Children’s books that build empathy
Ask any parent or teacher and they will agree: empathy is one of the most important social and emotional skills for kids to develop. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others and to respond with care and compassion. Kids high in empathy are able to more easily make friends, communicate authentically, and show respect for the experiences and emotions of the people around them.
Empathy is also an important component of many character strengths, including:
Kindness: being empathetic often involves showing compassion toward others.
Social intelligence: Understanding and responding appropriately to the emotions of others requires social intelligence.
Perspective: Empathy involves being able to take the perspective of others and understand their feelings and experiences.
Forgiveness: Empathizing with others often involves being able to forgive them for any mistakes or wrongdoings.
Teamwork: Empathy can be an important component of successful teamwork, as it involves understanding and valuing the perspectives and contributions of others.
While developing empathy is a complex process influenced by many different factors like a child’s age (and brain development), parenting, education, culture, and experiences, there are many things we can do to encourage it at home: model empathetic behavior, play games that build empathy, talk about feelings, practice acts of kindness, and, of course, read excellent books with kids.
Reading fiction encourages empathy in many ways. While reading, kids see characters experiencing and expressing emotions, and then relate those emotions to their own experiences. This helps them understand that others have feelings, and that those feelings matter, too. Books can also help children understand different perspectives and experiences that they may not encounter in their own lives, broadening their understanding of the world and the people in it.
When we read, we also get the opportunity to practice putting ourselves in someone else's shoes, predict how characters might feel or what they might do in a given situation, and reflect on our own thoughts and emotions. Beyond empathy, this also helps build skills in emotional regulation, social awareness, and critical thinking.
Here are some books to read with kids in that explore empathy, empathetic characters and visceral situations that inspire compassion and care for others.
Picture Books that Build Empathy
These are picture books geared toward the littlest readers, including preschoolers and kids in kindergarten and first grade.
This book tells the story of a girl who learns the importance of kindness and empathy after missing an opportunity to be kind to a new student at school.
The book highlights the idea that every act of kindness matters, and encourages readers to reflect on how their actions impact others. This is an primer to talk about the importance of being kind and compassionate to others, and to brainstorm ways to show kindness and empathy in everyday life.
This book is the story of a bear who wanders into town and eats a sandwich, and a little girl who empathizes with the bear and tells its story.
The Sneetches is about a group of creatures with stars on their bellies and those without, and how they learn to accept and appreciate their differences.
The story encourages readers to put themselves in the shoes of those who are different and to recognize the harm that prejudice and discrimination can cause. It also promotes the idea of inclusivity, acceptance, and equality.
This classic tale is about a toy rabbit that becomes real through the power of love.
The Velveteen Rabbit explores empathy through the themes of love, sacrifice, and the value of relationships. It shows that empathy can be demonstrated through understanding and responding to the emotions and needs of others, and through the willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of others.
This classic and controversial story of a tree that gives everything it has to a young boy throughout his life. Read this to explore themes of love, sacrifice, and empathy. It’s also a good primer for conversations about boundaries, the golden mean of kindness and our capacity to give. More perspectives:
The giving tree at fifty: sadder than I remember by Ruth Margalit
The Tree Who Set Healthy Boundaries
The Uncomfortable Truth in the Giving Tree by Elissa Strauss
Written by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson, this one follows a young boy named CJ and his grandmother who take a bus ride through their city.
Throughout the story, CJ encounters people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and his grandmother encourages him to look at the world through a lens of empathy and kindness.
This interactive book features the beloved Sesame Street character, Grover, who is afraid of the monster at the end of the book. The story explores themes of empathy, humor, and self-discovery, as Grover learns to confront his fears and discovers that the monster at the end of the book is actually himself.
The book's funny and silly approach makes it a fun way to introduce children to the importance of empathy and self-awareness.
The story is about a boy and his pet elephant who want to join a neighborhood pet club, but are rejected because elephants are not allowed. The boy and his elephant then decide to start their own pet club, and invite other children and their unusual pets to join.
Heartwarming and inclusive, the book highlights the importance of including others who are different from us, and shows how exclusion can be hurtful and unfair.
This book shows how empathy and kindness can help someone cope with difficult emotions. The story follows a child whose block tower falls apart, and the different animals who offer different solutions to the problem. Ultimately it's the rabbit who listens and provides comfort and support.
This classic children's book is a rhyming tale that follows different fairytale characters and encourages young readers to look closely at the illustrations to spot hidden characters. The characters are all kind and friendly to each other, making it a great book to teach about empathy and kindness.
This funny picture book tells the story of a dinosaur who struggles to make friends in her new class. Through the story, young readers can learn about empathy and the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.
The story is about a kind zookeeper named Amos McGee who takes care of his animal friends every day. However, when Amos gets sick, the animals decide to return the favor and take care of him.
This is a touching and gentle story that teaches the value of empathy and kindness and explores reciprocity in friendship.
This retelling of the classic fairy tale is narrated by the Big Bad Wolf, who explains his side of the story. Through the book's humorous take on the story, young readers can learn the importance of seeing things from different perspectives and understanding that everyone has their own version of the truth.
This funny and charming book tells the story of a little seed who wants to be good but has a hard time changing his ways. Through the book, young readers can learn about empathy and how people can change and grow.
To help kids think about empathy while reading the book, we can ask them questions like: How did you feel about the Bad Seed at the beginning of the book? Did your feelings change as you read on? What makes the Bad Seed behave the way he does? Do you think there is a reason for his behavior?
Early Chapter Books that Build Empathy
These are fun and engaging early chapter books for readers in kindergarten, first or second grade that can be read aloud or independently.
The first book in this series follows two young girls who become unlikely friends and learn to empathize with each other's perspectives.
The book introduces Ivy, a quiet and bookish girl, and Bean, an energetic and adventurous girl who initially sees Ivy as an oddball and an outsider.
As the story progresses, Ivy and Bean learn to appreciate each other's unique qualities and form a genuine friendship based on empathy and understanding.
In this series, the princess secretly fights monsters while still maintaining her royal duties, and she shows empathy by caring for her friends and fighting for justice.
One example of empathy is the way that Princess Magnolia, as the Princess in Black, interacts with the monsters she meets. Instead of simply fighting and defeating them, she takes the time to understand their motivations and feelings. For example, in one book, she realizes that the monster she’s fighting is upset because he lost his favorite toy. She empathizes with him and helps him find his toy, rather than simply defeating him.
This series by Dav Pilkey follows a mouse and his robot friend as they fight evil enemies and learn about empathy and teamwork.
In the story, Ricky is a young mouse who is constantly bullied by his classmates. Lonely and sad, he feels like no one understands him. However, when he creates a robot, he discovers a loyal and supportive friend who empathizes with him and wants to help.
Through his relationship with the robot, Ricky learns to understand and appreciate himself more. He realizes that he is special and valuable, and that he deserves respect and kindness. He also learns to empathize with others, even his enemies.
This is an excellent series following the adventures of Dory, a creative kid with a vivid imagination who often gets lost in her own world.
Empathy is explored through the relationships between Dory and her family members, as well as the way Dory learns to understand and relate to the people around her.
This series is legitimately hilarious and an especially fun read aloud to creative kids who appreciate imaginative games and pretend play.
This series follows a group of chickens who solve mysteries and learn about empathy and teamwork through funny situations.
In the first book, four little chickens are faced with a mystery in their backyard. To solve it, they must understand the feelings and motivations of the other animals, and consider the situation from many different angles.
Funny and witty, this one promotes perspective-taking, critical thinking and teamwork to solve problems and keep the peace.
In this series, Precious Ramotswe, a young girl in Botswana, solves mysteries and learns about empathy, kindness, and understanding different perspectives.
In this story, Precious investigates the disappearance of some delicious cakes that were meant for an important event. As she tries to solve the mystery, Precious shows empathy towards the other characters in the story, including those who are upset about the missing cakes.
The book emphasizes the idea that everyone has their own unique story and perspective, and understanding this helps us better relate to and communicate with others.
This is a funny book about a group of weasels who plot to take over the world.
It highlights the importance of cooperation and understanding the perspectives of others. It also encourages readers to consider consequences and how our actions affect others.
In this series, Mercy the pig gets into many adventures, and her kindness and empathy are often key to solving problems and helping others.
The books often explore how empathy and understanding can help people (and animals) get along and solve problems. It also encourages readers to consider events from many different perspectives, from a grumpy neighbor to bewildered bystanders, a funny and well-developed thief to Mercy the pig herself.
Books that Build Empathy for Second and Third Graders
These are chapter books that may appeal to second or third graders who are reading independently or together with a parent or teacher as a read aloud.
This series follows the adventures of a second-grader named Alvin Ho who struggles with anxiety and fear but has a big heart. Throughout the series, Alvin learns to navigate new experiences and develop empathy for those around him.
One way the books encourage empathy is through Alvin's interactions with other characters. For example, in the fourth book, Allergic to Dead Bodies, Funerals, and Other Fatal Circumstances, Alvin learns to cope with his fear of death and funerals after a neighbor passes away. Through his experiences, Alvin develops an understanding of the emotions and needs of those around him, including his sister, who is grieving the loss of their neighbor.
This is a Newbery Medal-winning book based on a true story. It tells the story of a gorilla named Ivan who lives in captivity and learns about empathy, kindness, and friendship through his interactions with other animals.
The story shows how empathy can drive us towards action and change, and that it's essential in recognizing the humanity and needs of others. It also highlights the importance of justice and the fight against injustice, and how empathy helps us in helping the marginalized and oppressed.
Beloved by teachers, this one explores empathy through the themes of loneliness, understanding, and forgiveness. The story follows the journey of a young girl named Opal and her dog Winn-Dixie as they navigate life in a new town and develop relationships with the people around them.
The story shows how empathy can help us to form deeper connections with the people around us, and explores the role and importance of forgiveness and understanding in our relationships. This is a popular classroom read aloud, paired with a viewing of the movie.
The story follows a boy named Bradley, who is a troubled student with behavioral issues, and his interactions with his school counselor, Carla, and a new classmate named Jeff. Throughout the story, the characters learn to understand and empathize with one another, despite their differences and initial conflicts.
Through the character of Carla, the book also highlights the impact that one caring and empathetic person can have on a child's life.
With its sensitive portrayal of complex emotional issues and focus on the transformative power of empathy and connection, this is an all-time favorite that is best shared together as a read aloud. (Some things may need to be explained to younger readers.) But be warned: you may cry!
Roz the robot is stranded on a deserted island and must learn to live in the wilderness. Roz is initially seen as an outsider and not accepted by the animals already on the island. Gradually, Roz learns to understand the animals’ behaviors, emotions, and perspectives, and develops a deep sense of empathy and compassion towards them.
Through Roz's journey, the novel shows how empathy can be developed through listening, understanding, and experiencing the perspectives of others.
This classic novel tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. Through the book's humor and imaginative storytelling, young readers can learn about empathy and the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion.
The story explores what we need most from our lives, which is not unlimited candy, material possessions or a thriving business, but rather the company and warmth of other people.
This bestselling book tells the story of a boy with a facial deformity who faces the challenges of fitting in at school, and the impact his story has on those around him.
One way empathy is explored in the book is through the theme of perspective-taking. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including Auggie's, his sister's, and his classmates'. This allows readers to see how different characters experience and respond to Auggie's appearance and behavior.
The book also highlights how simple acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life, and explores the theme of self-acceptance as Auggie learns to accept himself and find his place in the world.
A companion to Wonder, this book includes three stories which explores empathy through several interconnected stories. One of the stories, "The Julian Chapter," focuses on a character who was unkind to Auggie in the original novel.
Through Julian's story, readers are given the opportunity to see how bullying and unkind behavior can stem from fear and insecurity, and how a change of heart and empathy can lead to personal growth and transformation.
Wanda Petronski is bullied and teased by her classmates for her name, accent, and the fact that she wears the same dress to school every day. Wanda claims to have one hundred dresses at home, dresses that she describes in elaborate detail.
The book explores how prejudice and stereotypes can prevent us from truly seeing and understanding others. It also explores bystander behavior and the role that bystanders play in perpetuating bullying.
The story follows the journey of a china rabbit named Edward Tulane, who is loved by a young girl named Abilene but is selfish and unable to love in return. Through a series of events, Edward is lost and found by different characters, each of whom teaches him a valuable lesson about love, loss, and empathy.
The book is well-liked for its adventurous and suspenseful plot, as well as its relatable themes of growing up and learning to care for others.
Early Middle Grade Fiction (8-12)
These chapter books are for kids reading middle grade fiction who can infer subtext and meaning and are ready for more challenging or serious subject matter. As with any book, parents and caregivers may want to preview the novel and consider the maturity and reading level of the individual child before deciding if it is appropriate for them.
This graphic novel memoir tells the story of a girl who is deaf and wears a bulky hearing aid, and her experiences navigating friendship, school, and identity. The book explores themes of empathy, communication, and the importance of understanding and acceptance.
The graphic format allows readers to see and experience Cece's world in a unique and immersive way, and to connect with her experiences on a deeper level.
This is the story of a magical tree that helps a young Muslim girl and her family feel welcome in their new community. It explores themes of empathy, inclusivity, and the importance of acceptance and understanding.
Narrated by an old oak tree with talking animals, the book explores prejudice in a straightforward but gentle way that’s appropriate for kids aged eight and up, and is full of wisdom, acceptance, and empathy.
This story follows a group of fifth-grade students and their experiences with a new teacher, Mr. Terupt. Through the course of the school year, the students learn about empathy through the interactions they have with each other, with Mr. Terupt, and with other people in their lives.
Each chapter is told from the perspective of a different student, which allows the reader to see things from very different points of view. This can help young readers develop empathy by encouraging them to consider the experiences and feelings of others.
Henry Khoo is an overprotected ten-year-old who feels alienated from everyone around him, including his former best friend. To cope, he has started a blog called “Fly On the Wall” where he posts anonymous observations, jokes and drawings on the goings-on at school. Henry feels like a victim and feels badly about his own life and lashes out at those around him.
This is an entertaining book to read with kids to explore bullying (and cyberbulling), family dynamics and cultural expectations, and the importance of openness and vulnerability in the way we communicate.
Set during World War II, this novel tells the story of a young girl named Annemarie and her family, who help their Jewish friends escape from the Nazis in Denmark. Readers learn what life was like for Jews living in Nazi-occupied Denmark, including the fear, uncertainty, and danger they faced on a daily basis.
The novel explores themes of bravery and kindness, as Annemarie and her family risk their own safety to help others, and inspires readers to think about the ways they can stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult or dangerous.
The story is told in verse and follows the journey of a 10-year-old girl named Ha who flees Saigon, Vietnam with her family in 1975 during the Vietnam War. They eventually settle in Alabama, where Ha must learn to adapt to a new country, culture, and language.
Ha and her family face prejudice and discrimination from those around them and must learn to understand and appreciate the perspectives of those around her, even when they are different from her own.
Mia is a 10-year-old Chinese American who lives with her parents and helps them manage a motel in California. Throughout the book, Mia and her family encounter a variety of challenges, including discrimination, financial struggles, and family conflict.
At the front desk, Mia meets motel guests from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances, and learns to empathize with their struggles and challenges. The book also explores themes of family, friendship, and perseverance.
This book tells the story of Amina, a Pakistani-American girl who loves to sing but struggles with stage fright and cultural expectations.
Throughout the book, Amina and her friends are faced with issues related to bullying, racism, and identity. One of the ways the book explores empathy is by showing how Amina's friendships evolve over the course of the story. As Amina and her friends encounter different struggles and hardships, they must learn to listen to and support each other in order to overcome these challenges. The book also explores the importance of understanding and accepting others, even when they may be different from ourselves.
Books that Build Empathy: Older Middle Grade Fiction
These chapter books are geared toward older kids ready for more advanced vocabulary and writing styles, with maturity and readiness for more complicated themes.
This book tells the story of a girl named Ally who struggles with dyslexia and feels like an outcast at school.
Through her relationship with a new teacher and a supportive friend, Ally learns to see herself and others in a new light, and develops empathy and understanding for those who are different.
Exploring themes related to empathy, learning differences, perseverance, and friendship, the book encourages readers to empathize with those who are facing difficult circumstances. It is written in a clear and engaging style, recommended for kids ages 8-12.
Coyote is a 12-year-old girl traveling across the country with her father in an old school bus. Along the way, Coyote and her father encounter a diverse group of people, each with their own stories and struggles.
One of the ways the book teaches empathy is by showing how Coyote develops meaningful relationships with the people she meets on her journey. As Coyote learns more about their backgrounds and experiences, she becomes more aware and empathetic of their perspectives. The book also explores themes of loss, grief, and healing, encouraging readers to empathize with others who are struggling with similar challenges.
This is a novel for middle-grade readers that explores the theme of empathy through the eyes of a 12-year-old protagonist named Suzy Swanson. The book follows Suzy's journey as she tries to understand the sudden death of her friend, Franny, and comes to terms with the fact that she never had the chance to apologize for their last fight. Through Suzy's experiences, the book explores themes of grief, loss, friendship, and the importance of empathy and understanding.
This is a poignant and emotionally resonant novel recommended for readers in fourth to sixth grade.
This book tells the story of a girl named Ada who escapes her abusive mother during World War II and finds refuge with a kind but aloof and distant woman named Susan in the English countryside.
Through Ada's experiences, the book explores how empathy can help us to understand and connect with others, even when we come from very different backgrounds. Despite her traumatic upbringing, Ada has a strong sense of empathy, and she is able to connect with Susan in ways that others cannot. Similarly, Susan begins to see Ada's strength and resilience, and she becomes a supportive and loving caregiver.
Showing how empathy can break down barriers, this book encourages readers to be open-minded, compassionate, and kind, and to look for ways to understand and support those around us. For kids age 9 and up.
This graphic novel tells the story of a girl named Sunny who visits her grandfather in his retirement community in Florida and learns about his struggles with addiction.
Early on in the book, Sunny is frustrated with her grandfather and his rules. However, as she spends more time with him and gets to know the other people in the community, she begins to see things from their perspectives and becomes more patient and understanding.
Sunny begins to empathize with the people around her, becoming more patient and understanding. She listens to their stories, offers them support and kindness, and even stands up for them when they are being mistreated by others.
This is an excellent book that tells the story of the Watson family, an African American family living in Flint, Michigan, during the height of the civil rights movement. The book deals with themes of family, friendship, identity, and social justice.
The book's narrator, Kenny, is a sensitive and thoughtful observer of the world around him, and he is able to understand and appreciate the perspectives of his siblings and parents. Through Kenny's eyes, readers are able to see the complexity and humanity of the characters, and to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. Recommended for readers age 10 and up.
Melody is a young girl with cerebral palsy who is unable to speak or walk. Throughout the novel, she struggles with the frustration of not being able to communicate with those around her, as well as the misconceptions and prejudices that people have about her because of her disability.
The book encourages readers to empathize with Melody and to challenge their own assumptions about people with disabilities. It also portrays the importance of inclusion, acceptance, and kindness. Recommended for readers 10+.
This fantasy book tells the story of a Korean-inspired universe where a young fox spirit sets out to find her missing brother and clear his name. It explores themes of empathy, family, and the power of myth and imagination.
One way that the characters learn to be empathetic is by experiencing discrimination and prejudice themselves. The main character, Min, is a fox spirit and faces discrimination from some characters who believe that fox spirits are untrustworthy and deceitful. Similarly, Haneul, a non-magical character, is bullied and ostracized by his peers because of his background. Through their experiences, Min and Haneul are able to develop empathy towards others who also face discrimination and prejudice.
Recommended for readers ages 10-14 ready for more advanced writing style and complex themes related to discrimination, loyalty, and self-discovery.
This fantasy book tells the story of a girl who is raised by a witch and discovers the truth about her past and the magic of her world. It explores themes of empathy, love, and the power of choice and self-discovery.
Luna, the main protagonist, demonstrates empathy towards all living creatures, including animals and plants. She shows this by using her magic to communicate with and heal them. Luna also has a strong desire to help and protect others, which is demonstrated when she risks her life to save her loved ones.
This novel features complex themes, such as loss, grief, and sacrifice, which may be best understood by kids aged 10-14.
This tells the story of Zoey, a seventh-grader who lives in poverty with her younger siblings and their mother, who is in an abusive relationship. Zoey dreams of becoming an octopus, with its ability to change colors and blend in with its surroundings, so that she can hide from her troubles.
Through Zoey's experiences, the book explores how empathy can help us to understand and connect with others, even when their lives seem very different from our own. Zoey is initially isolated and withdrawn, feeling like no one at school could ever understand her situation. But over the course of the story, she begins to open up and connect with others, as she starts to see the struggles that other students are facing. Recommended for kids age 10 and up.
The tells the story of Nisha, a young girl who lives in India during the partition of India in 1947. When her family is forced to flee their home and travel to a new country, Nisha struggles to understand and come to terms with the violence and division that is tearing her country apart.
Through Nisha's experiences, the book explores how empathy can help us to understand and connect with others, even in the midst of conflict and division. Nisha is initially very sheltered and isolated, but over the course of the story, she begins to learn about the experiences and perspectives of others.
This is a thought-provoking book that can start important conversations about the power of empathy, the effects of war and conflict, and the importance of understanding and accepting others.
This book follows a boy named Castle who joins a track team as a way of coping with his difficult past.
Ghost is initially very guarded and closed off, but over the course of the story, he begins to open up and connect with the other members of the track team, finding a sense of purpose and belonging, and learning valuable lessons about empathy and compassion.
It encourages readers to be open-minded, compassionate, and kind, and to look for ways to understand and support those around them. Recommended for readers age 10 and up.
Hope these recommendations help in stocking your home library with fun, engaging and thought-provoking reads. Find more books exploring empathy in the book guides for kindness, social intelligence, forgiveness and teamwork.
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