| To access the world’s largest online library of Fair Trade titles, access FTRN’s collaborative project, Fair Trade Institute.
Access other tools/resources to help you change the world.
| Fair Trade Titles We Recommend
Based on recommendations by FTRN Research and Communications Interns Kate Fischer and Stephanie Cheung (Last Updated Oct ‘07)
1. Where to Start ~ Fair Trade Essentials
 |
By Rose Benz Ericson ~ 34 pg. booklet ~ High school & above ~ $3.95
FTRN says: “A quick read offering a comprehensive overview of the North American Fair Trade movement. This is one of fair trade movement’s most important educational tools.”
Summary/review: This publication will help readers:
- Understand how Fair Trade relationships enhance the quality of life for producers, their families and communities, and how women realize a disproportionate benefit.
- Interact with a global community taking action to ease inequalities wrought by traditional trade structures.
- Discover the growing array of fairly traded products now readily available to consumers.
Buy it from FTRN |
 |
By Jacqueline DeCarlo ~ 176 pg. book ~ High school & above ~ $13.50
FTRN says: “This is a strongly recommended read. A Beginner’s Guide offers a solid overview of all things Fair Trade – from its history to key players and challenges.”
Summary/review: Fair Trade: A Beginner’s Guide reveals why Fair Trade means more than just bananas, coffee, and chocolate. Author and activist Jacqueline DeCarlo explains the principles behind Fair Trade and its development into a powerful economic tool. Packed with inspiring ways to make a difference, this book will encourage readers of all backgrounds to help end poverty, environmental destruction, and human exploitation.
Buy it from FTRN |
 |
Changing the Rules of Trade with Global Partnerships:
The Fair Trade Movement
By Kimberly Grimes ~ 11 pg. book chapter ~ College students & above
FTRN says: “A short, anthropological view of Fair Trade, this is an excellent jumping-off point for further research on Fair Trade and the challenges of globalization.”
Summary/review: This chapter from Social Movements: An Anthropological Reader clearly and concisely details the organization of Fair Trade as a social movement, from its early beginnings in the 1940s up to the rise of FTF, FTRN and TransFair in the late 1990s. It covers the need for Fair Trade as well as the challenges it faces in the global marketplace.
Access the pdf from FTRN |
 |
A Cafecito Story
By Julia Alvarez ~ 69 pg. book (illustr.) ~ Adults & children ~ avail in Eng & Spa. ~ $10
FTRN says: “Don’t be fooled by the length of this book. Its few pages contain a wealth of information about Fair Trade and what happens when a few people decide to make a positive difference in others’ lives. This is a great, short intro to Fair Trade for people of all ages.”
Summary/review: Available in Spanish and English language versions, A Cafecito Story is an eco-fable by best-selling author, Julia Alvarez with woodcuts by Belkis Ramí-rez. Based on Alvarez’s experiences trying to reclaim a small coffee farm in her native Dominican Republic, it shows how a return to the traditional methods of shade-grown coffee can rehabilitate and rejuvenate the landscape and human culture.
Buy it from Global Exchange |
2. Key Reads for Taking Action in Fair Trade
 |
Guide to Fair Trade, 2007
By Coop America ~ 30 pg. guide ~ High school & above
FTRN says: “This brief guide is a great way to get involved in Fair Trade – with information about Fair Trade products and numerous tips for taking action.”
Summary/review: Want to know where to get the latest Fair Trade products? Need organizing material for your business or organization? Discover the many possibilities of Fair Trade in Co-op America’s new full color Guide to Fair Trade. Inside you’ll find descriptions of dozens of national and international Fair Trade products. Learn where to find them using the Guide’s extensive directory of almost 200 Fair Trade businesses and organizations. Take action in the Fair Trade movement by following the step-by-step plan for mobilizing your organization and local producers.
Access the PDF or order hardcopies from Co-Op America |
 |
50 Reasons to Buy Fair Trade
By Miles Litvinoff & John Madeley ~ 256 pg. book ~ High school & above ~ $15.95
FTRN says: “From economics to activism, the 50 reasons run the gamut. Our favorite chapter? ‘Prove the free trade eggheads wrong’.”
Summary/review: Fair trade is a growing global movement, with a widening range of fair trade goods now available in stores. This book provides fifty reasons why buying fair trade delivers a host of benefits to people and the planet. It’s an inspiring account of how every consumer can play a part in improving and even saving lives – making global trade work better for poor people.
Buy it from Powell’s Independent Bookstore |
 |
By Kimberly Grimes ~ 42 pg. booklet ~ For those starting FT businesses ~ $4.95
FTRN says: “Based on personal experiences from more than 75 diverse shops around North America, this is a must-read for anyone starting a Fair Trade business.”
Summary/review: Filled with practical, proven advice from a variety of Fair Trade entrepreneurs, the Guide for Retailers is will help any new Fair Trade business owner dedicate his/her business aspirations in the service of Fair Trade principles. It provides step-by-step guidance for necessary preparations, building a successful foundation, and enjoying the benefits of a well-run Fair Trade business.
Buy it from FTRN |
3. A Deeper Understanding of Fair Trade
 |
Brewing Justice: Fair Trade Coffee, Sustainability, and Survival
By Daniel Jaffe ~ 331 pg. book ~ Public & academic use
FTRN says: “Brewing Justice is very readable for a range of audiences – members of the public and academics. The clear thinking and strong research offer great insights into Fair Trade.”
Summary/review: Published by the University of California Press, this book addresses the essential question: Is Fair Trade working? This vivid and detailed study of coffee farmers in Oaxaca, Mexico offers the first thorough investigation of the social, economic and environmental benefits of Fair Trade. This clearly-written book offers a nuanced analysis of the effects of fair trade on everyday life, and at the same time paints a clear picture of the complex dynamics of the fair trade and global markets. Brewing Justice also explores the changing politics of the international fair trade movements and provides recommendations for improvements.
Buy it from Powell’s Independent Bookstore |
 |
Monitoring and Impact of FairTrade Initiatives: A case study of Kuapa Kokoo and the Day Chocolate Company
By Lorain Ronchi ~ 23 pg. report ~ for adult readers
FTRN says: “For Fair Trade to change inequities in trading systems, it is necessary to take stock of our impact on the involved producers and consumers. This report offers key insights into mechanisms for such monitoring and evaluation.”
Summary/review: This case study highlights the challenges and approaches particular to monitoring impact for Fair Trade initiatives. For students and others in Fair Trade, it provides quality information on the impacts on producers and consumers of the Kuapa/Day Chocolate FairTrade initiative. For practitioners seeking to evaluate their own impact, this document will offer ideas for developing an internal impact monitoring system.
Access the pdf from Twin Trading |
 |
Fair Trade: Market Driven Ethical Consumption
By C. Opal/A. Nicholls ~ 277 pg. book ~ Students & practitioners ~ $46.95
FTRN says: “Great as a college textbook or a helpful reference book for anyone who seeks a solid understanding of Fair Trade.”
Summary/review: Fair Trade: Market-Driven Ethical Consumption offers a comprehensive and in-depth overview of major issues in Fair Trade, including a concise history, the economics, ethics, structures, functioning, and evaluation of the field. In clear and succinct language, the authors presented the major challenges of each aspect of Fair Trade and provided very concrete and practical solutions for its future development. There is a summary to each chapter, making it highly user-friendly.
Buy it from Powell’s Independent Bookstore |
 |
Fair Trade: The Challenges of Transforming Globalization
By L. Raynolds/D. Murray/J. Wilkinson ~ 240 pg. book ~ for students & academics ~ $29.95
FTRN says: “This new book shines new light on debates about globalization, free markets, and poverty. Read just a chapter on a particular topic or region that interests you, or cover-to-cover to gain a global understanding of challenges facing Fair Trade.”
Summary/review: Fair Trade: The Challenges of Transforming Globalization explores the challenges and potential of Fair Trade, emphasizing the inherent tensions of working both in, and against, the market. It covers Fair Trade’s recent rapid growth into new production regions, market arenas, and commodity areas through cases studies in Europe, North America, African and Latin America. The authors draw on, and advance, global commodity and value chain analysis, convention, and social movement approaches through these case studies and a series of synthetic analytical chapters.
Buy it from Powell’s Independent Bookstore
|
Other Valuable FTRN Resource
|
