Empathy Day 2024
Empathy Day aims to help everyone understand and experience the transformational power of empathy through stories. Books can help us understand someone else’s feelings by stepping into the shoes of the characters we meet and inspire us to put empathy into action. This year everyone is being encouraged to make an Empathy Resolution! Below are some great reads that encourage empathy for children and teenagers of all ages. You can also find the full Empathy collection for 2024 on the Empathy Lab website. If you are looking for some ideas for creative and fun filled activities to do at home, check out the Family Activity Pack from Empathy Lab. There is also a free online festival Empathy Day Live – airing from 7.30am on Thursday 6 June, then on demand via YouTube. Some libraries will also have Empathy displays and activities for families to take part in.
You can also borrow the Empathy Handbook from libraries full of great ideas to help children understand empathy and grow their emotional intelligence.
We’ve got this: Six steps to build your empathy superpower
Rashmi Sirdeshpande
Picture Books to Share
<
Craig Green
Gina beautifully describes the difficulties of school when you’re autistic. She also has a great analysis of Little Red Riding Hood’s mistakes and decides to reenact the story and save the wolf. Hilarious, and also full of insight.
Patrick Lawrence
A celebration of Africa’s history and African woman told through the empathetic conversation Tante Janet has with Paloma, who is uncertain of her place in the world. Tante Janet helps Paloma develop a sense of pride in her identity and heritage. An inspiring picture book.
Stories for Primary Age Children
Zana Fraillon
Orphan puppy Scruffity yearns for Family - and when he is set free by a boy as unwanted and lonely as he is, his dream is fulfilled. But when tragedy strikes, Scruffity is alone again. How does a dog find his way home when he never had one to begin with?
Aoiefe Dooley
Frankie is autistic. Her new secondary school isn’t an easy place to be. She is bullied and fearful. But Frankie learns the importance of being herself and not judging others, as she makes a new circle of friends and, together, they triumph in the Battle of the Bands.
Kimberley Whittam
A joyous book about growing up and finding your voice. Meet Storm, whose shyness limits her life. But Storm has a talent for running. With the support of empathetic teammates, her confidence grows and she abandons her toxic friendship circle and becomes a sporting hero.
Helen Rutter
A masterclass in the difference it makes to have your feelings understood. Troubled Lacey is rescued by an empathetic teacher who gives her purpose through music. Her new self-belief drives her to lead a campaign to save the piano at her local station.
Picture Books for Older Readers
Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin
An extraordinary graphic novel exploring the devastating impact of climate change from the perspective of two very different young people on opposite sides of the globe, in India and Canada. This engaging book will trigger deep discussions about empathy for the environment.
Non Fiction
Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman’s extended poem is based on thousands of replies to his question ‘What are your memories of being warm?’ It’s a simply beautiful offering of warmth to people who are cold or have had to flee their homes.
Books for Teenagers
Steven Camden
Brimming with empathy and humour, this brilliantly written verse novel is a coming-of-age story with themes of belonging, identity, friendship and family.
A.M Dassu
An insightful book about being a friend and ally. The story highlights the injustices experienced by a young man navigating the asylum process and the friends who campaign to help him. Wonderful insights into how empathy drives social action.