Kathryn Joyce

Kathryn Joyce is an investigative journalist and author known for her reporting on religion, reproductive rights, education, and social issues. Her work has appeared in major publications including The New York Times, The Atlantic, Slate, The Guardian, and Mother Jones. Joyce's 2013 book "The Child Catchers: Rescue, Trafficking and the New Gospel of Adoption" examined problematic practices in international adoption and the role of evangelical Christian organizations. Her earlier book "Quiverfull: Inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement" (2009) investigated the conservative Christian Quiverfull movement and its impacts on women's rights. Her investigative work has exposed issues within private religious schools, Christian nationalism, and various intersections of religion with public policy. She received the Croly Award for political journalism in 2016 and has been awarded multiple fellowships including the Knight-Wallace Fellowship at the University of Michigan. Joyce currently serves as an editor at Type Investigations and continues to publish long-form investigative pieces focused on religion, education reform, and social justice issues. Her most recent book "The Stolen Year" (2022) examines the impact of COVID-19 school closures on America's most vulnerable students.

Readers view Joyce's work as detailed investigative journalism that exposes concerning practices within religious and educational institutions. Reviews emphasize her thorough research and clear presentation of complex issues. Readers appreciate: - Documentation and first-hand accounts from people directly impacted - Clear explanations of complicated religious movements and systems - Balance between personal stories and broader policy implications Common criticisms: - Some readers find her tone too critical of religious institutions - Others note her books can be emotionally difficult to read due to subject matter - A few reviewers wanted more proposed solutions Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - "The Child Catchers" - 4.0/5 (1,200+ ratings) - "Quiverfull" - 3.9/5 (1,800+ ratings) - "The Stolen Year" - 4.1/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon averages 4.2/5 across all titles Sample reader comment: "Joyce does the hard work of investigating troubling practices while maintaining empathy for individuals caught in these systems." - Goodreads reviewer

The Child Catchers: Rescue, Trafficking, and the New Gospel of Adoption (2013) An investigation into evangelical Christian adoption programs and their impact on international adoption practices and policies.

Quiverfull: Inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement (2009) A detailed examination of the Quiverfull movement, which promotes large families and traditional gender roles within conservative Christianity.

The Stolen Year: How COVID Changed Children's Lives, and Where We Go Now (2022) An analysis of the effects of COVID-19 school closures on American children's education, mental health, and social development.

Jennifer Haigh writes investigative narratives about religious communities and social issues in America. Her work examines faith-based movements and their impact on families, similar to Joyce's reporting on Christian fundamentalism.

Jeff Sharlet reports on religious movements and their intersection with politics in the United States. His books document Christian nationalist groups and their influence on American culture and policy.

Michelle Goldberg focuses on the relationship between religion and reproductive rights in America and globally. Her research covers Christian fundamentalism's impact on women's healthcare and education policy.

Tara Westover writes about experiences within strict religious communities and educational isolation. Her work explores themes of family loyalty and breaking away from restrictive belief systems.

Julie Ingersoll analyzes Christian Reconstructionism and its influence on American conservative movements. She examines how religious ideologies shape homeschooling networks and political activism.