Published: May 13, 2026; Aithor: Julia Sonrisa
This webinar focuses on the potential for reading to support young people’s empathy.
There is growing interest in the relationship between reading and empathy, specifically in understanding whether, how, and for whom reading books fosters empathy. This webinar explores the potentially enriching effects of books and other texts to support empathy. The speakers will provide examples of contemporary research studies to illustrate the relationship between reading fiction books and empathy, and offer book recommendations for secondary school pupils to nurture empathy among adolescent readers.
After the webinar, you’ll receive the recording of the webinar, a list of suggested further reading, and a series of reflection questions/writing prompts to support you in linking the content of the webinar back into your practice.
Professor Sarah McGeown (Literacy Lab, University of Edinburgh). Sarah’s research focuses on understanding and improving literacy experiences and outcomes across the lifespan, and enriching lives through literacy. You can learn more about her research here and contact her at: s.mcgeown@ed.ac.uk
Sarah Mears MBE is Chair and co-founder of EmpathyLab, a charitable social enterprise that works with schools and public libraries and in partnership with academics and publishers, authors and illustrators. Sarah’s day job is as Programme Director at Libraries Connected, supporting public libraries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Time: 10:45 am EST
Free!
Detailed information and discussion of the event.