Build Empathy- Read Stories of “Others”

Reflect on the voices we're sharing, listening to and reading. Christina Torres (Edweek.org 8-14-19) encourages teachers to “build empathy by listening to and studying other people’s stories.” She reminds us that without intentional effort the cultures of our communities aren’t reflected in the books we read or the texts that teachers use in their classrooms . She recommended a favorite online source of mine We Need Diverse Books which provides resources and materials about the importance of diversifying the texts in classrooms. 

But what are you reading? Our society of today could use a good dose of empathy. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini was one of my early choices. I learned about Afghanistan at a tense and crucial moment of change through the story of a young boy. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi was my most recent. Starting in 18th century Ghana to Jazz Age Harlem the novel illuminates slavery’s troubled legacy. In between I’ve read memoirs, historical fiction, and cozy mysteries.

Please share books of diversity that you are reading and recommending. I believe we need to include voices from cultures that represent the diversity of the country we live in. Build empathy.