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Read For Empathy

read for empathy collection
read for empathy 2024 collection primary

Read for Empathy 2024 Booklist

Science shows that empathy is learnable and that reading is an important empathy-building tool. This collection will help parents and educators to surround children with empathy experiences, inspiring them to understand others better, and tackle societal problems like racism.” EmpathyLab Founder Miranda McKearney OBE.

The aim of the Read for Empathy collection is for schools, libraries, families and community groups to use the books to help raise a generation with strong empathy skills. Chosen by expert judges, the primary collection features 40 books for 4-11 year olds, including picturebooks, novels, poetry, non-fiction and graphic novels, all published within the last three years.

Each title on this list was selected because of its empathy-building job, offering children the opportunity to expand their understanding of different people and life experiences, and helping them to find ways of experiencing and building empathy.

The 2024 Read For Empathy book collection comes at a time when empathising with others has never been needed more. Themes of this year’s collection include: changing society for the better; the world’s big empathy issues (war, climate change, refugees); handling and sharing emotions; the power of empathy in relationships; understanding people’s experience of challenging life circumstances; hope for the future; empathy for characters; and identity.

You can see the full collection here. More information is available on the Empathy Lab website.

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Understanding & Sharing Emotions

Caroline Crowe
 & Carlos Velez
Picturebook
"My dog Sam has a superpower. He doesn't wear a costume. He can't fly. And he definitely can't make himself invisible. Sam's superpower is happiness."Sam can find happiness in the most unexpected places: a smelly old boot, a deflated ball, even in a muddy puddle! When Dad leaves for work, Sam's young owner needs a little help to be happy again. Can Sam show his best friend how to be a bit less sad and a bit more dog?This is a funny and heart-warming picture book about finding joy in the simplest things. With uplifting text from Caroline Crowe and engaging, lively illustrations from Carlos Velez, this feel-good story celebrates the connection between children and pets and encourages us all to be more dog!
Cori Doerrfeld
Picturebook
Finn is in a horrible mood and doesn't want to talk about it, but after some persuading, agrees to go for a hike with Grandpa. Throughout their forest walk, they see many different things: big, strong trees with networks of roots growing underneath, still water with schools of fish swimming below, and an expectant bird with eggs nestled under her. Grandpa explains that people also have hidden feelings beneath the surface, and despite appearances, may be feeling the say way you do.
Sarah Christou
Picturebook
Blue the monster doesn't have to be scary. And he doesn't have to be a secret. After all, we all feel blue from time to time and talking about it helps.A friendly, gentle story to help young children navigate big emotions.
Nadia Shireen
Picturebook
From the creator of Barbara Throws a Wobbler - the ultimate story to chase (and laugh) your worries away.Geoffrey's got the jitters! It started last night when he was thinking about school - a funny, wiggly feeling in his tummy that grew and grew. But when Geoffrey's tummy jitters started talking to him - that's when he knew they were out of control. Geoffrey had to do something...Through a laugh-out-loud story and loveable character, Nadia Shireen shows how to understand and dispel anxieties, one jitter at a time.Selected as one of The Sunday Times Best Children's Book of the Year.
Emily Joof
 & Matilda Ruta
Picturebook
"The cool on my toes felt kind of nice. As Mama held me tight, I thought: Maybe I'll go in next time."A child's first encounter with the sea leaves them feeling small and scared. What could be hiding in the dark depths below? When the family visits a lake and a river, the child's fear of water gradually starts to ebb as curiosity begins to flow. But playing in the water still doesn't feel right. Mama says there is no rush to try swimming, and that the water will wait. Maybe next time?This gently powerful story about taking your time and listening to yourself, with lyrical words from Emily Joof, reminds us that it's okay for progress to be gradual. Bold and dynamic illustrations from Matilda Ruta bring the journey to life with warmth and vibrancy. A perfect book for any child who is feeling nervous about new experiences.

Jaspreet Kaur
 & Manjit Thapp
Picturebook

Finding tranquillity can seem like an elusive quest in the heart of our ever-busy world, where the din of traffic, road works, and sirens fill the air. The Spaces In Between by Jaspreet Kaur is a journey through the lives of children seeking solace in the crevices of urban life and brought to life through the evocative illustrations of Manjit Thapp. The narrative weaves through the experiences of various children, each navigating their emotions amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.

Themes of anxiety, fear, kindness, and joy are gently explored, making complex emotions accessible and understandable to a younger audience. The children’s journeys over a day showcase how they find peace in simple joys, be it the warm embrace of a loved one, the exhilarating sensation of splashing through puddles, or the tactile pleasure of autumn leaves underfoot. Though seemingly small, these moments are depicted as vast and significant havens of peace and happiness.

Located at the end of the book are practical tips and suggestions for finding calm. These ideas are theoretical and grounded in accessibility, ensuring that children from various backgrounds can find solace and joy in their everyday environments. This approach underscores the book’s commitment to inclusivity and universal well-being, offering a beacon of peace amidst the chaos. It is a significant tool for educators, parents, and all professionals involved in children’s education and well-being, illustrating the power of mindfulness and the importance of mental health from a tender age.

Perfect for initiating conversations about emotions, teaching mindfulness practices, and encouraging children to explore and appreciate the world around them while navigating their emotions and finding quiet spaces in a noisy world.

Catherine Rayner
Picturebook

‘Victor the Wolf with Worries’ is a charming and thoughtful book. Beautifully presented, with exquisite artwork by the author, it is a feline take on ‘The Huge Bag of Worries’ and will, I’m sure, become a classic to draw upon both in the KS1 classroom and at bedtime. Victor has three all-encompassing worries which he feels are insurmountable, until his friend Pablo comes to the rescue.

Pablo’s solutions are simple and magically effective and many a teacher and parent up and down the country will find themselves incorporating these strategies into practice.

The wolves in the story, despite being idealised as brave, big and fierce, look rather like shy, dignified puppies! Children will delight in naming them and considering the real characteristics that lie behind their grey coats and pointed noses! The conclusion of the story – that ‘everybody worries!’ and that ‘worries come and go’ –  is a delightful drawing together of the narrative, leaving even the shyest little one feeling safe and comforted.

Read for Empathy Picturebooks

Craig Barr-Green
 & Francis Martin
Picturebook

What a great read! This is a superb book to share with one child or a whole class. The inside cover alone is a delight – crammed with emojis showing an array of emotions which children can share and talk about. The story is written in an informal style and follows a young neuro-diverse girl, Gina, as she journeys through the story of Red Riding Hood, fixing mistakes and recounting the true facts.

Craig Barr-Martin weaves into the narrative the use of charts to show how you feel; the making of lists to keep you organised; and the importance of familiar items when you go on a journey.

The first reading is fun, the second builds further understanding and the third reveals even more about the way we all think and feel.

Find more fun twists on fairy tales on our new Fairy Tales and Traditional Stories booklist.

Anna Wilson
 & Sarah Massini
Picturebook
Life-affirming and lyrical, this beautiful picture book celebrates the awesome power of nature, while gently introducing young children to the concept of life and death.Over the course of a year, a young child and their dog watch kingfishers by the river with Grandpa. As spring turns to summer and autumn to winter, the kingfishers raise a family, while Grandpa teaches his grandchild about the power of nature and the circle of life.Written in memory of her father, whose favourite bird was the kingfisher, Anna Wilson takes readers on a lyrical journey though a year in the life of a kingfisher family. Stunning illustrations by Sarah Massini bring the riverbank to life in all its glory, while the powerful intergenerational bond between grandparent and grandchild shows that just as spring always follows winter, hope will always return if you know where to look for it.A positive story about life, death, and being a part of the natural world.
Annemarie Anang
 & Natelle Quek
Picturebook

A simple lesson in the importance of respecting names. This charming book explores the impact of the way we refer to people and how important it is to take time to learn and use people’s names correctly. The text is full of expressive verbs to describe how the children are playing the instruments in the story. There is a lot of opportunity to explore the breadth of vocabulary through this narrative. The characters in the story represent a diverse mix of children and give plenty of opportunity for children to see themselves in this book.

Jordan Scott
 & Sydney Smith
Picturebook
The special relationship between a child and his grandmother is depicted in this sumptuous book by an award-winning team.Inspired by memories of his childhood, Jordan Scott's My Baba’s Garden explores the sights, sounds and smells experienced by a child spending time with their beloved grandmother (Baba), with special attention to the time they spent helping her tend her garden, searching for worms to keep it healthy. They visit her every day and find her hidden in the steam of boiling potatoes, a hand holding a beet, a leg opening a cupboard, an elbow closing the fridge, humming like a night full of bugs when she cooks. A ritualistic relationship with few words, rooted in feeling and emotion.
Wafa' Tarnowska
 & Vali Mintzi
Picturebook
Forced to take shelter when their Syrian city is plagued with bombings, young Nour and her cousin begin to bravely build a secret underground library. Based on the author’s own life experience and inspired by a true story, Nour’s Secret Library is about the power of books to heal, transport and create safe spaces during difficult times. Illustrations by Romanian artist Vali Mintzi superimpose the colorful world the children construct over black-and-white charcoal depictions of the battered city.

Erika Meza
Picturebook

There are currently around 13 million child refugees in the world – each own with their own story.

With masks on their faces, a family leaves their home. This picturebook story is cleverly told through the vehicle of an older sibling creating a game for her younger brother as they travel – avoid the monsters and don’t get caught. In this long game of ‘tag’ they must be fast and brave; travelling on buses, hitching lifts and often walking alone.

The story is so poignant. It shows the hardships faced on the long journey; the tiredness, the danger, the longing for home and for safety. Drawn in grey tones, the pink and yellow masks highlight the anonymous figures and hidden voices of those seeking sanctuary over an invisible line. Although this story focuses on children crossing the border into the USA, this beautiful book opens up discussions about why families might leave their homes and what life might be like for them as they seek a safer place to settle. The book provides a starting point for discussing themes of displacement and migration with primary school children. The sibling relationship is beautiful and there is essential factual information and additional personal stories within the back matter.

Read for Empathy Early Readers

Jarvis
Short story collection
Bear didn’t really like the painting. I mean, look at it. But he liked Bird a lot, and it would remind him of her…Bear and Bird are best friends! And while they don’t always understand each other, they both agree: all they want is to make the other happy. So, when Bear forgets to pack for a picnic (but pretends that he didn’t), Bird doesn’t let on that she knew all along. And when Bird discovers that Bear has more of a certain talent than she does, well, Bear finds a touching way to make her feel better...Full of funny mix-ups and comic misunderstandings, as well as genuine warmth and affection, these four stories are the start of an irresistibly charming new chapter book series from award-winning creator Jarvis.
Joseph Coelho
 & David Barrow
Chapter book
A lost little budgie brings together a young neighbour and his seemingly grumpy older neighbour in this touching Little Gem from award-winner and Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho.Mr Buxton is always having a go at Miles and his friends for climbing the trees outside their tower block. Miles thinks he’s just a grumpy old man but when he finds a lost little budgie, Miles also discovers that he and Mr Buxton have more in common than he could ever have imagined.
Pip Jones
 & Paula Bowles
Chapter book
Dimple the gnome is upset and he doesn’t know how to talk about it – but then along comes the Boo … A charming new Gem from the bestselling author of Squishy McFluff.Yucky cabbage pie! Mean Mrs Miskin! Stupid spelling test!Oh dear, Dimple the Gnome is having a very bad day and he just can't find the right words to tell anyone how he's feeling. Then Dimple finds the Boo, who lets everyone know what's going on. But the Boo’s rude words and naughty noises just get Dimple into trouble. Can Dimple find another way to express himself?
Polly Ho-Yen
 & Sojung Kim-McCarthy
Chapter book
Ita is afraid of lots of things. She’s afraid of talking to her classmates at her new school. She’s afraid of walking through her new town. But most of all she is afraid of water.When one day she realises the river in her new town turns her into a fish, she is forced to face up to her fears. In doing so, can she bring her family together again?With themes of change, and deftly tackling the topic of fear for younger readers, this is another heart-warming and beautifully-written early reader by Polly Ho-Yen, filled with charming artwork by Sojung Kim-McCarthy.

Read for Empathy Novels

Nazneen Ahmed Pathak
Chapter book
A spellbinding, epic and heart-racing magical adventure from an exquisite new storytelling talent.India, 1855. The British rule, and all across the country, Indian magic is being stamped out.More terrifying still, people born with magic are being snatched from their homes. Rumour is that they are being taken across the sea - to England - by the all-powerful, sinister Company.When Chompa's home is attacked and her mother viciously kidnapped, Chompa - born with powerful and dangerous magic that she has always been forbidden from using - must travel to the smoky, bustling streets of East London in search of her. But Chompa will discover far more treachery in London than she had bargained for - and will learn that every act of her rare magic comes with a price...
Laura Noakes
Chapter book

What a fabulous book! Cosima Unfortunate is a new type of heroine for Middle-Grade readers. Cosima and her friends Diya, Mary and Pearl live in a Home for Unfortunate Girls, locked away from the eyes of the world. However, there is certainly nothing ‘unfortunate’ about them! When a mysterious visitor turns up at the home, Cos overhears a conversation that sets a series of events in motion that will change their lives forever; a chain of events that includes sneaking out, stealing and even mortal danger.
Nothing is too much though for Cos and her friends. Diya is a brilliant inventor, Mary is a great planner and Pearl is a talented artist – all skills that will be needed if they are to stop the evil plans of Lord Fitzroy and save the day.
The story highlights how people who are perceived to be different can be treated. In this book, however, differences are not a hindrance. I really loved the characters, and children who see themselves as different will enjoy being represented as the heroes and heroines of the tale.

E.L. Norry
Chapter book
Unlock the legends. Unleash the magic. Save your home. 'An exciting, heartrending story with a magical twist' - Jacqueline WilsonFablehouse is a children’s home like no other. It’s a safe haven for Heather and her friends, sheltering them from a society that won’t accept the colour of their skin. But soon that is not the only danger that threatens them. When mysterious spirits infiltrate the house, stealing away some of the children, the friends must follow them to the heart of the underworld. There they find a magical court from Arthurian legend, where bewitched creatures are hatching a plan to take over the human world. With Pal, the gallant Black Knight, by their side, Heather and friends must resist the glamour of the Fae and battle the Champion. Can they find the inner strength they'll need to save their home?
Hannah Gold
 & Levi Pinfold
Chapter book

This is the beautiful sequel to the widely acclaimed ‘The Last Bear’ by Hannah Gold.

Brave and impetuous, April Wood is drawn back to the Arctic in search of Bear, who she is sure is calling her to return. The magical bond between girl and bear taps into every child’s dream, but Gold also explores themes of grief and loss, and what it means to love enough to let go. Friendship, courage, family bonds and the importance of not judging people on first impressions are also themes powerfully explored in the book.

The narrative is clear about the negative impact of climate change on wildlife in the Arctic – in particular, there is a resonating scene in which April finds a polar bear who has died of starvation. The greatest impact of the book however is that it leaves you with a sense of the incredible natural beauty of the Arctic – as Abi Elphinstone says, it is ‘utterly transporting’ – and the importance of doing all we can to preserve it. April is a fierce advocate for the wildlife of the Arctic. Her voice speaks out strongly in anger over the impacts of climate change, yet the book ends with hope as she realises the power of leading with her heart and her passion on display to inspire others.

Beautiful and moving, Hannah Gold has again produced a treasure of a story not to be missed.

Ian Eagleton
Chapter book
A Polari-Prize-winning author presents an unforgettable story about a boy facing up to bullying - and his own truths. James loves dancing, poetry, and Mariah Carey (not in that order, though, because Mariah would obviously be first!).His teacher, Mr Hamilton, is getting married to his boyfriend and it seems that James will be part of a surprise choir performance at the wedding.But James's father seems uncomfortable about the plan, and a lot of other things - like any mention of Mr Hamilton, and James's dancing, and how James talks about his new friend Joel. Meanwhile, a different boy has been harassing James at school and calling him gay, and it's getting worse every day.James can find relief with his beloved Nan, she's been having worrying falls, and James can't tell anyone, or she might be sent to a faraway care home. The secrets are building up, and James is starting to lose his characteristic spark.Can he find the strength to let the truth out?A joyful, raw and timely novel about family, friends, enemies, and being true to who you really are.Perfect for fans of Alex Gino, A.M. Dassu, and The Boy At the Back of the Class.Ian Eagleton is the author of Nen and the Lonely Fisherman, which was shortlisted for The Bookseller's Book Of The Year - Discovery Category 2022

Anne-Marie Conway
Chapter book

Lily loves animals and has a stammer.

Themes of family and friendship are explored throughout the story, which is told from Lily’s point of view. Lily is in Year 6 and her new teacher sets a project about ‘One World’, where the children work together to research an issue and present it to the class – a task that feels challenging for Lily when she has a stammer. This thought-provoking and beautiful story reels the reader in to Lily’s journey from being the victim of cyberbullying to standing up for herself and ‘becoming more hedgehog.’

From friendship changes, cyberbullying and new family additions, this unique story leads to lots of discussion for KS2 classes. The story is inter-woven with animal facts and at the beginning of each chapter is a fact about hedgehogs, as well as an illustration. This book is captivating from the first page and is a must-read for celebrating differences, overcoming adversity, and having hope and courage.

I really enjoyed this story and read it in one day, as I couldn’t put it down. It would make a good class read for children in Year 5 or 6 or for children who love animals and celebrating who we are.

L.D. Lapinski
Chapter book
A beautiful and uplifting story from L.D. Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency, about how to make your own place when the world doesn't think you fit anywhere. For fans of Me, My Dad and The End of The Rainbow.Jamie Rambeau is a happy 11-year-old non-binary kid who likes nothing better than hanging out with their two best friends Daisy and Ash. But when the trio find out that in Year Seven they will be separated into one school for boys and another for girls, their friendship suddenly seems at risk. And when Jamie realises no one has thought about where they are going to go, they decide to take matters into their own hands, and sort it all out once and for all.As the friends' efforts to raise awareness eventually become a rooftop protest against the binary rules for the local schools, Jamie realises that if they don't figure out a way forwards, they might be at risk of losing both their friends forever...
Jeffrey Boakye
Chapter book
Kofi had an idea....one big lightning bolt of an idea that hit him like electricity. And all it needed was Kelvin's incredible memory for words.Kofi is used to stuff going wrong, he's usually in detention or about to be. But when he finds out his best friend Kelvin has a photographic memory, he comes up with a genius money-making scheme. The whole school is obsessed with music, no one can ever make out the words, so the boys hit the jackpot selling a new fanzine full of song lyrics: PAPER JAM. It's not long before one of the teacher's tells Kofi: 'You could be a real leader at this school, you know that?' and . . . suddenly it's turning out to be the best summer ever!
Cath Howe
Chapter book

A captivating and thought-provoking dual narrative from the author of Ella on the Outside.

As Ren and her family drove home one evening they could see orange flames dancing in the sky and bursting like fireworks and flashing fire engines – this excitement soon turns to terror and misery when they realise it is their home on fire. Their lives change instantly when they have to rebuild their lives and home due to the devastating fire. Ren, her parents and little brother Petie have to move in with their strict Gran, who starts to take care of them more due to her parents being busy sorting out the house, business and money troubles.

Renn feels empty and lost with nothing left and soon finds a way to help herself feel better – by taking small items that are meaningful to her old life or other people. Whilst doing this, she feels better but simultaneously she feels wracked with guilt. Meanwhile, Caspar is chatty, inquisitive and really helpful. When things start to go missing in school, he is on a mission to find the culprit. What will happen when he finds out it is his new friend?

The story is told through two perspectives: Ren and Caspar. They are two completely different characters with very different lives, but in the end become true allies and a real help to each other. The narrative was easy to read and having the two perspectives in two different fonts made it easy to decipher which character was telling their version of events. As the story progresses, the pace quickens and I was desperate to read on to find out what was going to happen to Ren and Caspar. The ending was satisfying and wholesome.

The story focuses on complex moral choices and what to do when your friend is in trouble even though it could cause trouble for yourself. The story would make a great class read for Year 6 with links to PSHE, empathy work or class discussions.

Frances Moloney
Chapter book
I knew STRAIGHTAWAY that something was WRONG on Monday morning when Mum didn't wake me up for school.With his grandma snoring in the kitchen and his older sister spending hours getting ready for school, it's up to Jake to discover where his missing mum might be.Life at home wasn't perfect, but he can't understand why she would simply run off like this. And why doesn't anyone else seem to care?A heartfelt, funny and unique ode to perfectly imperfect families.

Phil Earle
Chapter book
Until the Road Ends is the eagerly awaited new novel from the bestselling author of When the Sky Falls: The Times Children's Book of the Year, winner of a Books Are My Bag Readers Award, the British Book Award for Children’s Fiction and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.Nominated for the Carnegie Medal for WritingWhen Peggy saves a stray dog from near-death, a beautiful friendship begins. Peggy and Beau are inseparable: the only thing that can ever come between them is war. Peggy is evacuated to the safety of the coast, but Beau is left behind in the city, where he becomes the most extraordinary and unlikely of war heroes. Night after night, as bombs rain down and communities are destroyed, Beau searches the streets, saving countless families. But then disaster strikes, changing Peggy’s life forever. With her parents killed, both she and Beau are left alone, hundreds of miles apart. But Beau has a plan to reunite them at long last...
Lesley Parr
Chapter book
It's February 1974 and working-class families have been hit hard by the three-day week. The reduced power usage means less hours for people to work, and less money to get by on. Thirteen-year-old Jason feels the struggle keenly. Ever since his parents died, it's just been him and his older brother Richie. Richie is doing his best, but since he can't make ends meet he's been doing favours for the wrong people. Every day they fear they won't have enough and will have to be separated.One thing that helps distract Jason is the urban legend about a beast in the valleys. A wild cat that roams the forest, far up the river from their bridge. When Jason's friends learn of a reward for proof of The Beast's existence, they convince Jason this is the answer to his and Richie's money problems. Richie can get himself out of trouble before it's too late and the brothers can stay together.And so a quest begins. Starting at the bridge of their village and following the river north, the four friends soon find themselves on a journey that will change each of them - forever.

Read for Empathy Verse Novels

Matt Goodfellow
 & Joe Todd-Stanton
Poetry

This is an extraordinary verse novel about the final year of primary school, told through poetry. The verse captures the character of Year 6 pupil Nate as he navigates issues of school, family illness, emotions, change and friendships. Year 6 is a difficult year for many children and whilst they are unlikely to have it quite as difficult as Nate, the book still captures some of that flavour, including the run-up to SATs, friendship issues and anxiety during a time when a sense of big changes is in the air.

Through his powerful verses, ex-primary school teacher Matt Goodfellow pays testament to the impact of a great teacher in supporting pupils through this time as well as the power of words and writing to help manage big emotions. Joe Todd Stanton’s drawings add to the text, with the simple drawings softening the harshness of the story’s real-world themes. The cover is striking, and I was instantly reminded of Skellig by David Almond, which is referenced throughout the book.

Whilst I read this in one go (I simply couldn’t put it down) it is not an ‘easy’ read in many ways and it is a very emotional story. I also think that it will take a mature child to ‘read between the lines’ and understand the text at a deeper level, even in Year 6. Believe the hype and the praise, this book is every bit as good as everyone is saying.

Zana Fraillon
Chapter book
Be strong. Be fierce. Life is more than a concrete floor.Scruffity is born into a harsh, grey world. What he yearns for most is Family. But no one wants him. Just as his chances of adoption grow thin, Scruffity is set free by a boy as unwanted as he is.He learns how to run, to dig, to howl and, biggest of all, to love. But then tragedy strikes ...How does a dog find his way home when he never had one to begin with?A heartfelt, wondefully written and totally compelling story of love and belonging.Told through the eyes of a young pup, Scruffity, who will tug at your heartstrings.Themes of friendship, loss and hope are woven through a gripping narrative.Stunning illustrations by Sean Buckingham.

Read for Empathy Poetry

Various authors
 & Various illustrators
Poetry

Many classrooms have poetry book with the classics – which are fabulous – but this collection really celebrates modern, diverse poets and their poetry.

The poems in this book will directly relate to children’s experiences of life and the emotions they will have felt. Some poems tackle more challenging emotions that arise from bullying or sadness and one poem tackles an often unspoken emotion – embarrassment. Some of these poems may need to be introduced sensitively, but the language and range of poetry styles make them accessible to explore as well as providing useful springboards for the discussion of feelings.

Some of the poems lend themselves to being spoken out loud and poems such as ‘Stomp’ and ‘It’s like this’ in the collection almost demand performance. Others are well suited to quiet reflection. The poems are written by a wide and diverse range of poets and this collection makes it a good introduction to some of the great children’s poets of today.

At the back of the book, there are photographs and short biographies of each of the poets. What this makes explicit for children is the diversity of poets as well as their achievements. Many of the poems would work well as models for children’s own poetry writing, with clear patterns that could be followed. For example, the first poem ‘If you could see laughter’ asks us to see laughter as a colour and something we can visualise. Each poem is illustrated in a different style and children could easily identify their favourite illustration. This is a great collection for any classroom.

Neil Gaiman
Poetry
Sometimes it only takes a stranger in a dark place... to say we have the right to be here, to make us warm in the coldest season. In 2019, Neil Gaiman asked his Twitter followers: What reminds you of warmth? Over 1,000 responses later, Neil began to weave replies from across the world into a poem in aid of the UNHCR’s winter appeal. It revealed our shared desire to feel safe, welcome and warm in a world that can often feel frightening and lonely.Sales of every copy of this book will help support the work of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, which helps forcibly displaced communities and stateless people across the world.Now publishing in hardback and illustrated by a group of artists from around the world, What You Need to Be Warm is an exploration of displacement and flight from conflict through the objects and memories that represent warmth. It is about our right to feel safe, whoever we are and wherever we are from. It is about holding out a hand to welcome those who find themselves far from home. Featuring new, original illustrations from Chris Riddell, Benji Davies, Yuliya Gwilym, Nadine Kaadan, Daniel Egnéus, Pam Smy, Petr Horácek, Beth Suzanna, Bagram Ibatoulline, Marie-Alice Harel, Majid Adin and Richard Jones, with a thought-provoking cover from Oliver Jeffers.

Read for Empathy Graphics

Aoife Dooley
Poetry
A two-colour graphic novel about speaking-up and standing out when you feel different. Perfect for fans of Raina TelgemeierHow do you find your voice when everyone around you is telling you to be quiet?Frankie is different, and so is her best-friend, Sam. So when they both start secondary school, it's tough. Particularly when there are so many rules to follow, like: No talking in class! Be quiet in the hallways! Silence for assembly!Frankie doesn't know how she'll manage, because constantly talking is how she copes. So when she gets the chance to compete in a Battle of the Bands contest, Frankie couldn't be more excited. Except, to have a band, you need to have band members. And to have band members, you need to be good at making friends...Can Frankie learn to find her voice and stand out?A unique perspective on Autism, told with humour and heart.Brought to life with glorious colour artwork in a distinctive blue and orange palette.Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
Margaret Littman
 & Sara Luna
Graphic Novel
Irena Sendler was a humanitarian and social worker in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II. Her job allowed her to pass through the armed gates of the Warsaw ghetto, bringing limited aid to the 450,000 Jewish people who were forcibly moved there. In secret, Irena built a network of people to smuggle 2,500 children out of the ghetto, saving their lives. And in a hidden jar, she kept their family names. This is her story.

Read for Empathy Non-Fiction

Na'ima B. Robert
 & Nadine Kaadan
Picturebook
Four brave children watch, listen, search, and feel, as they experience the inequalities, dangers and injustices of life in our world.Inspired by real-life activists and campaigners Greta Thunberg, Yusra Mardini, Marley Dias and Iqbal Masih, each of these children is filled with courage, determination and hope. They campaign to help save the planet, show that refugees can contribute and show leadership in sport in their new land, they build a library of 1000 books depicting black girls, they speak out against the outrage of child slavery. Lyrical and powerful, this book is a passionate call to children everywhere to speak their truth and stand up for a better world.
Beth Cox
 & Samantha Meredith
Non-fiction
This book will help children to be themselves and feel like they belong. From the atoms that made them to the things that bodies can do, ALL bodies are wonderful. We know that bodies can be tricky to understand. Sometimes you might feel like your body is different. But being different is completely natural ... it's just science! Trust the experts to help you have big conversations together using this inclusive guide.
Katie Dayne,Asha de Sousa
 & Oksana Drachkovska
Non-fiction
With simple, direct questions, thoughtful, compassionate answers and stunning illustrations by the Ukrainian artist Oksana Drachkovska, this book explores what it really means to be a refugee. Written with advice from the Refugee Council and drawing on conversations with refugees and aid workers from around the world, the questions cover all stages of a refugee's journey, from fleeing danger and embarking on hazardous journeys, to seeking asylum and struggling to find a new place to call home. The language and scenes have been carefully considered to be appropriate for younger children, providing an extremely useful educational tool for families and schools.
Patrice Lawrence
 & Jeanetta Gonzales
When Paloma goes to visit her family in Trinidad, she doesn’t feel that she fits in. But Tante Janet has a story to tell her: An ancient story of warrior queens and talking drums, of treasures and tales that span thousands of years… a story that Paloma shares in, because her story starts in Africa, too.. Join Tante and her inquisitive niece as they share the story of how her family came to the Caribbean, through the dark days of colonization and slavery, to the emergence of a thriving, contemporary community of many faces, places and successes.

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Empathy is our ability to understand and share someone else’s feelings. It builds stronger, kinder communities. It’s a crucial life skill that children need to learn, thrive and make a positive difference. We’re not born with a fixed quantity of empathy – it’s a skill we can all learn.

Excitingly, research shows that books are a powerful tool to develop it. When children identify with book characters, they learn to see things from other people’s point of view. As they read, they are building their empathy skills.

An expert panel has chosen forty wonderful books for children aged 3–11. Each one does a specific empathy-building job, like helping children develop new perspectives or naming and sharing emotions. They celebrate the way empathy underpins the relationships that help us feel seen and safe. They offer powerful insights into different ways of life and how it might feel to be homeless or caught up in war. Please use them to inspire children to turn feelings of empathy into action – in their homes, schools and communities.

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Your Review

Stone Girl Bone Girl

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Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

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Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?

yes

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Curriculum links (if relevant)

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