12 Books That Teach Kids Empathy

Told through the eyes of a bully named Crash, this young adult book is both funny and cleverly unfolds a lesson on seeing life through the perspective of others.

CJ doesn’t want to ride the bus and run errands with his nana, but Nana is about to show CJ the beauty all around them in the city, including neighbors he’s never noticed.

Each small act of kindness can change the world, a lesson Chloe must learn after she fumbles an opportunity to make a new friend.

Taylor is sad and his animals are full of advice, including a chatty chicken and angry bear. Nothing make Taylor feel better until rabbit comes along and does the simplest thing: he listens.

A very simple book for the youngest readers, this book highlights the ins and outs of friendship.

Hey up there! This little ant is trying to tell you something. Are you ready to listen?

Adrian tells everyone about his beautiful horse, but because of the holes in Adrian’s shoes and the size of his house, Chloe doesn’t believe he could even afford one. When she calls his mom to bust his story, she gets a lesson she didn’t see coming.

Sally takes a chance and stands up to the bullies at school and everyone realizes what a difference one small voice can make.

By showing small acts of kindness, this book tells kids things they can do in their daily lives to be more empathetic to their friends.

From a best-selling series about connecting kids to the world around them, this book explores what it means to be human in simple concepts like feeling, choices and thoughtfulness. The book includes a guided meditation.

Quinn models what it means to have empathy and shows how it’s something everyone has to learn. Included in the book are discussion questions for adults and suggested activities.

For older kids, this classic book tells the story of Auggie, a kid with facial differences who just wants to be treated like the other kids. Starting from his perspective and then expanding to his friends, family and others, it shows how a community can transform.