Young Heart, Big Impact: Inspiring Acts of Empathy and Inclusion

In this week's episode, Kennedy stopped by for a visit. Currently in 6th grade, Kennedy shares her story about how she enjoys helping someone feel comfortable in new situations or sad ones. She is the person to help you find your way and she is happy to help. Her examples demonstrate a great deal of empathy, patience, loyalty, and generosity. Enjoy listening to Kennedy's generous nature in this week's interview.

Picture Book Recommendations:

a. The Invisible Boy

Author: Trudy Ludwig Illustrator: Patrice Barton

Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody in class ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party . . . until, that is, a new kid comes to class. When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.

b. Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom

Author: Callie Metler, Shirin Rahman, Melissa Stoller Illustrator: Kate Talbot

When they meet on the first day of school, three girls realize they are different from each other - Molly is Christian, Savera is Muslim, and Hannah is Jewish. Through a class planting project, the girls' friendship blossoms, and they learn they are more alike than they thought. Written by three women authors from the same faith traditions as the girls in the story, this book brings more kindness and understanding into the world.

c. Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away

Author: Meg Medina Illustrator: Sonia Sanchez

Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela's best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today—not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it's time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special. The tenderness of Meg Medina's beautifully written story about friendship and change is balanced by Sonia Sánchez's colorful and vibrant depictions of the girls' urban neighborhood.

d. Walter Had A Best Friend

Author: Deborah Underwood Illustrator: Sergio Ruzzier

Walter and Xavier are best friends. They do everything together! But then…quietly…slowly…Xavier becomes best friends with someone else. Walter goes from feeling hurt and left out to feeling confused and angry to feeling just plain lonely. Until one morning he wakes up feeling a tiny bit hopeful. That day, while out for a hike by himself, he meets Ollie. Could this be the beginning of a new friendship? Sometimes best friends aren't forever, and that's okay. Because there might be a new pal waiting just around the corner. Questions For Discussion: -Have you ever been in a new situation where someone went out of their way to welcome you and show you the new routines? -In what ways did this person's generosity help you feel more comfortable and accepted? -Share some examples of how you can help someone you know or perhaps do not know. If it is someone new to your class, sports team, band, chorus, or someone who lost a pet, had a disagreement with someone, or did poorly on an assignment. -What is your main take away from today's episode? Why?

Have a great week!

Keep Reading and Keep Leading,

Tina