September 21st is the International Day of Peace. The theme for this year’s International Day of Peace from the United Nations is “End Racism. Build Peace.”
September 16, 2022
The United Nations continues to invite the world community to work towards a world free of racism and racial discrimination. To build a better world that embodies compassion, empathy, and peace.
In this spirit, we wanted to highlight a few books that teach and celebrate peace and encourage empathy from our Sacred Worth Books collection. A collection that continues to help dismantle biases and discrimination and celebrate values of sacred worth.
Peace is an important value, and peace is a vision and a sacred tradition. We are called by scripture to be people of peace. To forgive and care for one another. To not fight or hurt one another but find ways to connect, be empathetic and seek a more just world. Our Social Principles remind us, “As disciples of Christ, we are called to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as reconcilers of conflict.” (Social Principles, ¶165.C)
Booklist on peace and empathy that makes for peace:
A Little Peace by Barbara Kerley with pictures from National Geographic
This book offers beautiful and powerful photographs from around the world. Our global community shares small gestures, actions, and how we can contribute to a bit of peace.
Peace is an Offering by Annette LeBox, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
This book is a lyrical reminder that peace is something we can give and offer to one another. Peace is a feeling, a connection, and peace strengthens us in the most challenging times. May this book allow you to reflect on how you can offer peace to another.
Can You Say Peace? by Karen Katz
In our world, so many different languages are spoken. This book teaches us to say peace in many languages. This book closes by reminding the reader that our global community longs for the safety that peace brings.
God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Nobel Peace Prize Winner) & Douglas Carlton Abram and illustrated by LeUyen Pham
This book is a beautiful call for children to forgive, practice empathy and compassion, and care for one another. God cares for all of God’s children, and God’s dream is one where we all can experience joy and peace.
The Year We Learned How to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael Lopez
This book reminds us that we can find peace, power, and beauty in our imagination. A sister and brother find freedom and learn to let go of anger and frustration from the wisdom of their grandmother, who shares how their ancestors learned to fly.
A Kids Book About Empathy by Daron K. Roberts
This series is designed to be put into action. This book about empathy shows us the power of connection and being with someone. It looks at the differences between sympathy and empathy and gives steps to practice empathy.
