Stockport Library News – Empathy Day 9th June

Image used by kind permission of Eamonn Murphy

Welcome to our Special Empathy Day newsletter….

Empathy Day 9th June 2020

We are encouraging children and their families to take part in Empathy Day on 9^th June. During this uncertain time, empathy has never been more important and one of the best ways of developing this is to use the power of books to step into someone else’s shoes. When you read, your brain reacts as it would to real events. Train your brain with stories!

This year the event is having to be delivered online and has the support of some leading figures from the world of children’s books – Children’s Laureate, Cressida Cowell, Noughts and Crosses author, Malorie Blackman and award-winning illustrator Bob Biddulph are amongst the names spearheading this powerful event.

Share your stories

Children can start reading for Empathy Day now and tell us how it felt to see life through the eyes of a character in their chosen book.  You can post stories to us on Facebook by searching for Stockport Libraries or tweeting @SMBC_Libraries

Alternatively you can email us libraries@stockport.gov.uk and we’ll post these stories for you.

Activities for Families counting down to Empathy Day

The countdown to Empathy Day starts on 26^th May and Empathy Lab have produced a family activity pack with 14 fun and creative activities to do at home – once downloaded most of these require just a pencil and paper. Try detecting feelings in faces or making Empathy Awards to book characters. There are also empathy themed readings, illustrations and specially written stories:

https://www.empathylab.uk/family-activities-pack

So if you are looking for activities to do over the half term holidays then visit the site and have a go!

There are great lists of empathy boosting books for different age ranges on the website and members of Stockport Libraries can download these and others using the BorrowBox app, which can be accessed from the Libraries website:

https://www.stockport.gov.uk/ebooks-and-audiobooks

Check out some of our recommended reads below.  Don’t forget if the title is on loan you can still reserve on Borrowbox!

Empathy Day have recommended books for children of 4 – 11 and 12 – 16 which are available on Borrowbox   Some of which illuminate the experience of people from a range of cultures or life circumstances.  Others help children explore emotions, so they can understand how other people feel.  Several reflect stories of our time, such as the refugee experience, or coping with anxiety.

All are engaging and thought provoking.

The following e-books are suitable for anyone in the 7-11 age range:

Check Mates by Stewart Foster A troubled boy and his grieving grandfather find a shared passion in chess.  The game becomes the medium through which they learn to understand each other and find their own confidence, focus and peace.  This is a tender read about love, understanding and compassion.

Cloud Boy by Marcia Williams An emotional read in an engaging diary format.  Beautifully depicts what happens to best friends Harry and Angie (‘almost twins’) when Harry’s headaches won’t go away.  Interspersed with a relative’s letters from Changi prison in the Second World War.  A love letter to what has been lost, and a celebration of life.

Charlie changes into a Chicken by Sam Copeland Every time Charlie is stressed or worried, he changes into an animal, with hugely inconvenient consequence.  Highly enjoyable, laugh-out-loud read – an easy way to open up an exploration of what anxiety feels like.

No Ballet Shoes in Syria by Catherine Bruton Aya has recently arrived, traumatised, from Syria.  Gradually, through ballet and friendship, she begins to see she might be able to feel at home in Britain.  The strong central character shows us a fresh perspective on the refugee crisis, focusing on the problems faced once people arrive.

Flight by Vanessa Harbour A nail-biting adventure about children who manage to save Lipizzaner horses in the Second World War.  Gripping, and excellent for exploring and understanding relationships (and history), with strong characters.

The following e-books are suitable for anyone in the 11 – 16 age range:

The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan 11-year-old Stevie is deeply confused by the emotions she feels towards a girl in her class.  We feel great empathy for her anxiety and cheer on the sensitive librarian who listens and understands.  A short, magnificently written verse story for young teenagers.

Jemima Small Versus the Universe by Tamsin Winter Many readers will empathise with Jemima, whose fragile self-esteem is knocked by casually cruel remarks about her size.  We cheer her on as she refuses to be defined in this way.

The following books are more emotionally challenging, or have language or themes suitable for older teens:

Somebody Give This Heart a Pen by Sophia Thakur Moving, mature poetry collection.  The poems are angry, tender, and sometimes heart-breaking.  They trigger reflections on our place in the world and our responsibilities to ourselves and others.

Furious Thing by Jenny Downham A daughter is nearly destroyed by her father’s emotional abuse, but she finds the strength to challenge him, and saves herself and her mother.  Powerfully builds insight into the experience of survival, and recovery.

Toffee by Sarah Crossan Marla has dementia and Allison has run away from home.  Brought together by chance, they find solace in each other.  A superb verse novel raising important questions about how we care for each other in our communities.

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds We follow Will’s story as he sets out to avenge his brother’s murder.  Ghostly figures conjure up memories and reveal perspectives that help us understand his lack of hope, and the choice he has to make.  A stunning verse novel, taking place over the course of an elevator ride.

Hearing Aid Batteries Stockport Libraries are continuing to provide hearing aid batteries type P13 and P675 to residents in Stockport.  If you know someone who requires hearing aid batteries please telephone the Libraries line on 0161 474 6009 If you know someone who requires “312” hearing aid batteries please contact Audiology direct by emailing Audiology@stockport.nhs.uk Or alternatively ring them on 0161-419-4183. Please provide name and date of birth of resident who requires the batteries, and Audiology will post the batteries to them. Please pass this message on to anyone you know who requires hearing aid batteries.

Even though Libraries are physically closed residents can still join the Library Service A number of our online services can now be accessed for new customers who join online. Anyone can join online by visiting our Library web pages and filling in our online form.  You will then receive a temporary borrower number which you can use to access our e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines!

Even though our Libraries are still closed we want to make sure you are aware of how you can contact the Library Service and find out more about the FREE online resources you can access. Whilst we stay closed any Library books you have on loan will not be due for return and you will not owe any fines. Staying in Touch If you need to contact us there are a variety of ways you can do this. Email – libraries@stockport.gov.uk Twitter – @SMBC_Libraries Facebook – Stockport Libraries Telephone –0161 217 6009 Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter to hear the latest information from us, including book reviews, promotions of activities you can do during the current lockdown and quiz questions local to Stockport.  Let us know what you think about books you’ve read so we can share this with our other customers!