A great story about how to be compassionate to others who are feeling sad. 

A great story to read to your child to start a conversation on how you can be kind. The thoughtful story explores how each act, big or small, can make a difference--or at least help a friend.

Brian is not invited to parties or sleepovers he feels invisible until he becomes a friend with the new kid in class and Brian learns how to make the new child feel welcome and how to shine in his own way. 

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Great way to introduce how to include the quieter children in the class. 

A story of a girl who sees a classmate being bullied and decides that the way to help her is to join her so she does not feel alone soon other classmates follow.

It’s the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can’t wait to meet her classmates. But it’s hard to make human friends when they’re so yummy! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all... 

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Kids will find this hilarious and get the message about being kind to everyone. 

A beautiful classic story about a zookeeper who always makes everyone in the zoo feel special when he takes a sick day his animals miss him and take a heartwarming trip to cheer him up. 

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A great way of showing being kind leads to nice things

A complex idea but child relatable discussion about doing the right thing. Ruben desperately wants a new bike like his friend Sergios but realizes this may not be possible due to his family circumstances. When he finds a $100 on the way home he has to decide what to do. 

​I have read this book many times in classrooms and it has never failed to spark a classroom discussion about how the other characters treat Finklehopper and how he finds how he fits in just fine. A great book for discussion on tolerance and inclusion.

Wonderful, practical lessons for kids on ways to be kind in their daily lives and why it’s so important. Gives adults many ways to discuss the topic with kids.

The Narrator wishes you multiple things - makes the reader think how nice it is to wish others good. Has been used as a graduation speech but suitable for all ages. 

The Tiger finds a mall and with the help of the other animals starts to turn it into a zoo. The bugs would love to help but because of their size they are discouraged. A lovely tale of how all can contribute as the bugs save the day when the Rhino starts to bully the rest of the animals.

A discussion as to how words can hurt or heal. With black white and red illustrations this hits the point to all those who need to hear that words hit not only the ears but the heart. 

A book showing children that they can all play a role in being kind and makew a difference in others lives. It celebrates gentleness and vulnerability in boys, and shows that true strength and leadership come from treating those around you with love and respect.

A compassionate story about giving something up for someone in need. 

A story of when two friends have lots of fun playing together, but things do not seem fair and Rat decides he’s not going take it anymore. Rat stands up for himself and refuses to be Tiger’s friend until Tiger learns to play fair and square. 

Jeremy struggles with a dilemma at school. All he wants are the shoes that "everyone" else has at school. Jeremy's Grandma tells him that they can't afford the expensive high top tennis shoes that he wants, but they can get the warm winter boots that he needs. When Jeremy's old shoes break and he is forced to wear Velcro cartoon character shoes provided by the guidance counselor, he finds out who his real friends are and what he truly needs not wants.

The theme in this book is that we should all take the opportunity to change our perspective on situations/people we don't understand. By doing this, we may be rewarded with a new understanding of things and of ourselves in the process.
 

Middle grade readers