Fall River Students’ Powerful Lesson on Kindness and Inclusion

Every year, I visit as many SouthCoast schools as my schedule allows for Read Across America Week, and each time, I walk away humbled.

When it comes to book selections, I let the teachers decide. I like the element of surprise. No matter what book is chosen, I always leave the classroom having learned something valuable.

This year was no exception.

Get our free mobile app

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of reading to the wonderful kindergarten and first-grade students at Holy Family Holy Name School in Fall River.

The first graders melted my heart the moment I stepped into the room, greeting me with a warm “welcome back.” Their excitement was contagious; the sheer joy on their faces knowing it was story time was enough to make my day.

As I took my seat in front of a group of bright and respectful students, Mrs. Piques handed me a book she knew would resonate – not just with the kids, but with me as well.

The book was The Invisible Boy, a powerful story about empathy, inclusion and how small acts of kindness can make someone feel seen and valued.

As I read the book aloud, I found myself reminiscing about the day I met my best friend John. It’s one of my favorite stories to tell, but it also carries an important lesson.

I’ll never forget my first day of third grade at Westport Elementary.

I was one of the last students to enter the classroom, and as I scanned the room for a seat, I started to panic. Every table was full – every table except one. Sitting alone was a boy named John. Without hesitation, I walked over and sat down.

I wondered why he was by himself, and then I noticed his hearing aids. Having grown up with hearing issues myself, I was no stranger to hearing aids, I’d seen them countless times at the audiologist’s office.

To me, John’s weren’t anything unusual.

I introduced myself, and from that moment on, we were inseparable. Years later, I stood by his side as his best men at his wedding (and vice versa)  and today, I’m a proud godfather to his children.

The Invisible Boy reminded me just how true the saying “never judge a book by its cover” really is.

In the story, the more kindness the “invisible” child received, the more vibrant and full of color he became. It’s a simple but powerful message: kindness doesn’t cost a thing, and being a friend is priceless.

That’s the magic of Read Across America Week, and I’m grateful to Holy Family for welcoming me into their classroom and their community.