the quality of a garment and deciding which fabrics to buy. We cannot recommend this one enough!
For those who want to know the hard facts about human trafficking:
“Hidden in Plain Sight” by Dr. Kimberly Mehlman-Orozco
In October 2017, we reviewed this book on our blog, and its impact stands true today. Dr. Mehlman-Orozco uses her skills in survey methodology and research to illuminate the issue of human trafficking. According to our 2017 blog post, Dr. Mehlman-Orozco’s desire is to shed a light on the reality of human trafficking that happens all around us, while also providing resources to prevent its spread. Many people are shocked when they realize trafficking is happening in their own city. This book goes more into detail about where trafficking is at and how to combat it, noting the shortcomings of the U.S. justice systems in handling trafficking and educating readers on what exactly trafficking looks like in the U.S.
For those who want a classic read relating to modern justice:
“Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens
It’s pretty amazing how a good book can withstand the test of time. “Oliver Twist” is a great example of this, as the story follows a young boy who is trafficked for illegal labor. This Dressember article from 2019 shares five ways the book is able to relate to the plight of children who are trafficked today, why certain children are targeted, the failures of today’s justice systems and what aftercare looks like. Even if Dickens didn’t mean to address trafficking through his character of Oliver Twist, his words speak loudly about what forced labor for minors looks like today.
For those looking for an inspiring true story:
“Stolen: The True Story of a Sex Trafficking Survivor” by Katariina Rosenblatt, PhD
When you’re getting involved with advocacy for a cause, nothing pushes you to work as hard as you can to fight for justice than a personal account. In “Stolen”, Katariina describes her experience of growing up in an abused setting, seeking love, when she met a friend she desired to be more like. Her friend consequently involved her in sex trafficking rings, and the hardest pill to swallow about the account is that it all happened within U.S. borders. If you’re looking to be drawn in by a book and the honest, courageous account of a survivor, “Stolen” is a great place to look.
Whether you’re reading alone before going to bed or taking one of these books to your book club, be encouraged that by actively consuming the information in it, you’re doing something truly good for yourself and others. Which book will you choose to read?
About the Author
Erin Diaz Cleveland is a writer and planner from Central Virginia. Her life goal is to use her passions to inspire and encourage others to serve and better themselves and their communities. She loves spending time with her family, instructing yoga and drinking iced espresso in the afternoon.