Human Kindness

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

Be inspired by incredible stories of kindness from around the world, and throughout history.Join the Planetwalker, John Francis, on an exploration of kindness, great and small. From the kindness John has experienced in his own life, to the history of how kindness has helped to shape our laws, morals, and communities, read many inspirational stories from around the world.Over the whole history of humankind, kindness has been key to the survival of our species, and to making our world a better place. Learn about Harriet Tubman, who risked her life to help others escape from slavery, the Nomads Clinic, which sends doctors trekking into the Himalayas to tend to patients, The Linda Lindas, a group of young musicians who use their talent to speak up for the rights of others, Joshua Coombes, a hairdresser who gives free haircuts to the homeless, and many others. The joyous and awe-inspiring stories in this book will encourage young readers to be kind to others. And being kind, even in small ways, turns out to be healthy for you, yet another reason to practice kindness every day. It’s our planet to share together—let's be kind.

About the Author

John Francis is a campaigner, public speaker, and educator who advocates for our planet. He spreads the message that our environment includes the other humans in the world, and that we must treat both our earth and our fellow humans with kindness. After witnessing an oil spill and the devastation it caused in San Francisco Bay in 1971, he stopped using motorized vehicles for 22 years, and stopped talking for 17 years in protest. Since then, John has founded the environmental awareness organization, Planetwalk, given a TED talk (he started talking again in 1990), and published two books for adults on his journey. According to John, also known as the Planetwalker, "The environment, actually, is about human rights, civil rights, economic equity, gender equality, and all the ways that humans interact with not only the physical environment but also with one another." He has lived all over the United States, from Point Reyes Station, California, to Cape May, New Jersey.Josy Bloggs began her initial career as a graphic designer. After graduating from the University of Huddersfield in 2009 with a MA in Spatial Design, she went on to work as an interior designer for commercial clients. Josy is based in Yorkshire, England.Roshi Joan Halifax, Ph.D., is a Buddhist teacher, Zen priest, anthropologist, author, and pioneer in the field of end-of-life care. She is Founder, Abbot, and Head Teacher of Upaya Institute and Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico.