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Growing Reader

15 Books That Model Empathy and Compassion for Young Readers

by Charnaie Gordon

Illustration: Penelope Dullaghan

Lately, it seems whenever I turn on the news or open social media I learn that another tragedy has occurred somewhere in the world. Each time, I am overcome with feelings of sadness, frustration, and downright hopelessness. I try to think of how I can help make a difference in some small way, but usually end up falling short.

At moments like these, it feels even more important to have conversations with the children in our lives about topics like empathy, compassion, kindness, and inclusion. The interesting thing about empathy, though, is that it’s not easy to teach. Yet there are some ways to instill and inspire it. One way is to read books that touch on the subject and can spark a conversation about what it means to be empathetic and compassionate. The following books can help you do just that.

The Rabbit Listened

The Rabbit Listened

by Cori Doerrfeld

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Much as adults try to shield them, every child will face grief and loss in life. Such is the case with Taylor, who is understandably devastated when the block tower he worked so hard to build is knocked down by a flock of birds. A parade of animals tries to help — suggesting Taylor laugh about it or scream in anger — but they all walk away once he discards their advice. Only the rabbit stays. By simply being present, the rabbit demonstrates empathy and support, and teaches kids that listening is the first step to understanding.
(Ages 3 – 5)

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Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse

Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse

by Marcy Campbell, illustrated by Corinna Luyken

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Chloe is very frustrated by her classmate Adrian. He claims to own a horse, but she’s absolutely certain that’s not true. When an evening walk leads Chloe to Adrian’s house, she learns to see the world through his eyes. A spare, yet stunningly beautiful story about perspective, empathy, and imagination.
(Ages 3 – 5)

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The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade

by Justin Roberts, illustrated by Christian Robinson

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This story serves as a wonderful reminder of how important each person is in making the world a happier place — even if you’re the smallest person in your grade like little Sally McCabe.

With rhyming text and colorful illustrations, it has themes of bullying, injustice, courage, empathy, and finding your voice.
(Ages 3 – 5)

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Last Stop on Market Street

Last Stop on Market Street

by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson

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CJ’s Nana helps him see beauty in his surroundings, whether it’s on the bus or at the soup kitchen they head to every Sunday afternoon. As Nana says, “Sometimes when you’re surrounded by dirt, CJ, you’re a better witness for what’s beautiful.”

CJ's grandmother helps remind CJ, and little readers, that everyone we encounter has talents, skills, and their own story, but we must be kind and open-minded in order to hear it.
(Ages 3 – 5)

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How to Be a Lion

How to Be a Lion

by Ed Vere

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Leonard is not your typical lion — he much prefers hanging out on his thinking hill to hunting for prey. He’s a gentle and caring guy who loves spending time with his best friend Marianne, a duck. When other lions try to pressure Leonard into being more ferocious and “lion-like,” the two friends write a poem to counter this singleminded way of thinking: “Let nobody say / just one way is true. / There are so many ways / that you can be you.” Vere’s How to Be a Lion is an empowering example of an ever-compassionate friendship and acceptance.
(Ages 3 – 7)

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How to Help a Friend

How to Help a Friend

by Karl Newson, illustrated by Clara Anganuzzi

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This sweet picture book introduces young readers to the many ways to support their friends when they need it. Whether someone needs to talk, play, or sit quietly, kids can learn how to show compassion and empathy to their friends in need. Beautiful illustrations accompany the lyrical text and helpful advice in this story.
(Ages 3 – 7)

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Hey, Little Ant

Hey, Little Ant

by Phillip Hoose and Hannah Hoose, illustrated by Debbie Tilley

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This book is an absolute winner for fostering discussions around compassion and understanding. When a boy comes across an ant on the sidewalk and lifts his shoe to squish it, the ant quickly speaks up to make the case for why his life should be spared. The ant pleads for the boy to imagine how he’d feel if they switched positions. Their humorous dialogue shows a great contrast in how each sees the world. The book ends by asking, “What do you think that kid should do?” and inviting kids to share how they would respond.
(Ages 3 – 7)

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Luli and the Language of Tea

Luli and the Language of Tea

by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Hyewon Yum

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It’s not easy being the new kid at school, especially if you speak a different language than everyone else. But what if nobody speaks the same language? When Luli goes to her English as a Second Language class, she realizes everyone feels overwhelmed and out of place. But there’s one language that everyone knows—tea! Thanks to her quick thinking and a plentiful supply of tea, Luli helps everyone feel welcome.
(Ages 3 – 7)

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The Notebook Keeper

The Notebook Keeper

by Stephen Briseño, Illustrated by Magdalena Mora

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This heartwarming and beautifully illustrated true story follows the journey of Noemi and her mother as they face the heart-wrenching experience of being denied entry at the U.S. border after fleeing their home. Together, they search for the refugee in charge of "the notebook," an unofficial ledger of those waiting to cross into the US. Despite their diminishing hope, their acts of kindness and generosity alter their future.
(Ages 4 - 8)

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Roar-Choo!

Roar-Choo!

by Charlotte Cheng, Illustrated by Dan Santat

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Dragons are strong, powerful, and can tackle anything, right? Well, not this Dragon. Friendly and patient Phoenix insists on taking care of his Dragon friend and urges him to get some much-needed rest as he's riddled with a cold, and can't stop sneezing! An awesome addition to storytime that hilariously shows young readers how to care for friends and cherish differences.
(Ages 4 - 8)

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We’re All Wonders

We’re All Wonders

by R.J. Palacio

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In this book, readers are reminded that we can choose to be kind to one another rather than cruel. Born with a facial deformity, Auggie knows that he looks different from other children but is hopeful that others will see past his differences and appreciate all the other things that make him unique. This is a powerful story of accepting others for who they really are and not judging them based on how they look. The illustrations are bright and stunning to hold the attention of young readers. This book is also a great resource to use in a classroom setting to help teach kindness by igniting conversations of when children have felt different, how they feel when others stare or poke fun at them, and what would they do if someone was making fun of one of their friends or family members. A great addition to any home or classroom library.
(Ages 4 – 8)

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Namaste Is a Greeting

Namaste Is a Greeting

by Suma Subramaniam, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

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Follow along as a small girl notices the kindnesses people do for each other in her city. As she and her mother shop in the marketplace, she feels inspired to do something special for her elderly neighbor. This sweet story shows young readers that kindness and compassion exist in every culture.
(Ages 4 – 8)

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I Forgive Alex

I Forgive Alex

by Kerascoët, Sebastien Cosset, and Marie Pommepuy

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This stunning wordless picture book from the creators of I Walk With Vanessa teaches a vital life lesson about apologies and forgiveness. The entire class gets upset when Alex accidentally ruins a classmate’s art project. Alex knows he must apologize and hopes the other children can forgive him. Through expressive illustrations, this simple story delivers a powerful message of kindness, compassion, and inclusion.
(Ages 4 – 8)

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Each Kindness

Each Kindness

by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

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This is not a book with a happy ending that comes packaged up in a nice, neat bow. It’s heartbreaking, but so powerful and poignant for upper elementary, middle grade, and perhaps some adult readers, too. It teaches important lessons about kindness and thoughtfulness, and is great for fostering open-ended discussions with older children about things like acceptance, bullying, consequences, making a good first impression, taking responsibility for your actions, feelings, and compassion. I adore the lesson about kindness that the teacher in the book gives to her students, likening kindness to a pebble in the water that sends out ripples.
(Ages 5 - 8)

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Come With Me

Come With Me

by Holly M. McGhee, illustrated by Pascal Lemaître

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I think this story is so great! It’s about a little girl who is saddened by the news she sees on TV. She asks her parents what she can do to make the world a better place. Inspired and perhaps impressed by his daughter’s question, the father takes her on a walk through the city, greeting everyone he sees with a kind smile and a tip of his hat. The little girl is inspired by her parents’ gentle regard for the world and invites the boy next door to come outside and walk the dog with her. I appreciate how this book communicates that small acts of kindness and bravery are what ultimately makes the world a better place. Simply put, the kind things we do matter no matter how big or small.
(Ages 5 – 8)

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Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2024.