Books About Empathy · 200 titles considered

The Best Empathy Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about empathy? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Empathy

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2017

A Boy Called Bat

By Elana K. Arnold, Charles Santoso (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Bat series

A young boy named Bat cares for a baby skunk after its mother is killed by a car

160 pages· 21,164 words· Est. 4 hour read

6.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 9,321 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Meet Bat, a young boy on the autism spectrum, whose life is full of surprises. When his mom, a veterinarian, brings home a baby skunk, Bat is determined to keep it. With just one month to convince his mom, Bat navigates school challenges and family dynamics, all while forming an unexpected bond with the skunk. Can Bat show that this little creature is more than just a wild animal? Discover a heartwarming tale of friendship, determination, and the unexpected joys of life.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Wonder

By R. J. Palacio, R. J. Palacio · Book #1 in the Wonder series

A boy with a unique face faces school for the first time, seeking acceptance.

316 pages· 73,102 words· Est. 10 hour read

6.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,218,556 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Auggie Pullman, born with a facial difference, starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep. As he navigates the challenges of being new and different, he yearns for acceptance. Will his classmates see beyond his extraordinary face? Through shifting perspectives, this story explores empathy, compassion, and the courage to stand out. Can kindness bridge the gap between appearances and true friendship?

Sale price

$1994

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

The One and Only Ivan

By Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The One and Only series

A captive gorilla's world shifts when a baby elephant arrives, challenging his view of home and art.

Newbery Medal (2013)

304 pages· 25,905 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 216,215 ratings

$20.99Save 5%

Summary: Ivan, a gorilla living in a mall, finds comfort in art and his friends. But when Ruby, a young elephant, arrives, Ivan's perspective on captivity and creativity is transformed. As he grapples with new emotions, Ivan must decide if he can change their world for the better. Can unexpected friendships inspire hope and freedom? Discover a tale of courage and transformation through Ivan's eyes.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1944

The Hundred Dresses

By Eleanor Estes, Louis Slobodkin (Illustrator)

A girl claims to own a hundred dresses, but classmates' ridicule leads to regret and a vow for change.

Newbery Medal (1945)

80 pages· 7,306 words· Est. 57 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 42,736 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Wanda Petronski, a Polish girl in a Connecticut school, is mocked for wearing the same dress daily. She insists she owns a hundred dresses, but no one believes her. When Wanda leaves school, her classmates, especially Maddie, are left with guilt and a powerful lesson. Maddie vows to never remain silent in the face of injustice again. This poignant tale explores the impact of bullying and the courage to stand up for what's right, leaving readers to ponder the cost of silence and the power of empathy.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2014

Brown Girl Dreaming

By Jacqueline Woodson

A young girl finds her voice amidst the echoes of Jim Crow and Civil Rights awakening.

Coretta Scott King Award (2015)Newbery Medal (2015)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2015)

366 pages· 30,215 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 94,538 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: In the 1960s and 1970s, a young girl navigates life between South Carolina and New York, feeling caught between two worlds. Through evocative poetry, she captures the struggle of growing up African American during the Civil Rights era. Despite challenges with reading, her passion for storytelling ignites, leading her to discover her voice. Each poem offers a glimpse into her journey of self-discovery and resilience, as she seeks her place in a divided world. Will she find where she truly belongs?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–15

The Boy on the Wooden Box

By Leon Leyson

A young boy's journey from a carefree childhood in rural Poland to surviving the Holocaust through resilience, family, and the unlikely protection of Oskar Schindler.

256 pages· 36,884 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 30,577 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2015

Fish in a Tree

By Lynda Mullaly Hunt · Fish in a Tree series

A girl hides her reading struggles until a teacher helps her embrace her unique mind.

288 pages· 48,663 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 87,403 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Ally, a clever girl who hides her reading struggles with distractions, fears being labeled 'dumb.' Her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, sees her potential and helps her embrace her dyslexia. As Ally's confidence grows, she learns that labels don't define her and discovers the power of her unique mind. Will she find the courage to be herself and unlock new possibilities?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2018

The Eleventh Trade

By Alyssa Hollingsworth

A boy must trade up from a keychain to reclaim his grandfather's stolen instrument.

304 pages· 53,985 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 376 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Sami, a young refugee, faces a daunting challenge when his grandfather's cherished rebab is stolen. With only a keychain and a dream, he embarks on a daring quest to trade up to $700. Each trade brings him closer to reclaiming the instrument and finding his place in a new world. Can Sami navigate the complexities of friendship and fear to achieve the impossible? Discover the heartwarming journey of resilience and hope in 'The Eleventh Trade.'

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Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2014

El Deafo

By Cece Bell

A girl discovers her hearing aid grants her unexpected powers at a new school. Can she find friendship amidst her newfound abilities?

Newbery Medal (2015)

233 pages· 16,807 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 91,911 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Cece faces the daunting challenge of starting a new school with a conspicuous hearing aid. Feeling isolated, she discovers her Phonic Ear lets her hear her teacher anywhere in the school, turning her into El Deafo, a superhero with a unique power. But with great power comes the struggle of feeling different and alone. Can Cece use her abilities to find true friendship, or will her superpower keep her isolated? Dive into this heartfelt journey of self-discovery and empathy, where being different might just be the key to finding connection.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Inside Out & Back Again

By Thanhha Lai · Inside Out and Back Again series

A young girl flees war-torn Vietnam, seeking hope in America.

262 pages· 14,925 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 68,447 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: In 1975, Hà's world is upended as she and her family escape war-torn Vietnam for a new life in Alabama. Through poetic verse, Hà navigates the challenges of a foreign land, grappling with loss, identity, and the quest for belonging. Will she find hope and healing in this unfamiliar world, or will the shadows of her past linger? Experience a poignant journey of resilience and transformation as Hà's story unfolds, capturing the heartache and hope of a refugee's path to a new beginning.

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Empathy Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about empathy for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$1099

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

Ages 2–6 · 2010

When Amos falls ill, his zoo friends bring the fun to him.

Sale price

$799

Baby Be Kind

Ages 0–3 · 2012

Discover simple acts of kindness that even a baby can do.

Sale price

$799

When Your Elephant Has the Sniffles

Ages 2–4 · 2017

Can you stop an elephant from sneezing and spreading the sniffles?

Sale price

$999

You Go First

Ages 0–4 · 2013

Little Critter learns the value of putting others first after his selfishness causes trouble.

Sale price

$799

Yo! Yes?

Ages 2–4 · 1993

Two strangers meet on a street, sparking an unexpected friendship.

Sale price

$1295

Happy Grumpy Loved

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover emotions and build vocabulary with playful exploration.

Sale price

$799

Will Bear Share?

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Will Bear share her ice cream cone or keep it all to herself?

Sale price

$1095

I Am Scary

Ages 0–2 · 2020

A monster's scare tactics fail when a child finds it huggable.

Sale price

$899

What If I Want to Be Kind?

Ages 2–4 · 2020

A child learns various ways to show kindness to others and themselves.

Sale price

$899

We Share This School

Ages 2–5 · 2023

Discover the heart of school communities and their role in nurturing empathy and compassion.

Sale price

$899

We Share This Earth

Ages 2–5 · 2024

Discover the power of community and empathy across the globe.

Sale price

$599

Llama Llama Hooray for New Friends!

Ages 2–5 · 2023

Llama Llama navigates new friendships and learns about acceptance.

View all empathy board books

Browse by age

Empathy Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about empathy for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1899

Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse

Ages 3–5 · 2018

A girl learns the truth about a classmate's horse.

Sale price

$1799

The Snatchabook

Ages 3–6 · 2013

A group of books disappear at night in the town of Burrow Down, leading to a mysterious figure being discovered,

Sale price

$1999

The Very Cranky Bear

Ages 3–5 · 2008

Can four friends soothe a cranky bear's sleep troubles?

Sale price

$1200

Great Joy

Ages 4–8 · 2007

A girl finds unexpected inspiration from a mysterious organ grinder at Christmas.

Sale price

$1799

Manjhi Moves a Mountain

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A man carves a mountain path, transforming his village's future.

Sale price

$1799

Bernice Gets Carried Away

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A grumpy cat's bad day turns into an unexpected adventure with balloons and new friends.

Sale price

$1899

We're All Wonders

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A child who feels like they don't fit in embarks on an imaginative journey to explore their identity.

Sale price

$1899

Madame Badobedah

Ages 5–8 · 2020

A young girl suspects a mysterious hotel guest is a supervillain. Is she right, or is there more to the story?

Sale price

$1799

The Perfectly Perfect Wish

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A girl discovers a magical wish and seeks the perfect selfless choice.

Sale price

$1899

The Rabbit Listened

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A child tries to build something but it doesn't go as planned.

Sale price

$1899

Amazing Grace

Ages 4–8 · 1991

A young girl dreams of playing the lead role in her school play despite others doubting her.

Sale price

$1899

Grace Goes to Washington

Ages 6–8 · 2019

Grace and her classmates navigate school politics, learning the complexities of serving diverse needs.

View all empathy picture books

Browse by age

Empathy Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about empathy for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1699

Paperboy

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A boy's stutter challenges him during a life-changing summer paper route in the segregated South.

Sale price

$799

Just Grace

Ages 6–9 · 2007

A young girl navigates the challenges of school and friendships while trying to help her neighbor who is struggling with a broken leg and a scared cat.