As a parent, I feel that one of the most important lessons to teach my children is empathy. Have you ever had your child become saddened about the way another person is being treated in a movie or book? Stories are wonderful conduits for lessons and can extract empathy within your children just by reading them. Listed below are books that teach children kindness with caring and creative stories.

Ages 4–7

Fat, Fat Rose Marie by Lisa Passen
A little girl must stand up to the class bully who keeps picking on her overweight friend.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
This classic book teaches children about gift giving and love.

Hey, Little Ant by Phillip and Hannah Hoose
Give children practice looking at situations from another perspective with the story of an ant and a boy. The ending leaves the ultimate test.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead
Friends come in all shapes and sizes, and Amos McGee is a good friend to everyone. When he gets sick, his friends decide to take care of him.

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
This story demonstrates how small acts of kindness can make people feel included and help them flourish.

Be a Friend by Salina Yoon
Teach children about self-acceptance and friendship even when they are a little different from everyone else with this heartwarming story.

Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss
This kind-hearted tale showcases the importance of respecting and caring for everyone despite their differences.

Ages 8–12
Children reach reading milestones at different ages. Please preview books to determine their suitability for your child. Some of these titles tackle difficult social injustices.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Readers are transported into the world of Auggie Pullman and how he navigates junior high with a rare facial disease.

Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner
A young boy wants to help his grandfather by winning prize money in the National Dogsled Race.

I Am Malala: Young Reader’s Edition by Patricia McCormick
This book tells the inspiring true story of Malala, a young girl growing up in Taliban-occupied Pakistan.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Set in Mississippi during the Depression, this story chronicles the struggle of young Cassie’s family to maintain their independence in the face of social injustice.

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson and Sean Qualls
Teach children perseverance and understanding with this true story of how a young boy in Ghana overcomes incredible physical and personal odds.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Set in World War II Europe, children are reminded how small acts of kindness can leave lasting legacies. Enter of the world of Annemarie Johansen as her family hides her best friend to save her from the Nazis.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
A wonderful story of a young boy and his hunting dogs in the Ozark Mountains.

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
This author takes the reader into the everyday life of Melody, an 11-year-old with a photographic memory and cerebral palsy. Readers will fall in love with this inspiring character.

Your life will help determine the course of history. You may think you don’t have much of an impact. You do. Every action you take will reflect in someone else’s life. Someone else’s decisions. Someone else’s future. Both good and bad. – Bregdan Principle

What are your favorite stories?

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Heather Foudy is a certified elementary teacher with over 7 years’ experience as an educator and volunteer in the classroom. She enjoys creating lessons that are meaningful and creative for students. She is currently working for Evan-Moor’s marketing and communications team and enjoys building learning opportunities that are both meaningful and creative for students and teachers alike.