BEST BOOKS OUT THIS WEEK, KIRKUS CRITIC'S PICKS
"Using stories and examples, David Moinina Sengeh presents seven principles for radical inclusion that are AS ACTIONABLE AS THEY ARE POWERFUL." ―Brené Brown
From an inspiring young global leader—"A MASTER CLASS IN INNOVATION" (Kwame Alexander) for anyone who wants to make the world a better place.
The first title from Melinda French Gates’s Moment of Lift Books
As the newly appointed minister of education in Sierra Leone, David Moinina Sengeh assumed that the administration he served—not to mention his family and friends—shared his conviction that all girls belong in the classroom. He was shocked to learn that many of those closest to him, including a member of his own family, were against lifting a long-standing policy banning pregnant girls from school.
Radical Inclusion is the dramatic narrative of Sengeh’s drive to guarantee pregnant girls’ right to an education. His story functions as a parable that can help us all advocate for change by reimagining the systems that perpetuate exclusion.
The specifics of his efforts in Sierra Leone are captivating, and the lessons Sengeh shares are universal. In addition to the candid account of his quest for reform, he offers stories and perspective from other parts of his life, drawing on his experiences encountering racial profiling as a Harvard student, developing cutting-edge prosthetic limbs at MIT, and working to combat algorithmic bias as a data scientist.
Sengeh offers readers a road map for pursuing radical inclusion in their own lives and work—from identifying exclusions, to building coalitions and adapting to a new normal. His book is essential reading for modern leaders or anyone who hopes to help unleash the power of a world that is truly, radically inclusive.
"Melinda French Gates... hopes readers discover, after reading Radical Inclusion... that 'equality's in our reach.'" —People
“An optimistic approach to fostering greater inclusion. … Inspirational, motivating, and intellectually sound, Sengeh’s instructional guidance seeks to inspire systemic change and encourages readers to fight for diversity and equity in their own communities. Proactive, pragmatic initiatives promoting radical inclusivity across social divides.” —Kirkus
“Many talk about inclusion, but only dwell in the hope and dream of it. David MoininaSengeh lives in the active pursuit of a just society. Deftly chronicling the experiences and study that have shaped him, he shows us, with a poet’s heart and a scientist’s mind how to genuinely practice radical inclusion. This book is a master class in innovation and human transformation. Like Fanon and the great African thinkers before him, he has written a rich and practical textbook for advocates, activists, and allies in the struggle for freedom and equality.” —Kwame Alexander, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Door of No Return
"Because we are hardwired for belonging, exclusion will always create suffering – and not just for the excluded. Injustice eventually corrodes everyone’s sense of safety and wellbeing. Using stories and examples, David Moinina Sengeh presents seven principles for radical inclusion that are as actionable as they are powerful. The commitment to intentional and persistent action presented in this book is exactly how we create a more just and loving world." —Brené Brown, PhD, MSW, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Dare to Lead
“This illuminating book lays bare the ways in which exclusion affects all of us — and it demonstrates the transformative power of empathy, courage, and authenticity. In a world
where inclusion and representation remain radical ideas, we need more visionary leaders like David Moinina Sengeh." —Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation
“In this intensely moving and powerful book, David Moinina Sengeh offers his wisdom and insights into how to be more inclusive and equitable in our daily lives. Radical Inclusion inspires readers to follow Sengeh's guidance at home and at work.” —Anna Malaika Tubbs, New York Times bestselling author of The Three Mothers
“Challenges us all to pay attention to who’s being left out and offers guidelines for inviting them in.” ―Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again
"[A] recommended read" ―Idris Elba