20 POWERFUL Books on Kindness for Elementary Students
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Introducing young minds to the concept of kindness is an important lesson in any elementary school. The world can seem like a harsh place sometimes, and focusing on characteristics of kindness can transform the way children interact with each other and go with them beyond your classroom into the community! Introduce your elementary students to the power of being kind with these 20 incredible books on kindness.
Teaching Kindness in the Classroom
Teaching kindness in the classroom not only teaches important social-emotional learning skills but also goes miles toward building a positive classroom community!
Kindness characteristics include:
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Helpfulness
- Understanding
- Consideration
- Courteousness
They say “Kindness is contagious”, and it’s so true! Small kindnesses, large kindnesses– it doesn’t make any difference. The act of letting someone know they are cared for has such a huge impact on life.
20 Books on Kindness to Read This Year
These 20 books are all great options for engaging students in rich conversations about why kindness matters.
Each story models good examples of kindness as it is filled with empathy, compassion, and other positive characteristics.
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- “Our Class is a Family” by Shannon Olsen
- “All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold
- “A Sick Day for Amos McGee” by Philip C. Stead
- “The Power of One” by Trudy Ludwig
- “The Jelly Donut Difference” by Maria Dismondy
- “Penguin and Pinecone” by Salina Yoon
- “The Rabbit Listened” by Cori Doerrfeld
- “Try a Little Kindness: A Guide to Being Better” by Henry Cole
- “Enemy Pie” by Derek Munson
- “I Walk with Vanessa” by Kerascoët
- “The Kindness Quilt” by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
- “Each Kindness” by Jacqueline Woodson
- “The Invisible Boy” by Trudy Ludwig
- “Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña
- “Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed” by Emily Pearson
- “Those Shoes” by Maribeth Boelts
- “Strictly No Elephants” by Lisa Mantchev
- “Kindness is My Superpower” by Alicia Ortego
- “Ricky, the Rock that Couldn’t Roll” by Mr. Jay
- “The Lonely Mailman” by Susanna Isern
1. Our Class Is A Family by Shannon Olsen
They first book in the list of books on kindness is “Our Class Is a Family” by Shannon Olsen. This book establishes and supports community within the classroom. With fun and inviting illustrations, this story focuses on promoting a culture of kindness, safety, and inclusivity.
2. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
Honor inclusivity and diversity with All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold. Throughout the story, the reader follows a diverse group of students as they go about their day. It is a school where every cultural background is supported and celebrated– no matter what!
3. A Sick Day For Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead
This next book is about a beloved zookeeper named Amons. He not only cares for but bonds with all of the animals at the zoo. When Amos becomes too sick to get to work, his concerned animal friends leave the comfort of their home to visit him. This story encourages friendship, kindness, and acceptance.
4. The Power of One by Trudy Ludwig
One small act can truly change the world! Trudy Ludwig shows us just that in The Power of One. When one classmate reaches out to another in an act of kindness, she starts a chain of events that changes her school and the community around them.
5. The Jelly Donut Difference by Maria Dismondy
Maria Dismondy shares the story of two siblings who don’t always get along. However, after hearing a story about life in Poland from their new neighbor, Mrs. Mavis, Leah, and Dexter work together to make jelly-filled paczkis for her. This book will become one your favorite stories about kindness, community, and inclusion!
6. Penguin and Pinecone by Salina Yoon
Penguin and Pinecone: A Friendship Story is an adorable story that demonstrates when you show someone love and kindness, they flourish! After finding a pinecone that is lost in the snow, Penguin develops a friendship of compassion and support.
7. The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
This sweet story showcases the importance of supportive friendships and what it means to provide comfort and support to others. After Taylor’s blocks were knocked down, he was devastated. Most of the animals try to give Taylor advice, but the rabbit takes the time to listen and stay by his side.
8. Try A Little Kindness: A Guide To Being Better by Henry Cole
Each page in this story is full of playful illustrations highlighting various ways to show kindness and compassion. The animals are displaying relatable real-life situations that students see every single day!
9. Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
The ninth book in the list of books of kindness is called “Enemy Pie”. It’s about a little boy. His summer was starting perfectly until Jeremy moved into the neighborhood. Dad gives the boy a recipe to get rid of enemies, but it all centers around spending the day with “the enemy”. Once the boy takes the time to get to know Jeremy, he realizes that they have a lot in common. This book shows the relatable struggles and the rewards of resolving conflicts and making new friends.
10. I Walk With Vanessa by Kerascoët
Illustrations speak louder than words in this story showing how powerful support and acceptance can be. When a student is treated badly, a simple act of kindness from classmates can inspire an entire community.
11. The Kindness Quilt by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
This book tells the story of Minna and her classmates as they learn about kindness by creating a “kindness quilt” made up of their good deeds and acts of kindness.
12. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
This picture book explores the impact of kindness and missed opportunities for kindness through the story of a new girl at school. It encourages children to be mindful of their actions and their potential to make a positive difference.
13. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
This book addresses the importance of including and showing kindness to others. It tells the story of Brian, a boy who becomes visible to his classmates when they include and befriend him.
14. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
This story follows CJ and his grandmother as they take a bus ride through their city, learning to appreciate the beauty and kindness in their community. It emphasizes the value of seeing the world through a kind and appreciative lens.
15. Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson
In this book, a simple act of kindness by a young girl, Mary, sets off a chain reaction of goodwill throughout her community. It shows how one small act of kindness can make a big difference!
16. Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts
This book explores the theme of kindness through the story of a boy named Jeremy who longs for a pair of popular shoes. The story teaches about generosity and the importance of helping others.
17. Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
This book focuses on inclusion and kindness when a boy with a pet elephant faces rejection from a pet club. It teaches the value of embracing differences.
18. Kindness is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego
This charming story with peaceful rhymes and colorful illustrations will explain to your child that it is okay to make a mistake and say I’m sorry. Lucas will teach your child good manners and positive behavior at home, at school, in the store, and on the playground.
19. Ricky, the Rock That Couldn’t Roll by Mr. Jay
This children’s book tells the story of a rock named Ricky who, unlike his friends, is unable to roll. Ricky tries to fit in with the other rocks, but his inability to roll causes him frustration and sadness. However, Ricky’s friends demonstrate empathy and kindness by finding a way to help him. Together, they learn that it’s okay to be different and that true friendship means supporting each other’s unique qualities.
20. The Lonely Mailman by Susanna Isern
This final book in the list of books on kindness tells the story of a mailman who is the only inhabitant of a small village. He delivers letters to all the houses but has no one to talk to or share his life with. As he continues his daily routine, he starts receiving letters addressed to him. These letters are filled with appreciation and kindness from the villagers, and they bring a sense of joy and connection into his life. This book beautifully illustrates the power of kindness and community, and how a small gesture of reaching out can make a big difference in someone’s life, even to those who seem the least lonely.
Looking for More to Help You Teach Kindness?
Check out these 10 activities to teach kids about kindness to expand learning opportunities in your classroom!
Teaching students to be kind in your classroom will be well worth the time you spend reading these books on kindness! You’ll have so many wonderful conversations with your room full of little learners.
Let me know if you have any questions about anything you see here. Don’t forget to pin this post to refer to it later!
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Diane Romo
Thank you for being here! I love sharing ideas with other teachers! If you are looking to enhance your teaching and build a positive classroom community, you have come to the right place!
