Empathy Book Club: Building Bridges

Activity Objectives

Students will read books about appreciating their differences by practicing skills like cultural humility, perspective taking, and empathy
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Then, students will share their insights and personal experiences during a follow-up discussion
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This activity supports the development of the following social-emotional skills: self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship skills.

The Empathy Book Club focuses on books which enhance students' empathy skills, such as compassion, perspective taking, and relating to others' emotions. This set of books focuses on building friendships across differences and offers options for different grade levels. Use the following questions to guide students through a discussion around the recommended titles. You can do this either with your own class or with your Empatico partner class (e.g. during a live Empatico Exchange or virtually through a tool like Flipgrid, Wakelet, or Padlet).

For Grades K-2

The Sandwich Shop

Reflect on how we can make new friends who are different from us after reading the book "The Sandwich Swap" by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah and Kelly DiPucchio, and illustrated by Tricia Tusa.

How would you describe Salma and Lily? In what ways are they different from each other?
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Why do Salma and Lily get into a fight? How do they feel when the other person says unkind things about their lunch?
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How do Salma and Lily fix their friendship? What did they learn?
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Do you have a friend who is different from you? Maybe they are from a different country, speak another language, or have a different skin color. How did you become friends with each other? What do you share in common, and how are you different?
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Why is it important to have friends who are different from us?

Empatico Exchange

Flipgrid Activity

Wakelet Template

For Grades 3-5

A New Kind of Wild

Reflect on how we can make new friends who are different from us after reading the book "A New Kind of Wild" by Zara González Hoang.

Why is Ren unhappy when he moves to a new city? How does Ava help him see a “new kind of wild”?
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Where would you take Ren to help him see “a new kind of wild” in our city? What does this place show about your culture and experiences?
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How do Ren and Ava practice “cultural humility”, which is when we are interested in learning about each other’s culture and experiences? How does this help them understand each other better?
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Is there a way you practice cultural humility in your own life, or want to practice it in the future? Why is this an important skill to practice?

Empatico Exchange

Flipgrid Activity

Wakelet Template

For Grades 6-8

Harbor Me

Reflect on how we can make new friends who are different from us after reading the book "Harbor Me" by Jacqueline Woodson.

How do the six main characters feel about their discussion circle at the beginning of the book? What makes each character feel more comfortable sharing their background and personal stories with the group?
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What are the different issues that come up during the students’ conversations? Do you relate to any of the challenges brought up during their discussions? Which character do you connect with the most, and why?
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What are the similarities and differences between the six main characters in the book? How do they find ways to connect with each other across these differences?
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Have you ever built a relationship or had a personal discussion about your life with someone different from you? How did this experience make you feel? What helped you build a connection?
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What did you learn about some of the challenges currently being highlighted in the media through the characters’ discussions?

Empatico Exchange

Flipgrid Activity

Wakelet Template