Help your child build kindness, compassion, and emotional awareness—one page at a time.

Empathy is one of the most important life skills we can teach our children. It helps them understand others, navigate their emotions, and become kind, thoughtful members of the community. Fortunately, there’s a beautiful and engaging way to build this skill from an early age: through reading.

Books about empathy give children the chance to walk in someone else’s shoes, to see the world from a different perspective, and to feel compassion for characters who are different from them—or just like them.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or librarian, this list of children’s books that teach empathy will be a powerful tool in helping kids connect, understand, and grow.

1. Hope In the Nick of Time by Deedee Cummings

This heartfelt holiday story goes beyond festive cheer to introduce children to hope, understanding, and empathy for those experiencing overwhelming feelings in a chaotic and confusing world. It teaches that compassion and action—no matter how small—can change lives. A powerful reminder that we all need hope, and we all need each other.

2. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

A lyrical and beautifully illustrated book that explores the beauty of everyday life, generosity, and perspective. CJ’s grandmother helps him see the world through the lens of gratitude and kindness—especially toward those who are often overlooked.

3. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

Brian feels unseen by his classmates—until a new student shows him kindness. This touching story highlights the deep emotional effects of exclusion and the transformative power of inclusion and empathy.

4. Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

When Jeremy wants the shoes everyone else has, he learns a profound lesson about wants vs. needs, and how generosity can shine even in disappointment. This book teaches empathy through subtle, real-world scenarios kids face every day.

5. I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët

A powerful wordless picture book that shows how one small act of kindness can grow into a movement. By following Vanessa’s story, kids learn to stand up for others and offer support when it matters most.

6. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

Chloe and her classmates ignore the new girl, Maya, until it’s too late. This story delivers a gentle but impactful message: missed opportunities for kindness leave lasting marks. It’s a must-read for empathy-building discussions.

7. In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek

This vibrant, visually engaging book helps kids explore a wide range of emotions. By naming and normalizing feelings, it creates a foundation for self-awareness and understanding others.

8. We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio

Based on the novel Wonder, this picture book adaptation makes the theme of empathy more accessible to younger readers. It encourages children to see the wonder in everyone, regardless of their appearance or differences.

9. Saturday by Oge Mora

Ava and her mother’s special day doesn’t go as planned, but together they navigate disappointment with love and resilience. This story teaches kids how empathy can show up in relationships, especially during challenging moments.

10. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead

Amos is always kind to the animals at the zoo, and when he’s unwell, they return the favor. It’s a gentle story that shows how empathy is a two-way street—and how being there for others matters.

11. These Olive Trees by Hazar Elbayya

The story of a Palestinian family’s ties to the land, and how one young girl finds a way to care for her home, even as she says goodbye.

Why These Books Matter

Teaching empathy isn’t about lecturing—it’s about modeling, storytelling, and letting kids feel their way into understanding. These empathy-focused books help children:

Recognize emotions in others

Reflect on their own experiences

Build stronger relationships

Make kinder, more thoughtful choices

Each of these stories serves as a bridge between the child reading and the world they are growing into.

Looking for More?

At Make A Way Media, we believe that every book is a chance to teach empathy, resilience, and hope. Visit our shop to discover more children’s books that nurture emotional wellness and celebrate diversity.

Pin It for Later!

“11 Children’s Books That Teach Empathy in Powerful Ways” — because kindness starts on the page.

The post 11 Books About Empathy For Kids appeared first on Make A Way Media.