Valentine’s Day often seems like a personal, romantic holiday. But the day is dedicated to a man named Valentine, who lived around 270 C.E. and showed love for humanity in very public ways. He performed weddings for persecuted minorities. He practiced radical forgiveness. Legend says he even helped his jailer’s daughter heal from an illness — leaving a note behind, which he signed, Your Valentine. Wilmette Public Library has lots of resources for those who want to honor the original Valentine.
Fiction to Foster Compassion
Some books that are stellar sources of social sensitivity include the following:
The Most Perfect Snowman by Chris Britt, This delightful picture book tells about Drift, a snowman who gives up the scarf, mittens, and hat he loves in order to help others.
Lunch Every Day by Kathryn Otoshi, is a picture book for older kids, based on the true story of a boy who takes another kid's lunch at school every day. Through the power of kindness the boy is transformed into a compassionate human being.
A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat, is a compelling fantasy about a boy on the run and a girl determined to find him. The story weaves a tale of privilege, protest, and justice.
My Own Lightning by Lauren Wolk, tells a thrilling story about a girl who is is struck by lightning during a powerful summer storm. Her newly heightened senses and new understanding of animals help her learn about compassion and forgiveness.
Nonfiction Sources of Inspiration
You can teach your kids the ABCs of social justice—literally—with The Young Activist’s Dictionary of Social Justice.
How to Fight Racism: A Guide to Standing up for Racial Justice by Jemar Tisby, can introduce your family to real-life actions they can take to fight racism.
Up your parenting game with the help of Rainbow Parenting: Your Guide to Raising Queer Kids and Their Allies.
Lola Protesta by Jennifer Torres, shows how compassion, social injustice, and a single courageous voice can lead to social change.
Victory. Stand! by Tommie Smith, is a graphic novel tells the story of Tommie Smith, Olympic gold-medal winner, and John Carlos, bronze medal winner, who stood on the podium in black socks and raised black-gloved fists to protest racial injustice inflicted upon African Americans.
We Care by Megan Madison, offers clear, concrete language and compelling imagery to introduce the concept of justice. It focuses on the responsibilities and benefits of being part of a healthy community.