Definition:

The ability to read body and facial language that shows when others are feeling hurt, and demonstrating the desire to try to help them with their troubles. 

In short: 

Feel what others feel.

Summary: The subtitle of this book is “Bringing Light to Tenament Children.” In 1870 Jacob Riis emigrates from Denmark to New York City. He struggles to support himself, works at many different low paying jobs, and experiences homelessness and poverty.  Through hard work and determination, he eventually finds employment in the newspaper business. Jacob learns everything about the business and successfully rises to the top to become the owner of the newspaper.  Because of his own experience and through his observations, Jacob is sensitized to the misfortunes of those living in slums, and he decides to record the painful reality he sees. He writes articles, gives lectures, and takes photos of the tenants at night, using new technology for nighttime photography.  He publishes a book - “How the Other Half Lives”, a virtual tour of the slums in words and pictures. He befriends the president of the police board, Theodore Roosevelt, future president of the USA, and together they make changes. Jacob’s relentless compassion brings “light into dark places” and improves the lives of the underserved people in his community and beyond.  

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Teachers guide students in a discussion about how compassion is a strength that can lead to successful actions to relieve the pain of others. 
2. Teachers can introduce students to the phrase “social justice” and discuss ways in which we can develop empathy for those who suffered in the slums and for all who are impoverished. (define empathy - the ability to feel what others are feeling). 

Guiding questions: 

1. What were some of the difficulties Jacob faced in his childhood and how did that affect his life goals? 
2. When Jacob arrived in New York City as a poor immigrant, what did he do to survive? 
3. Why do you think Jacob wanted to help ease the suffering of the people living in the slums? 
4. Why did Jacob take photos at night?
5. In the 1880’s cameras were very different from they are now, when you can take a photo using your phone! Describe what you learned about cameras back then. 
6. How did Jacob convince authorities about the illegal and unhealthy living conditions in the tenements? 
7. What is your impression of Theodore Roosevelt after reading this book? 
8. Have you seen places where people live in poverty in your city? If so, describe what you saw. 
9. Do you know of any social programs that are helping people who are living in poverty? If so, what are they? If not, do some research and find three programs that are helping people in your city. 
10. Do you think having compassion like Jacob’s is something you’d like to have? Why or why not?