October Theme: Empathy & Understanding
This month’s books are centred on compassion — how we see the world through other people’s eyes, notice what isn’t said, and understand difference with kindness. These stories invite children (and adults) to think beyond themselves and to grow in emotional depth.
Each title was chosen to reflect Liberty Woodland School’s values of inclusivity, emotional literacy, and deep thinking — and to support our mission of raising thoughtful, resilient humans.
We’ve chosen books for each age range that include:
- A core recommendation
- A challenge read
- A dyslexia-friendly title
- A non-fiction pick
- And one for parents too
Reading at Liberty Woodland is never just about ticking a box — it’s about opening doors.
| Book Picks | Why we chose this book |
|---|---|
| Core Book: The Suitcase by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros | A powerful, accessible story that encourages children to welcome the unfamiliar and imagine what someone else might be carrying — emotionally and literally. |
| Stretch Book: Tibble and Grandpa by Wendy Meddour | Helps young children explore the feelings of others with sensitivity and patience. |
| Dyslexia-Friendly: Alfie Takes Action by Karen Wallace (Little Gems) | A gentle introduction to empathy as action — accessible, hopeful, and empowering. |
| Non-Fiction: Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison | Real-life role models who made a difference through courage, care and compassion |
| Book Picks | Why we chose this book |
|---|---|
| Core Book: The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf | Helps readers see the world through someone else’s eyes and explore what it means to stand up for kindness. |
| Stretch Book: A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll | A powerful, empowering read that deepens understanding of neurodiversity and justice. |
| Dyslexia-Friendly: The Puffin Portal by Vashti Hardy (Barrington Stoke) | Models care for the environment and emotional courage through adventure. |
| Non-Fiction: Fantastically Great Women Who Saved the Planet by Kate Pankhurst | Shows children that empathy can drive meaningful action. |
| Book Picks | Why we chose this book |
|---|---|
| Core Book: Wonder by R.J. Palacio | A modern classic for fostering compassion and perspective-taking. |
| Stretch Book: Journey to Jo’Burg by Beverley Naidoo | Perfect for understanding inequality and lived experience |
| Dyslexia-Friendly: Can You See Me? by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott | Offers empathy through honesty and representation. |
| Non-Fiction: Stories for Kids Who Dare to Be Different by Ben Brooks | Celebrates difference and encourages empathy. |
| Book Picks | Why we chose this book |
|---|---|
Core Book: When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle | A story of emotional transformation, empathy, and belonging. |
Stretch Book: I Am Malala (Young Readers Edition) | Inspires empathy for global struggles and courage to act. |
Dyslexia-Friendly: Talking to the Moon by S.E. Durrant (Barrington Stoke) | Invites empathy through emotional discovery. |
Non-Fiction: You Are a Champion by Marcus Rashford | Encourages empathy, resilience, and belief in oneself. |
| Book Picks | Why we chose this book |
|---|---|
Core Book: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak | Chosen for its profound emotional depth, this novel asks readers to consider empathy in a world scarred by war and silence. It rewards careful reading and reflection. |
Stretch Book: Now We Are Animals by R.P. Nathan | This bold, unsettling novel reframes empathy by questioning what it means to be human when dignity is stripped away. A powerful option for mature readers. We recommend it for mature readers who enjoy bold, thought-provoking fiction. |
| Dyslexia-Friendly Book: Tilly’s Promise by Linda Newbery (Barrington Stoke) | This short novel offers a window into empathy, duty and moral courage, making it ideal for readers who benefit from accessible text with rich themes. |
Non-Fiction: Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig | Empathy begins with awareness — this non-fiction selection helps students better understand their emotions and those of others with honesty and heart. |
| The Book | Why we chose it |
|---|---|
The Whole-Brain Child by Dan Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson For parents of younger children | This book offers calm, compassionate tools to help parents build connection, self-regulation and empathy — at home and at school. |
The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Dan Siegel For parents of older children & teens | We chose this book because it reframes adolescence as a time of emotional strength, creativity and growth — offering parents deeper understanding and greater empathy for their teens. |