2019 Guides and Book Collections

The 2019 Read for Empathy Guides and 
Book Collections
Forty five diverse books, specially chosen to enhance children's empathy skills, including empathy classics and teen titles. 

Empathy is a vital life skill for young people and a beacon of hope as our public discourse becomes increasingly divided and hate crimes rise to their highest ever level.
 
Scientific research shows that books are a powerful empathy-building tool. Reading gives young people insight into other people’s feelings, ways of life, and the experience of facing challenges like becoming homeless, or a refugee.
 
Our 2019 Empathy Book Guides feature forty five titles specially selected by an expert cross disciplinary panel to strengthen children’s empathy skills and inspire them to put empathy into action in their communities. The collection for 4-11 year olds has 30 superb books - picture books, novels, a graphic novel and a poetry collection.
 
In response to demand from secondary school teachers, we have introduced a trial Guide for 11-16 year olds. This features fifteen books - two graphic novels, three poetry books, nine novels and a collection of short stories.
 
Download both Guides for reviews and top tips.  The Primary Guide is here and the Secondary Guide is here.
 
Snap up the collections via this email link our partners Peters at a 26% discount and use them your classrooms and libraries in the run up to Empathy Day, 9 June 2020 and beyond.
'In a dispiriting global context, using children’s books to drive an empathy movement is one of the few things that makes me feel hopeful. This collection features lots of characters changing the world for the better.’

Nicolette Jones, Sunday Times’ Children’s Book Reviewer and member of our selection panel.
'Writing is itself a form of empathy, as writers and illustrators we put ourselves into the shoes of our characters hoping to share something fundamental about human nature and the inevitability of our togetherness. 

"If All The World Were…”, is a story that I wrote to let anyone who misses someone know that they are not alone and that through sharing our feelings and experiences we can all feel better.'. 

Joseph Coelho, author – 'If All The World Were....'

‘Reading allows us to view the world – and ourselves - through another’s eyes and to walk in their shoes for a while, developing understanding. This is the very essence of connecting and communicating effectively with others.

Reading is such a wonderful way to bring people together in a world that increasingly seeks to build walls and barriers between us.’


Malorie Blackman, author – 'Noughts and Crosses'


'Anybody can look at you. It's quite rare to find someone who sees the same world you see.'  from 'Turtles All the Way Down' - John Green

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