By Tayleigh Miller on July 1st, 2023
National Love is Kind Day (July 27th) began in 2018 by Rosie Aiello and Sunny, the co-founders of the Love are Kind Network. Both were victims of domestic abuse and after they realized they were being victimized they had the courage to take control of their own lives and ended the toxic relationships that they were in. Toxic relationships can confuse people and make them think that the abuse they are facing is normal or that they deserve it. No one deserves to be abused. Unfortunately breaking free from a toxic relationship is no easy feat. Once Rosie Aiello and Sunny did indeed break free of their toxic relationships, they started National Love is Kind Day Day to spread kindness, support, love and respect. It is also a day to celebrate freedom from toxic relationships and those who have escaped them. It is also recognized as a call for action and awareness for those who are still victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence. We can’t have too many reminders that love comes from understanding, care, kindness, and acceptance.
Celebrate National Love is Kind Day by checking out some of these recommended reads:
Kindness Makes Us Strong by Sophie Beer
Publisher Recommended Age & Grade: 3 Years & Under
Book Summary: This bright book by the creator of Love Makes a Family celebrates acts of kindness big and small. Kindness is a friendly hello. A roaring cheer. A quick boost. Kindness is what makes us strong! This joyful board book shows various children as they extend kindness in all kinds of situations: on the playground, at lunchtime, on a bike path, and on a neighborhood street. This sweet preschool read-aloud shows the way kindness helps build friendship and community.
What Will I do With My Love Today? By Broadway and Screen Star, Kristin Chenoweth
Publisher Recommended Age & Grade: 4 - 8 Years
Book Summary: This whimsical adventure about adoption reminds kids they have an abundance of love and kindness to share, whether adopting a pet or expanding their family. What Will I Do with My Love Today? is a sweet adventure picture book. Join young Kristi Dawn as she joyfully walks around New York City, sharing her love through acts of generosity—from singing in the church choir to helping a neighbor weed her garden. When she meets a lonely dog looking for a home, Kristi shows that adoption is one of the most loving and life-changing gifts of all. Through delightful rhyme and examples of child-friendly (and pup-friendly!) acts of generosity and kindness, Chenoweth shares the powerful message that the more love you give, the more love you get back!
That’s NOT what happened by New York Times besteller Kody Keplinger
Publisher Recommended Age & Grade: 7th and Up
Book Summary: An astonishing and thought-provoking exploration of the aftermath of tragedy, the power of narrative, and how we remember what we've lost. It's been three years since the Virgil County High School Massacre. Three years since my best friend, Sarah, was killed in a bathroom stall during the mass shooting. Everyone knows Sarah's story--that she died proclaiming her faith. But it's not true. I know because I was with her when she died. I didn't say anything then, and people got hurt because of it. Now Sarah's parents are publishing a book about her, so this might be my last chance to set the record straight . . . but I'm not the only survivor with a story to tell about what did--and didn't--happen that day. Except Sarah's martyrdom is important to a lot of people, people who don't take kindly to what I'm trying to do. And the more I learn, the less certain I am about what's right. I don't know what will be worse: the guilt of staying silent or the consequences of speaking up . . .
All of these books are available right here at the Mustang Public Library! Enjoy!