Help your child build kindness, compassion, and emotional awareness one page at a time with these great books about empathy for kids.

Empathy is one of the most important life skills we can teach our children. It helps them understand others, navigate their own emotions, and become kind, thoughtful members of the community. Reading is a beautiful and engaging way to start building this skill even from an early age.

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.

Great Books About Empathy For Kids

Whether you are a teacher looking to increase the empathy in your classroom or a mom wanting to instill more empathy in her kids, these books were written for you. They show empathy on every page.

1. Hope In the Nick of Time by Deedee Cummings

This heartfelt holiday story goes beyond festive cheer. It shows children to how to maintain 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. This story is 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

This lyrical and beautifully illustrated book 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 invisible at school. One day, a new kid shows him kindness. This touching story highlights the deep emotional effects of exclusion and the transformative power of inclusion and empathy. You never know when a simple act will make a big difference in someone else’s life.

4. Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

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

5. I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët

This is a powerful wordless picture book that shows how one small act of kindness can grow into a movement. In this sweet 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.

If you’re not sure what to say to start important conversations about kindness and empathy, these questions that build empathy will help.

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

This vibrant, visually engaging book helps kids explore a wide range of emotions. Naming and normalizing feelings creates a foundation for self-awareness and understanding of 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 our 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 a friendly zookeeper who is always kind to the animals. When he gets sick, the animals decide to return the favor and care for him. This story reminds us that empathy is a two-way street. Supporting others is just as important as receiving help.

11. These Olive Trees by Hazar Elbayya

Oraib finds herself saying goodbye the beloved olive trees that she and her family have loved, cared for, and depended on. She makes a promise to care for her olive trees, even as the war forces her to leave her trees behind. This book not only shows empathy but also hope for a future better than the one we currently see.

12. This is the Earth by Deedee Cummings

This book has the language of empathy on every page. The simple yet profound text combined with the breathtaking illustrations make it a favorite for readers of any age. We are reminded that we don’t have to speak the same language, live in the same country, or even share the same beliefs to show empathy. We are all already connected, all neighbors, sharing one big, beautiful home.

13. Watercress by Andrea Wang

Sometimes, as kids, we don’t understand the things our parents do. This is the story of a Chinese immigrant family spotting watercress by the side of the road. At first, the young girl is embarrassed as her family stops to collect as much watercress as they can. After listening to her mother’s story about gathering food with her family in China, the girl begins to see things differently.

Why Young Readers Need Books About Empathy

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 othersReflect on their own experiencesBuild stronger relationshipsMake kinder, more thoughtful choices

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

Fun Activities for Teaching Empathy

Here at Make A Way Media, all of our books and resources speak to the power of empathy in different ways. We believe that every teacher, parent, grandparent, etc. should have access to the tools they need to raise great humans. That is why we are constantly giving away free resources for children and adults. Here are some free printable activities to help you bring more empathy to your home, school, or classroom.

Join the K Club!

Did you know that you could get a free printable guide each month full of activities that teach kids the social emotional skills they need to thrive? From listening skills to dealing with bullying, the K Club invites kids, parents, and teachers to tackle tough topics while having screen-free fun together. Join the K Club today to get your free guides!

Grow Your Hoping Skills

Hope is a skill. It’s a skill we can grow, measure, and strengthen. This free, printable workbook shows kids exactly how to strengthen their “hoping skills” and share hope with others. Get your copy today!

 

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