Over the past two weeks, I have had the privilege of reading to several classes as part of our ISZL Reads community initiative. Sitting with students, exploring stories together, and witnessing their reactions has been, as always, a profoundly moving experience. It is a reminder that the power of stories extends far beyond the words on the page. These shared moments spark imaginations, encourage curiosity, and create opportunities to connect across ages and perspectives.
One story that perfectly captures this transformative power is The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister — a tale I often read to my own young children. Through the story of a fish who learns to share his shimmering scales, it teaches that happiness comes from generosity and building meaningful connections. As the Rainbow Fish discovers, sharing doesn’t diminish what we have — it enriches our relationships and strengthens our community. Similar themes of empathy, kindness, courage, and the power of integrity are explored through age-appropriate books in the Middle and High Schools.
These messages resonate deeply with ISZL’s mission to make the world a better, kinder place, and turn learning into action. Just as the Rainbow Fish learns that sharing enriches relationships, ISZL students — and adults — are encouraged to share their time, talents, and kindness to create a positive impact. At ISZL, the stories we read inspire the actions we take, and together, these moments strengthen a community dedicated to making a difference.
Barry