Empathy

 

Hey Kids,

Sometimes it's hard to challenge expectations and pre-conceived notions to become who you are. Read on for many examples of people who defied stereotypes and limitations to be authentic. And don't forget to check out part 1 for even more great books about being yourself.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Boys do not cook, and girls cannot play sports--but in this book the pictures tell a different story.

This story imagines what it was like when Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass got together for a cup of tea and discussed their struggle for civil rights.

 

Looking for something to spark a discussion of kindness, or even to inspire you or your family to commit more acts of kindness? Try one of these movies. Titles geared to younger audiences are listed first.

Kindness Is Contagious is a film about being nice and the benefits of being nice. The film profiles cutting-edge scientists and best-selling authors as well as people from all walks of life; illustrating their incredible discovery: NICE GUYS FINISH FIRST!

Also available in: print | e-book

A boy with a facial deformity, who enters a middle school after being homeschooled for his whole life, struggles to fit in and get accepted by his classmates.

Ruth the Librarian Hugging Thorndyke the Bear

 

Hey Kids,

Did you know that November 13 is World Kindness Day? It can be hard to show kindness when we're feeling angry or scared, but nothing makes me feel better than finding something nice to do for someone else. So I'm taking a minute today to remind myself to be kind to others. If you're looking for books that might help you show understanding or compassion to someone who needs it, I hope these inspire you. Share them with the grownups in your life and be kind together. If you have your own special kindness books, please share them as a comment below.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Be kind by Pat Zietlow Miller

When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her dress, her classmate wants to make her feel better and ponders the different ways in which they can be kind.

Thorndyke the Bear Dressed as Frida Kahlo with a Cat

 

Hey Kids,

Sometimes it's hard to shed expectations and pre-conceived notions to just be who you are. Read on for many stories about people who defied stereotypes and limitations to be authentic. And don't forget to check out part 1 for even more great books about being yourself.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Boys do not cook, and girls cannot play sports--but in this book the pictures tell a different story.

Thorndyke as an Artist

 

Hey Kids, 

Sometimes it's hard to challenge expectations and pre-conceived notions to just be who you are. Read on for many stories about people who defied stereotypes and limitations to be authentic. And don't forget to check out part 2 for even more great books about being yourself.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Also available in: video

A compilation of inspirational stories, songs and poems that celebrate individuality and challenge stereotypes.

Little Bear and Thorndyke

Hey Kids,

Sometimes the world is a rough place, so I'm taking a minute today to remind myself to be kind to others. It can be hard to show kindness when we're feeling angry or scared, but nothing makes me feel better than finding something nice to do for someone else. So if you're looking for books that might help you show understanding or compassion to someone who needs it, these are some of my favorite. I hope they inspire you, too. If you have your own inspiring books, please share them as a comment below.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Wolfie the bunny by Ame Dyckman

When her parents find a baby wolf on their doorstep and decide to raise him as their own, Dot is certain he will eat them all up until a surprising encounter with a bear brings them closer together.

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