Reading books about people who are different than you helps you build empathy and compassion. This Tic Tac Toe board encourages students to read books about diverse characters. It is based on Gene Luen Yang's work as the Former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.  An editable version is available on Google Drive.

After reading at least one row, ask students to answer these questions:

1) What cultures did you see represented in the books you read?

2) How were those cultures like your culture? How were they different?

3) What in these books may have challenged your view of the world?  What may have affirmed your view of the world?

4) Finish this sentence about each of the books you read:  Before I read _______________, I used to think _____________.  Now, I think____________________.  

Extension activity:  Students can turn their answers to one or more of these questions into sketch notes about culture and the books they read.  Allow students to participate in a gallery walk of their classmates' sketch notes.