5 Books for Young Readers That Focus on Empathy

Meet Yasmin, by Saadia Faruqi
Yasmin Ahmad is a second grader who loves to explore, paint, build and more. She’s brave and adventurous in everything she does: making maps, creating messes, discovering new things. Most of all, she’s a problem solver. This is the first in a series about Yasmin, who comes from a multi-generational Pakistani American family, and at the end of the book, you’ll find vocabulary in Urdu, a recipe of mango lassi, and facts about Pakistan.

Sisters, by Raina Telgemeier
Both of my daughters love this graphic novel. We even went last year to hear Raina the story from her life this is based on: when she was in sixth grade, Raina tripped while running and lost her two front teeth. As the story unfolds, we watch her friends and family show empathy through all of the dental surgeries and repairs, along with the trauma. Raina’s artwork is brilliant and funny.

Katie Woo and Friends, by Fran Manushkin and Tammie Lyon
Even when Katie Woo argues with her friends JoJo and Pedro, they always find a way to make up. In this long-running series about Katie, readers watch her grapple with how things work in the real world, from how to stand up to a bully to dealing with a loose tooth.

Ugly Cat and Pablo, by Isabel Quintero
Ugly Cat really wants a paleta (ice pop), so he convinces his mouse-friend Pablo to vámonos al parque. But things go wrong when the little girl picks Pablo up and says he would make a great snack for her pet snake. Then,  Ugly Cat may have accidentally swallowed Pablo in all of the chaos. This story also touches on the feeling of regret—like when we see how Pablo and Ugly Cat feel after riding their English bulldog friend Big Mike around like a bull. There’s a mix of English and Spanish on the pages of this silly, super fun story.

Each Kindness, by Jacqueline Woodson
Chloe and her friends don’t want play with the new girl, Maya. Every time Maya asks to join the group, they reject her. After Maya stops coming to school, Chloe’s teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world. This is a beautiful story is about being an ally to your friend and standing up for her. Lewis’ watercolors of the playground and school are stunning.