[1] The ethics of raising healthy children is a challenging topic of discussion. Normally, most people think of ethics as a normative activity, limited to atomistical individuals acting according to societal norms. Ethics is reduced to inculcating children with moral values that would allow them to navigate right and wrong. Nevertheless, there is a neglected concern that pertains to parental and societal imperatives/expectations of providing a stable and healthy environment for children. This issue celebrates the perspectives and insights of practitioners and advocates for children and health.
[2] As an educator and children’s advocate, Elizabeth Rocha examines the pedagogical value of Deanna Branch’s wonderfully inspirational story about Aidan Branch’s struggle with lead poisoning.
[3] Donna Rodriguez Witzenberger’s piece shares her insights as the mother of a childhood cancer survivor on India Desjardins’ A Story About Cancer With a Happy Ending. Desjardins was inspired by a young girl who lamented that every children’s book she had read all had “unhappy endings.” Rodriguez Witzenberger’s piece is a poignant reflection on the heartbreaking journey the parent and child endures as they struggle with this illness.
[4] Inspired by conversations with parents and teachers whom I shared Deanna Branch’s book with, it was clear to me that this volume needed to include resources for parents and children on this pressing topic. With the suggestion of teachers, and librarians, included is a list of the top five most recommended books on raising healthy children and related topics.
William Rodriguez is Assistant Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, Florida. He serves as Book Review Editor for the Journal of Lutheran Ethics.