Joanna McNally believes "that empathy is the link between yourself and others" and sees this in evidence in the Book Buddy program she oversees that affects over 250 students. "Kids who understand and appreciate the people around them are better able to collaborate, innovate and problem solve." Empathy benefits others and our own health, happiness, and longevity. Joanna McNally is in her ninth year as the librarian/media specialist at Orange High School. She is passionate about ensuring students are effective users of ideas and information; independent, lifelong learners; and socially responsible citizens. A James Patterson/Scholastic Reading Club Grant enabled her to start a Book Buddy program in which high school students are positive role models to younger students with the ultimate goal of fostering lifelong readers. In her time as a school librarian and as a mom of two children, she has come to see the need for teenagers to put empathy at the center of their own identities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx