Stay Engaged: Practicing Empathy
The high/low Just Breathe series (8 titles) seeks to give readers tools for living mindfully. Here, empathy is on the table, and readers are provided with clear examples and exercises to help them connect with others and understand their perspectives and feelings. Ideas such as
roleplaying or imagining a book or movie from another character’s point of view are offered as simple ways of stepping into another person’s shoes. Tips for active listening, recognizing bias, having an open mind, and being an ally are simply presented in short sentences, frequently with bulleted lists. Photos of diverse young people showing kindness or expressing emotion complement the supportive vibe of the volume. The book closes with suggestions for hosting a “Mindfulness Event” that helps kids look beyond their own experiences.