Before reading, state the purpose for reading this book. Possible purposes are to gain information on what it means to be human, to be entertained, and to learn about empathy. Ask students what they know about this topic before reading, and/or follow the reading with discussion.

This book shares all the wonderful things a human being can do and feel. As humans we are responsible for our individual selves and our role in the worldwide community we live in. We are not perfect, and we make many mistakes, but we choose how we learn and grow from them. This book is from the growing I Am series to help readers grow to be their best selves.

Before:

What is empathy?

Every person is a human. I wonder what the author is going to tell us about being human.

During:

When talking about hurting others, it says, “even my silence.” How can silence hurt others?

It says, “I have a heavy heart when I feel sadness.” I wonder what it means to have a heavy heart.

The author mentions that listening helps us “find common ground.” What does she mean in saying this?

After:

What are ways I can be empathetic?

How can I be my best self?

This book is one of many in the I Am series. It can be read and discussed and then followed up with readings from other texts in this series, such as I Am Peace, I Am Yoga, I Am Love, and I Am On

Words in this text that may be of interest include timid, unique, incredible, endless, compassion.