Book Lists

Books to Build Empathy and Community

Chrysanthemum

By Kevin Henkes

This is a sweet book about a little mouse with a very large name. She learns the importance of being true to herself while navigating issues of making friends in school.

Activities: https://www.varsitytutors.com/englishteacher/chrysanthemum-lesson-plans

The Big Umbrella

by Amy June Bates

This is an amazing story about how there is room for kindness and all people in our lives. It uses the metaphor of the umbrella to show that we can make room for everyone.

Activities: https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/tagged_assets/3814851/9781534406582_as_[big%20umbrella].pdf

Be Kind

By Pat Zietlow Miller

This is a story about stepping up and caring for other people. It uses relatable situations to show what it really means to be kind and the impact that it makes on others.

Activities: http://www.thehappyteacher.co/2018/07/be-kind-promoting-kindness-in-classroom.html

Elmer

by David McKee

Elmer is an elephant that is a little different and does not quite fit in. Other elephants make fun of him until they really get to know how special Elmer is. This book shows children how they need to look beyond appearances to really get to know someones heart.

Activities: https://buggyandbuddy.com/elmer-the-elephant-activities-for-kids/

Stick and Stone

by Beth Ferry

Stick and Stone are an unlikely duo. Their friendship is built on a foundation of being kind and helpful to one another. This story can help even the youngest learners understand how to be a good friend.

Activities: http://www.rubberbootsandelfshoes.com/2015/07/stick-and-stone-and-sticks-and-stones.html

The Invisible Boy

by Trudy Ludwig

This is a very impactful story about how a shy student can become unnoticed by his teacher and classmates. Once he is given a chance to shine and share his talents he is seen for the sweet friend that he truly is.

Activities: https://deannajump.com/the-invisible-boy-read-aloud/

Last Stop On Market Street

by Matt De La Pena

This is a beautiful book about understanding equity and the lack there of in certain aspects of our world. This book helps the reader understand that not every person has the same experiences and how we can be accepting and understanding of others. It is also a wonderful story of appreciation.

Activities: http://www.judynewmanatscholastic.com/blog/2016/11/finding_beauty_inth/

One

by Kathryn Otoshi

This book uses different colors and their relationships to parallel real relationships. This book helps students understand the concepts of bullying and empathy.

Activities: https://mosswoodconnections.com/activity/one-by-kathryn-otoshi-picture-book-month-extension-activities/

We're All Wonders

By R. J. Polacio

This is a picture book about a boy who has with disabilities. Polacio really helps you see life through his perspective. This is based on the novel Wonder by the same author.

Activities: https://childrenslibrarylady.com/were-all-wonders/

If You Plant a Seed

by Kadir Nelson

This book shows children that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a great impact on the world.

Activities: http://www.literaryhoots.com/2016/11/15-extension-activities-for-if-you.html

I Am Human A Book of Empathy

by Susan Verde

This book focuses on the aspect that we are all human, and even though we make mistakes, we can make good choices and choose to be kind.

Activities: https://www.counselorkeri.com/2018/10/13/i-am-human-activity/

Peanut Butter and Cupcake

by Terry Border

This is a funny tale about an unlikely friendship that blossoms between Peanut Butter and Cupcake. It shows that friendship is not always easy, but if you are patient with each other it can be rewarding.

Activities: https://smallactbigimpact.com/for-educators/elementary-school-resources-k-5/peanut-butter-and-cupcake-kindness-lesson-k-3/

http://www.thehappyteacher.co/2015/08/teaching-friendship-with-peanut-butter.html

Those Shoes

by Maribeth Boelts

This is an amazing story about compassion and understanding. It is a beautiful tale of caring about others and "putting yourself in their shoes".

Activities: https://www.rif.org/literacy-central/book/those-shoes

A Sick Day For Amos McGhee

by Phillip C. Stead

This is the story of a sweet and caring zoo keeper who gets sick. All of the animals that he cares for comes to his aid. It is a beautiful tale of compassion and empathy.

Activities: https://www.rif.org/literacy-central/book/sick-day-amos-mcgee

https://www.themailbox.com/magazines/reading-idea-creating-a-story-innovation-retelling-a-story-taking-a-picture-walk/a-sick-day-for-amos-mcgee

The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein

This is a touching tale of a boy and a tree and how the tree gives everything it can to the boy to bring him happiness. In the end it is the tree who is fulfilled by its selfless acts.

Activities: https://mrswillskindergarten.com/the-giving-tree-and-more/

Books About Race and Diversity

I Am Enough

by Grace Byers

This is a beautiful story about appreciating differences in others and loving who you are.

Activities: https://childrenslibrarylady.com/i-am-enough/

What's the Difference? Being Different is Amazing

by Doyin Richards

This book does not ask children to be color blind, but instead points out and celebrates the differences we all have that make us unique and special.

Activities: https://www.noodle.com/articles/early-childhood-lessons-on-diversity-activity-ideas-impact

Shades of People

by Shelly Rotner and Sheila M. Kelly

Beautiful photographs bring this book to life in a celebration of diversity.

Activities: https://www.rif.org/literacy-central/book/shades-people

All the Colors We Are, The Story of How We Get Our Skin Colors

by Katie Kissinger

This book celebrates every skin color and explains how we got the color of our skin. This books explores people from all over the world.

Activities: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/activity-plan-all-our-colors/

https://teachpeacenow.com/all-colors-we-are/

Shades of Black- A Celebration of Our Children

by Sandra L. Pinkney

This book is a beautiful collection of photographs celebrating the different skin tones of African Americans.

Activities: https://assets2.hrc.org/welcoming-schools/documents/WS_Looking_at_Skin_Color_with_Books.pdf

All Are Welcome

by Alexander Penfold

This book celebrates children from all backgrounds coming together in their school. Everyone is appreciated and is welcomed at school with open arms.

Activities: https://www.worldbookday.com/resource/all-are-welcome-activity-pack/

https://andrea-mack.blogspot.com/2018/08/all-are-welcome-by-alexandra-penfold.html

Most People

by Michael Leannah

This book really emphasizes that most people are good. The old addage that "You can't judge a book by it's cover". Sometimes the people who have the roughest exterior have the kindest hearts.

Activities: https://www.kirstenskaboodle.com/kindness-activities-and-ideas-for-kids/

Chocolate Me!

by Taye Digs

This book takes a look at how it feels to be teased for your skin color. In the end the book shows how you can persevere and love who you are.

Activities: https://childrensbooksheal.com/2011/11/25/perfect-picture-book-chocolate-me/

https://pennez.com/2016/06/06/chocolate-me-activity-guide/

A Kids Book About Racism

by Jelani Memory

This book very simply explains what racism is and how it is hurtful to others. It is simple, yet gets to the point of a very difficult topic to discuss with young children. It is impactful but also tasteful and age appropriate.

Activities: https://www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/tolerance-lessons/what-can-we-learn-from-a-box-of-crayons

Like the Moon Loves the Sky

This is just a sweet book about a mother's love for her children. It is about a Muslim woman and helps foster tolerance and acceptance of diversity.

Activities: https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/spring-2017/toolkit-for-expelling-islamophobia

Whoever You Are

by Mem Fox

This beautiful book travels all over the world to show how other children live. It helps to show although we all have remarkable differences, we are all the same as human beings.

Activities: https://childrenslibrarylady.com/whoever-you-are-2/

Everybody Cooks Rice

by Norah Dooley

This is a sweet story that teaches tolerance through the world of food. This shows that we are all human but just do some things a little bit differently by adding our own cultural flair.

Activities: http://kernelsoftruth.pbworks.com/w/page/51388404/Everybody%20Cooks%20Rice%20-%20Reinforcement%20Activities

Thunder Boy Jr.

by Sherman Alexie

A wonderful story about a First Nations family and the importance of a name. It is a story that offers insight into the bond between a father and son while celebrating diversity.

Activity: https://www.rif.org/literacy-central/book/thunder-boy-jr

https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=47964

Mommy's Khimar

by Jamilah Thompkins -Bigelow

This is the story of a young girl admiring her mother and her headscarves. It is a touching tale of the bond between a mother and daughter and gives insight into the Muslim world.

Activities: https://www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/tolerance-lessons/countering-islamophobia

Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas

This is a version of the familiar Goldilocks and the Three Bears. This version offers insight into the world of a Chinese American.

Activities: https://www.crafting-connections.com/2017/01/goldy-luck-and-three-pandas-winter.html

Think Big Little One

by Vashti Harrison

This book introduces readers to amazing woman creators throughout time.

Activities: https://www.fantasticfunandlearning.com/encourage-kids-dream-big.html - This lesson asks kids to focus on Disney Princesses while dreaming big, but I think it translates well to focusing on the real women in this book as role models. :)

Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History

by Vashti Harrison

A close look at amazing Black Men in history.

Activities: https://medium.com/lbyr-parents/little-legends-activity-kit-886acc837762

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

by Vashti Harrison

A close look at amazing Black Women in history.

Activities: https://readingagency.org.uk/resources/2622/

The Day You Begin

by Jacqueline Woodson

This is a lovely story about how we all feel different and like we do not belong when we start something new. It shows us that we can all be brave and get through difficult times and come out on top.

Activities: https://www.thecurriculumcorner.com/thecurriculumcorner123/book-study-day-begin/

Sulwe

by Lupita Nyong'o

This book is a beautiful journey of a young girl learning to appreciate her own, unique beauty.

Activities: https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/tagged_assets/5367491/9781534425361_cg_sulwe%20curriculum%20guide.pdf

https://www.rif.org/literacy-central/book/sulwe

Books About Gender and LGBTQ

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress

by Christine Baldacchino

This is a book about a boy who loves to play dress up at school. Some of the boys pick on him because he would rather wear a dress than dress like an astronaut. This book challenges gender norms and is sure to make chldren feel accepted.

Activities: https://childrenslibrarylady.com/morris-micklewhite-and-the-tangerine-dress/

https://www.gradeonederful.com/2019/04/morris-micklewhite-and-tangerine-dress.html

Not All Princesses Dress In Pink

by Jane Yolen and Heidi Elisabet Yolen Stemple

This book challenges all of the stereo types about little girls. It allows girls to understand that they can do anything and be anything that they want to be.

Acrivities: https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=23915

My Footprints

by Bao Phi

This story details the life of a young Vietnamese girl who has two mother. She feels so different from everyone else and uses the power of her imagination to cope.

Activities: https://smallvoicesbigideas.com/home/2018/6/23/lgbtq-preschool-lesson-ideas- there are several ideas at this website that involve LGBTQ, but are not specific to this book.

A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo

by Jill Twiss

This is a wonderful story that addresses Gay love and acceptance and all of the topics in between. It is written for young audiences, but is also relevant for older children and adults.

Activities: https://smallvoicesbigideas.com/home/2018/6/23/lgbtq-preschool-lesson-ideas

And Tango Makes Three

by Justin Richardson

This is a sweet book about two penguin daddies who want t baby. It normalizes having children through non traditional circumstances.

Activities: https://smallvoicesbigideas.com/home/2018/6/23/lgbtq-preschool-lesson-ideas

Julian is a Mermaid

by Jessica Love

This is a wonderful story about a boy who wants to dress up in beautiful, fancy clothes. He wants to express himself in this way, but fears that he will not be accepted by his grandmother.

Activities: https://classroom.walkerbooks.com.au/home/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Julian-is-a-Mermaid-Classroom-Ideas.pdf

Pink Is For Boys

by Robb Pearlman

This book challenges the normal gender stereotypes. It fosters acceptance and understanding of boys and girls who challenge the norms.

Activities: https://www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/tolerance-lessons/exploring-gender-stereotypes-through-role-plays

It Feels Good to be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity

by Theresa Thorn

This is a great book that explores gender identity. It explains that some people feel like a girl, some like a boy, some both and some neither. This book does a wonderful job sharing vocabulary that makes conversation about the topic easier.

Activity: https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/summer-2015/toolkit-for-sex-sexual-orientation-gender-identity-gender-expression

Red : A Crayon's Story

by Michael Hall

This is a great book that uses crayons to explain gender identitiy. It details the life of a blue crayon who is stuck inside a red wrapper. He is forced to be red when he really want to be blue. It reinforces always being true to who you are on the inside.

Activities: https://highlandliteracy.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/bgelesson-plan_red.pdf

https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?a=1&tid=42279

https://childrenslibrarylady.com/red-crayons-story/

Love Makes a Family

by Sophie Beer

This is a beautiful book that explains that love is love no matter who is involved. Love is in the kind and caring things that we do and share together. This books takes a look at different family structures and celebrates family diversity.

Activities: https://assets2.hrc.org/welcoming-schools/documents/WS_Lesson_Love_Makes_A_Family_Display.pdf

Books About Activism and Social Justice

A is for Activist

by Innosanto Nagara

This book is an alphabet book that uses rhyming words to inspire a call to action.

Activities: https://www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/tolerance-lessons/art-and-community-activism

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks

by Cynthia Levinson

This is the story of Audrey Faye Hendricks who was arrested at age 9 for standing up for something she believed in.

Activities: https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=53847

We March

by Shane W. Evans

This is a story about a family that marched in Washington DC and witnessed Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech.

Activities: https://www.wendygreenley.com/2014/01/we-march-perfect-picture-book-friday.html

Separate is Never Equal

by Duncan Tonatiuth

This is the heartfelt story of one family's battle to end segregation in their community.

Activities: https://www.rif.org/literacy-central/book/separate-never-equal-sylvia-mendez-and-her-familys-fight-desegregation

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-Separate-Is-Never-Equal-Read-Aloud-and-Supplementary-ELA-Activities-3755881?gclid=Cj0KCQjwl4v4BRDaARIsAFjATPniIlFXnKCSrhzRr68C1Z2MErZYhMhsmujsH0VzRnB-Lkyuyg-ybo4aAiRUEALw_wcB

The Peace Book

by Todd Parr

This sweet book shows peace through the eyes of children around the world. The pictures and language is relatable to even the youngest child.

Activities: https://www.globetrottinkids.com/teach-peace-books-activities-for-kids/

http://discoveringjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/The-Peace-Book-by-Todd-Parr2.pdf

http://pyplibrarian.com/stp-lesson-plans/peace/peace-2-peace-book-todd-parr/

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

This beautiful book details the passion and courage of Harvey Milk and the origination of the rainbow flag that symbolizes Gay Pride.

Activities: https://assets2.hrc.org/welcoming-schools/documents/WS_Lesson_Harvey_Milk_Rainbow_Flag_Symbols.pdf

http://joannamarple.com/2018/04/27/pride-the-story-of-harvey-milk-and-the-rainbow-flag-ppbf/

https://images.randomhouse.com/promo_image/9780399555312_5035.pdf

Malala's Magic Pencil

by Malala Yousafzai

This is the story of Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai and her wish for a magic pencil to make things easier, only to realize that hard work is what gets the job done.

Activities: https://www.worldbookday.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Primary-Teaching-Ideas-Malalas-Magic-Pencil.pdf

https://www.rif.org/literacy-central/book/malalas-magic-pencil

Greta and the Giants

by Zoe Tucker

This is a sweet picture book about how one child used her voice to make the adults listen and work toward climate control.

Activites: https://www.risingstars-uk.com/blog/november-2019/inspire-the-next-greta-thunberg

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1912/191215-greta-thunberg.html

Mama's Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation

by Edwidge Danticat

This is the story of a young girl whose Haitian mother is taken into custody because she is in this country illegally. The government is keeping her incarcerated until her papers come through. This story shows that a young girl can use her voice to make a change.

Activities: https://www.rebekahgienapp.com/immigration-teach-children/

What is a refugee?

by Elise Gravel

This is a very simple children's book explaining what a refugee is and understanding that everyone is equal no matter where they come from.

Activities: https://www.globetrottinkids.com/world-refugee-day-resources-activities-for-kids/

https://www.teachstarter.com/us/blog/world-refugee-day-activities-us/

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