Social Issues
Pre-K
Growing Reader
Tween
Making Our Voices Heard: Books About Activism for Kids
These books can help readers jumpstart the conversation of what it means to show up, speak out, resist, and persist on behalf of their own beliefs — and for those who may not have a voice.
Baby & Toddler
Pre-K
Growing Reader
30 Great LGBTQ+ Picture Books for Kids
Everyone can benefit from the messages of unconditional love and acceptance in these picture books.
Pre-K
Growing Reader
Books for a Better Planet! 18 Earth-Friendly Reads for Kids
Whether for Earth Day or every day, here are some great children’s books that encourage a love and stewardship of planet Earth.
Pre-K
Growing Reader
Children’s Books That Show Kids the Goodness in the World
Looking to share stories with your kids that reflect the positive in the world? These books bring to life tales of the innate goodness of our fellow humans.
Tween
Teen
Meet Nic Stone: A Primer on the Powerhouse Author
Young adult mentor and bestselling author, Nic Stone’s books expertly tackle controversial topics like racism, mental health, gender roles, and teenage sexuality. This primer is your guide to all her must-read books.
Pre-K
Growing Reader
15 Books That Model Empathy and Compassion for Young Readers
Empathy is not easy to teach, but books that put kindness and inclusion at the forefront can help spark conversations with children about what it means to be empathetic and compassionate.
Tween
17 Essential Coming-of-Age Novels for Tweens
Being a tween is hard. These powerful coming-of-age novels can help kids navigate this tumultuous time in their lives.
Pre-K
Growing Reader
Tween
9 Children's Picture Books That Spark Conversations About Homelessness
Poverty, food scarcity, mental health, and homelessness are tough issues we should discuss with our children. Don’t know where to start? These books offer a natural gateway to the conversation.
Pre-K
Growing Reader
Tween
Teen
Books for Children and Teens That Touch on Incarceration
Millions of children have been touched by incarceration. These stories help children deal with the emotional difficulty of being separated from those they love, and encourage compassion from children who don’t personally have a parent in jail.
Growing Reader
Brightly Storytime: Lost and Found Cat
Follow along with this true story of one Iraqi family's plight as refugees and the heartwarming kindness of strangers who helped reunite them with their beloved cat.
Pre-K
Growing Reader
Tween
Teen
10 Books That Embrace What Makes Kids Unique
These books for kids and teens celebrate the unique strengths and struggles of characters with physical, educational, or psychological differences.
All Ages
Kids Like Me: 18 Books With Diverse Main Characters
It’s important for kids to read engaging stories with main characters that are relatable to their lives. Not just to their humanity, but also to their appearance and culture.
Baby & Toddler
Pre-K
Antiracist Baby Encourages Readers Big and Small to Think Deeper About Race and Racism
Ibram X. Kendi’s Antiracist Baby encourages us to stop tiptoeing around racism. With bright, engaging illustrations and thoughtful, rhyming text, this book is an excellent antiracism primer for both little readers and their grown-ups.
Pre-K
Growing Reader
Tween
Teen
Books To Help Kids Understand the Fight for Racial Equality
These books can serve as resources to help us move beyond tokens and icons to a deeper understanding of our history and its legacy.
