How Empathy and Heart Led to St. Baldricks Fundraising

In our inaugural episode, recent and accomplished, high school graduate, Bodie Centore shares his experiences fundraising for St. Baldrick's the last ten years. While he doesn't match the age range (K-6), he demonstrated such strong compassion, empathy, and leadership the year he was my student. Bodie has always been an active community member both in and out of school playing sports, participating in school clubs and musicals, or hanging out with family and friends. He's a terrific opening guest. (Second from right in photo)

In his interview, Bodie shares the importance of being open-minded, encouraging, and inclusive when trying to create a community for any cause.

Get ready to be inspired!

Picture Book Recommendations:

a. Something

Author: Natalie Creech Illustrator: Pablo Pino

This picture book explores themes of compassion and empathy, encouraging children to take positive action when they see a need in the world around them.

b. The Bear's Garden

Author: Marcie Colleen Illustrator: Alison Oliver

Inspired by a true story of a community garden in Brooklyn, New York, this picture book is a testament to how imagination can change communities and create beauty for everyone in unexpected places. Excerpt: A girl sees an empty lot in a city and imagines what it can be.

c. Warrior

Author: Shannon Stocker Illustrator: Sarah K. Turner

One young warrior, Maria, prepares herself--again--to battle through a dangerous land in order to reach the bell on the mountain, ring it, and rid her kingdom of beasts. The brave girl faces Serpent Sea, Fear Forest, and Monster Mountain with courage--and help from a few friends. Will she reach the bell this time? At the end of the day's disappointing quest, Maria returns to her hospital bed feeling beat. But her team reminds her of exactly who she is, a warrior. An allegory telling the courageous story of the millions of children battling cancers and chronic diseases--battling their own monsters every day.

d. 30,000 Stitches

Author: Amanda Davis Illustrator: Sally Wern Comport

Discover the inspiring story of the American flag that flew over Ground Zero, traveled across all fifty states as it was repaired, and returned to New York as a restored symbol of unity.

e. Rice From Heaven

Author: Tina Cho Illustrator: Keum Jin Song

This is a true story about compassion and bravery as a young girl and her community in South Korea help deliver rice via balloons to the starving people in North Korea. We hope you enjoy these wonderful picture books!

Keep Reading and Keep Leading, Tina Shepardson