Building Empathy Through Storytelling with Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess Artwork

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The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators conversations with publishing pros, and award-winning and bestselling writers and illustrators who inform and inspire about the ins and outs of the children's book industry. Find out about the craft and creative process behind young adult novels, picture books, middle-grade fiction, graphic novels, and nonfiction.

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SCBWI Podcasts

Building Empathy Through Storytelling with Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess

June 20, 2024 • SCBWI

In this episode of the SCBWI Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Sabic-El-Rayess !

Dr. Sabic-El-Rayess first became a teacher as a young teen during the Bosnian Genocide. In a letter written by President Joe Biden himself, he wrote: “I am inspired by the bravery and strength you have shown in the face of heartbreaking tragedy and persecution.” Reflecting on Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess’ award-winning memoir The Cat I Never Named (Bloomsbury, 2020), the President described her as “the very idea of America” itself. As a Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) woman and survivor of the Bosnian Genocide, who immigrated to America, Dr. Sabic-El-Rayess has transformed from being an object of hate-fueled violence to a renowned scholar, author, activist, and storyteller who is an exemplar of resilience in the face of hate and extremism. Today, Dr. Sabic-El-Rayess is a professor and researcher at Teachers College, Columbia University. She has taught, researched, and published on a range of issues in education, including Educational Displacement, hate prevention, and storytelling. Dr. Sabic-El-Rayess engages regularly with diverse audiences around the world.

Buy her books here:
https://bookshop.org/p/books/three-summers-laura-l-sullivan/18643174?ean=9780374390815

https://www.sabicelrayess.org/
https://www.sabicelrayess.org/books

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Theo Baker

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