Veera is back! Our first returning guest shares how her school year is wrapping up and what she’s learned along the way. She talks about her role in the Envoy Program, where just two students per class help new kids feel welcome. From tips on making friends to handling hard days, Veera shows us how leadership starts with kindness and a listening ear.

Picture Book Recommendations:

a. The Girl with Big, Big Questions

Author: Britney Winn Lee Illustrator: Jacob Souva

From the bestselling Big, Big series comes a book that celebrates the spirit of curiosity and encourages kids to courageously ask their hard questions

"Why can't people live on the moon?"

"Can I be president when I grow up?"

"What makes a person good?"

These are just some of the questions that bubble forth from one little girl with twinkling eyes and a curious mind. When the girl finds that her big questions make some people uncomfortable, she stops. But then she learns that her questions can solve problems and that asking questions is how we learn and grow.

Celebrate the spirit of curiosity and the joy of learning with this lively picture book about a persistent girl and her quest for knowledge.

b. What's the Worst that Could Happen?

Author: Yewande Daniel-Ayoade Illustrator: Renāte Logina

What’s the worst that could happen? Easy for grandma to say. But Kayla could only imagine the worst-case scenarios as she tried to make friends at her new school. Will Kayla overcome her fear of rejection? Or will an overactive imagination get in the way?'What's the Worst that Could Happen?' is a heartwarming book that explores living with social anxiety from a child's perspective.

Cool Q's For Discussion:

1. What’s one way you can help a new student feel welcome at your school?

2. Veera talks about how we all have tough days- socially and academically—how do you usually get through those kinds of days?

3. If your school had a program like the Envoy Program, would you want to be part of it? Why or why not?

4. Veera mentions that being kind can help others feel like they belong. What are some simple acts of kindness you could do this week?

5. What’s one piece of advice you would give to a new student coming to your school in the fall?

6. What is your main takeaway from today’s episode?

Have a great week everyone!

Keep Leading and Keep Reading,

Tina