Throughout November, use our free resources, digital content, and live author events to help
children and young people read empathy-rich stories, connect and
explore the issues that matter to them, and take action – even small steps – to create real-life change.
Explore our resources and start your mission to become Empathy ActivistsÂ
Expertly curated for each Action Month theme
Create your own Empathy Resolution Bunting
Discover the big impact one school made by putting empathy into action.
Discussing young men and the power of connection, emotions and friendship.
Inspiring climate action – start small, but think BIG!
WEEK 1
Look after your own wellbeing to positively impact those around you
Unleash your creativity in any art form, there are no limits! Pick a prompt below and respond creatively. Illustrate, paint, write, craft, or create in your own unique way, there are no rules! Whether you take 10 mins to doodle, or go all out on a more polished piece, we’d love to see what inspires you. Share your work by tagging us on social media. Share your work by tagging us on social media
@EmpathyLabUK #EmpathyActionMonth or add it to our creative gallery
Seeds of joy
Bloom within
Roots of gratitude
Changing seasons
Love grows here
There’s nothing Kwesi loves more than dancing with his magnificent, trophy-winning Gran and their neighbours. When she has a nasty fall, they find a way to carry on, and Kwesi’s joy returns. Five Quills
A wonderful celebration of the heritage, family stories and life experiences that make every child special. A joyous explosion of colour and life and a future just waiting to be seized. Two Hoots
Finley is remarkable. In his first year of secondary school, he spends many hours happily sitting on a wall, seemingly needing no one, and yet pupils and teachers alike find they need him. A story of stillness, listening and contentment. Old Barn
An explosively joyful novel. Jesse (in 2023) and Lisa (in 1988) act to challenge the legislation and prejudice around LGBTQ+ rights. Their stories explore the painful human impact of discrimination that forces people to hide their true selves. Usborne
Ronny is a Black teenager traumatised by violence, but making a new life. Readers will hold their breath and rejoice as he finds a talent that helps him reach towards a positive future. An unputdownable verse novel, with expertly crafted characterisation. Penguin
A brilliant exploration of the very difficult circumstances of Finlay and Banjo and the poignant and life-affirming relationship that develops between them. Powerfully written, it challenges stereotypes and provides insight into the resilience of the young men. Faber
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WEEK 2
Better understand those closest to you – linked to Anti-Bullying Week
Unleash your creativity in any art form, there are no limits! Pick a prompt below and respond creatively. Illustrate, paint, write, craft, or create in your own unique way, there are no rules! Whether you take 10 mins to doodle, or go all out on a more polished piece, we’d love to see what inspires you. Share your work by tagging us on social media. Share your work by tagging us on social media
@EmpathyLabUK #EmpathyActionMonth or add it to our creative gallery
Kindness shared
Bridge of understanding
Helping hands
Stronger together
Generations of care
Bobby, a football-mad Sikh, reaches out to lonely Trevor, using a common love of football and reggae to spark
a friendship between him and Bobby’s grandfather. A lovely story showing empathy in action! Barrington Stoke
A boy’s grandmother lives in has experienced wartime hunger and trauma. Together they grow things and collect worms, and when she has to move in with the family, he cares for her as he has been cared for. Walker Books
Deeply traumatised by the death of his bipolar mother, Will reluctantly goes to his uncle’s Lake District home. He finds a hidden osprey family and in secrecy cares for an abandoned chick. A wonderful story about how human connection can be healing. Nosy Crow
Nate’s voice rings loud and true in this authentic, moving verse novel. He’s in his last year of primary school, looking after his brothers, while his mum plays bingo. Then precious brother Dylan collapses… Otter-Barry Books
A transformation story. Anton is a feared gang member, dragged into another way of life by his determined mother. A positive story about the dangers of toxic masculinity and tribalism and having the courage to be yourself. Hot Key Books
Love permeates this beautiful novel. Sad circumstances lead to Maudie kidnapping her brother Jake from his carer. Hiding in perilous conditions, Maudie’s understanding and empathy for her disabled brother grows. Usborne
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WEEK 3
Explore the perspectives of local people to make a positive change in your community
Unleash your creativity in any art form, there are no limits! Pick a prompt below and respond creatively. Illustrate, paint, write, craft, or create in your own unique way, there are no rules! Whether you take 10 mins to doodle, or go all out on a more polished piece, we’d love to see what inspires you. Share your work by tagging us on social media. Share your work by tagging us on social media
@EmpathyLabUK #EmpathyActionMonth or add it to our creative gallery
A good deed
Hands across the divide
Bridges not walls
A table for everyone
Open doors
A small boy and his mother in an inflatable boat reflect on the journey they have made and wonder what the future holds. Highlights the courage of a mother protecting her child as they are forced to leave their homeland. Dune
Tarn is grieving for her brother, killed at Dunkirk during WWII. Meanwhile, in her Lake District village, mysterious acts of kindness keep happening. Powerful historical fiction with characters who help us understand the experience of living through a threatened invasion. Barrington Stoke
A masterclass in the difference it makes to have your feelings understood. Rescued by an empathetic teacher, troubled Lacey finds purpose through music. Her new self-belief drives her to lead a campaign to save the piano at her local station. Barrington Stoke
A beautiful story with unforgettable characters. Safiyyah is a Muslim in Paris courageously working with the Resistance to save persecuted Jews. A book that shows how empathy and commitment to our shared humanity cut through religious and cultural divides. Andersen Press
Readers experience the life of Solo, who, with his mum, gatecrashes funerals to find food. Poverty and mental health issues are exposed in this story, alongside the non-judgmental compassion of those who make life better for vulnerable people. Scholastic
An accessible, warm book that explores the damaging impact of racism and prejudice on individuals and society. Offers practical tips, honest stories and promotes empathy and understanding. Wren and Rook
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WEEK 4
Make your surroundings greener and healthier, or connect with people, place or animals impacted by the climate crisis
Unleash your creativity in any art form, there are no limits! Pick a prompt below and respond creatively. Illustrate, paint, write, craft, or create in your own unique way, there are no rules! Whether you take 10 mins to doodle, or go all out on a more polished piece, we’d love to see what inspires you. Share your work by tagging us on social media. Share your work by tagging us on social media
@EmpathyLabUK #EmpathyActionMonth or add it to our creative gallery
All the little things
In the trees
Turning the tide
Renewed wonders
Small steps make a big change
When Wave Warrior spots Codzilla dragging his net along the seabed, she is quick to confront him – these are protected waters! But Codzilla has no intention of fishing elsewhere. Will Wave Warrior have what it takes to save Hope Reef? Ivy Eco Kids
A stunning read set in a vividly depicted Costa Rican landscape. A book about love, valuing humanity and accepting sorrow. It explores how nature can heal us, but we must protect it. HarperCollins
Science-mad Cookie is ready to save the planet! Cookie has two tickets to see pop star Aliana Tiny, so Suzie Ashby, the most annoying girl in the world, suddenly wants to be her best friend…leading Cookie to fall out with her real best friends, Jake and Keziah. Can she win them back and save the planet in the process? Piccadilly Press
Tia is excited to see visitors arriving on Gull Haven Island. But when some selfish tourists upset a newborn seal pup and leave rubbish on the beach, Tia decides to show visitors how to respect the island environment and protect the animals who live there. Barrington Stoke
Empathy for the environment and for young people living through ongoing climate change is the theme of this title. Shines a spotlight on the stories of sixteen youth climate activists to inspire young people to become active changemakers. Harper Alley
An extraordinary graphic novel exploring the devastating impact of climate change from the perspective of two very different young people in India and Canada. An engaging book that will trigger deep discussions about empathy for the environment. Hodder
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