A question that I get asked a lot is “how do you know all of this stuff?”
The answer? I am constantly reading. I work hard to understand the latest research and concepts to stay ahead of the curve.
Restorative justice is more than a set of practices — it’s a philosophy grounded in healing, accountability, and community repair. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just beginning your journey, continuing to learn from a wide range of perspectives is crucial for building a more just and compassionate world.
So today, I thought it might help if I share some of my favorite books for those interested in taking up the fight for reform. Here’s my carefully curated list of recommended books for anyone passionate about restorative justice.
Note: This post does contain some Amazon affiliate links, any proceeds go toward blog hosting costs. Not into Amazon? Try Pango Books and get $5 off your first purchase with my code RITAMSCJ.
The Little Book of Restorative Justice by Howard Zehr
Often called the “grandfather” of restorative justice, Howard Zehr’s classic text is a must-read. In this concise yet powerful book, Zehr lays out the fundamental principles of restorative justice, contrasting them with traditional punitive approaches. This book is the perfect starting point for anyone new to the field, or a grounding refresher for experienced advocates.
Quote: “Crime is a violation of people and relationships, not just a breaking of laws.”
Until We Reckon: Violence, Mass Incarceration, and a Road to Repair by Danielle Sered
Danielle Sered challenges conventional wisdom by addressing violent offenses within restorative frameworks. Until We Reckon powerfully argues that to truly end mass incarceration, we must confront and heal from acts of violence, not simply ignore them. A critical read for advocates who want to move beyond surface-level reforms.
Quote: “Accountability is not punishment; it is facing up to what you have done and making things as right as possible.”
We Do This ‘Til We Free Us by Mariame Kaba
Mariame Kaba’s writing is essential for anyone seeking a transformative approach to justice. Blending essays, interviews, and calls to action, this book centers abolition, mutual aid, and restorative alternatives to policing and prisons. Kaba’s hopeful yet uncompromising vision is an energizing force for advocates at any stage.
Quote: “Hope is a discipline.”
Fumbling Toward Repair: A Workbook for Community Accountability Facilitators by Mariame Kaba and Shira Hassan
This practical guide is designed for people facilitating accountability processes outside of traditional criminal justice systems. It offers worksheets, case examples, and prompts to help communities address harm collectively. Perfect for advocates ready to move theory into hands-on practice.
The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice by Fania E. Davis
Fania Davis, a leading voice in the restorative justice movement, specifically explores how racial justice and restorative practices must intersect. This brief but profound book pushes advocates to recognize that restorative justice cannot be separated from broader movements for racial equity.
Quote: “Restorative justice without racial justice risks becoming another tool of oppression.”
You Might Go to Prison Even if You’re Innocent by Justin Brooks
Justin Brooks, a leading voice in innocence advocacy, reveals the shocking reality that wrongful convictions are far more common than many realize. This book explores the flaws within the legal system that can entrap even innocent individuals. This is an absolute, no doubt, MUST-read for anyone committed to justice reform.
Quote: “The possibility of innocence does not end once someone is convicted — it often begins there.”
Punishment Without Trial: Why Plea Bargaining is a Bad Deal by Carissa Byrne Hessick
This eye-opening book exposes how plea bargaining (the resolution of most criminal cases in the U.S.) undermines fairness, transparency, and justice. Hessick’s analysis challenges readers to rethink how restorative principles might offer better alternatives to coercive plea deals.
Mass Incarceration Nation by Jeffrey Bellin
Bellin examines how policy, politics, and legal incentives have created a system of mass incarceration that devastates communities without delivering true safety. His work helps advocates understand why restorative approaches are urgently needed to counter the harms of punitive models.
Blind Injustice: A Former Prosecutor Exposes the Psychology and Politics of Wrongful Convictions by Mark Godsey
This is one of my absolute favorites. I recommend this to EVERYONE when they ask why the system is so screwed up. Written by a former prosecutor turned innocence advocate, Blind Injustice explores how cognitive biases and systemic failures contribute to wrongful convictions. Godsey offers both a critique of the system and a call for more humane, restorative approaches to justice.
The End of Policing by Alex S. Vitale
Vitale offers a sharp critique of modern policing, arguing that many issues attributed to crime (homelessness, mental illness, poverty) cannot be solved by law enforcement. He calls for radically rethinking public safety systems beyond traditional policing models, a crucial consideration for restorative justice advocates.
Quote: “The problem is not police training, police diversity, or police methods. The problem is policing itself.”
Shielded: How the Police Became Untouchable by Joanna Schwartz
Joanna Schwartz, a leading scholar of civil rights litigation, explores how legal protections like qualified immunity and systemic barriers make it nearly impossible to hold police accountable for misconduct. Shielded is a vital read for advocates pushing for justice system transparency and reform.
Quote: “The law that shields officers also shields injustice.”
Locked In: The True Causes of Mass Incarceration—and How to Achieve Real Reform by John Pfaff
Challenging the common narratives around mass incarceration, Pfaff argues that focusing only on private prisons and drug laws misses deeper systemic drivers, including prosecutorial power. Locked In forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths and offers pragmatic strategies for dismantling mass incarceration.
Quote: “If we focus only on the easy cases, we risk preserving the system we are trying to change.”
Why Reading Matters
Restorative justice is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires humility, deep listening, and continuous learning. By engaging with diverse authors, voices, and lived experiences, advocates can better understand the nuances of harm, healing, and transformation.
These books offer inspiration, challenge assumptions, and provide tools for building a future where accountability and repair, rather than punishment, are the foundations of justice.
Happy Reading!
