Sometimes the best conversations start with a story. Books help kids and teens explore big feelings, understand themselves, and build empathy in ways that feel natural. Whether your child is five or fifteen, these stories open gentle doors to connection at home.
Below are some titles that families can read and talk about together.
- BOOKS FOR KIDS (AGES 3-10)
- BOOKS FOR TWEENS (AGES 10-13)
- BOOKS FOR YOUNGER TEENS (AGES 13-15)
- BOOKS FOR OLDER TEENS (AGES 16-18)
Books for Kids (Ages 3–10)
School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming book has become a children's classic that has touched the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp. It is widely used by kindergarten teachers on the first day of school. Stickers at the back will help children and their parents keep their Kissing Hand alive.
A #1 New York Times Best Seller, What Do You Do With a Problem? is a story for anyone, at any age. From the same author and illustrator as the #1 nationally best-selling What Do You Do With an Idea? comes a new book to encourage you to look closely at problems and discover the possibilities they can hold. This is the story of a persistent problem and the child who isn't so sure what to make of it. The longer the problem is avoided, the bigger it seems to get. But when the child finally musters up the courage to face it, the problem turns out to be something quite different than it appeared. What Do You Do With a Problem? is a story for anyone, at any age, who has ever had a problem that they wished would go away. It's a story to inspire you to look closely at that problem and to find out why it's here. Because you might discover something amazing about your problem... and yourself. Praise for What Do You Do With a Problem?
Celebrate feelings in all their shapes and sizes with In My Heart: A Book of Feelings, a New York Times bestselling full-color, interactive picture book from author Jo Witek and illustrator Christine Roussey “A must-have for any storytime.” ―Kirkus Reviews With charming text, whimsical illustrations, and an irresistible die-cut heart that extends through each spread, this gorgeously packaged and unique feelings book is a storytime and bedtime favorite. It will not only help your little one understand their feelings, but you'll also hear, “Read it again!" Happiness, sadness, bravery, anger, shyness . . . our hearts can feel so many feelings! Some make us feel as light as a balloon, others as heavy as an elephant. In My Heart explores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside, with language that is lyrical but also direct to empower readers to practice articulating and identifying their own emotions. This beautiful edition is the perfect gift for Valentine's Day or any day you want to share your love.
WINNER OF A CORETTA SCOTT KING HONOR AND THE JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD! Each kindness makes the world a little better This unforgettable book is written and illustrated by the award-winning team that created The Other Side and the Caldecott Honor winner Coming On Home Soon. With its powerful anti-bullying message and striking art, it will resonate with readers long after they've put it down. Chloe and her friends won't play with the new girl, Maya. Every time Maya tries to join Chloe and her friends, they reject her. Eventually Maya stops coming to school. When Chloe's teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship, and thinks about how much better it could have been if she'd shown a little kindness toward Maya.
The Rabbit Listened
by Cori Doerrfeld
A simple, tender story about loss, comfort, and empathy. It reminds kids (and parents) that sometimes the best thing we can do is listen instead of fixing. The story shows how emotions are complex and that acknowledging someone’s feelings can be more powerful than words or solutions. This book is perfect for helping children understand emotional safety and compassion.
Themes: Empathy, Listening, Emotional Safety, Comfort
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings
by Jo Witek
A vibrant, interactive book that helps children identify, name, and explore a wide spectrum of emotions. Through colorful illustrations and accessible language, kids are encouraged to connect feelings to experiences, which can help build emotional literacy and promote discussions about how they feel and why.
Themes: Emotional Awareness, Vocabulary, Reflection, Connection
What Do You Do With a Problem?
by Kobi Yamada
This story teaches that problems aren’t just obstacles—they are opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Children learn that facing challenges, asking for help, and reflecting on solutions builds courage and resilience. It’s a wonderful way to introduce discussions about anxiety and persistence.
Themes: Courage, Problem-Solving, Resilience, Perspective
The Kissing Hand
by Audrey Penn
A comforting story about a mother raccoon helping her child manage separation anxiety on the first day of school. Through a ritual of love and reassurance, children see that courage and emotional security can be nurtured through connection and gentle guidance.
Themes: Comfort, Courage, Love, Connection
Each Kindness
by Jacqueline Woodson
A story about the ripple effect of small acts of kindness and the consequences of ignoring them. Children are guided to consider how their actions affect others and how empathy can transform relationships. A gentle lesson in reflection and moral awareness.
Themes: Kindness, Empathy, Reflection, Awareness
I Am Human: A Book of Empathy
by Susan Verde
Celebrates human connection, highlighting that making mistakes is part of being human. Children are encouraged to forgive, empathize, and understand emotions in themselves and others. The book fosters both self-acceptance and compassion for peers.
Themes: Empathy, Self-Acceptance, Kindness, Emotional Understanding
El Deafo
by Cece Bell
A graphic novel chronicling a girl navigating school with a hearing aid. With humor and heart, it explores challenges, self-acceptance, and building meaningful connections. It encourages readers to understand differences and approach others with empathy.
Themes: Courage, Empathy, Self-Acceptance, Resilience
Books for Tweens (Ages 10–13)
You Are a Social Detective!
by Michelle Garcia Winner
This book helps tweens understand social cues, perspective-taking, and how their behavior affects others. Using relatable examples and exercises, it encourages kids to think critically about social situations, consider other people’s feelings, and develop stronger, more empathetic relationships. It’s especially helpful for discussions about friendships and understanding differences.
Themes: Empathy, Social Awareness, Perspective-Taking, Connection
The Confidence Code for Girls
by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman
This book encourages tweens and early teens to understand that confidence isn’t about perfection, but about trying, failing, and trying again. Through stories, research, and practical advice, it helps girls develop courage, resilience, and the self-assurance to speak up and take risks in both school and social situations.
Themes: Confidence, Courage, Self-Esteem, Resilience
Just As You Are
by Michelle Skeen
A compassionate guide for teens to challenge self-doubt and embrace self-acceptance. Using mindfulness exercises and CBT-based techniques, the book teaches practical ways to understand emotions, manage stress, and cultivate empathy for oneself and others. It’s perfect for conversations about identity and emotional growth.
Themes: Self-Acceptance, Mindfulness, Emotional Awareness, Compassion
Fish in a Tree
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
This novel follows a student with dyslexia who hides her struggles until a caring teacher helps her discover her strengths. The story promotes empathy by showing the challenges of hidden learning differences, encourages resilience, and inspires tweens to value diversity in abilities and talents.
Themes: Empathy, Resilience, Inclusion, Self-Confidence
Stargirl
by Jerry Spinelli
A uniquely spirited student brings kindness and individuality to a conventional school, teaching peers (and readers) the importance of courage, authenticity, and embracing differences. The story sparks conversations about standing up for others, valuing uniqueness, and maintaining empathy in social groups.
Themes: Individuality, Empathy, Courage, Friendship
Inside Out & Back Again
by Thanhha Lai
A poetic, verse-style novel about a young refugee girl adjusting to a new country and life. It explores identity, adaptation, and emotional resilience, making it an excellent book for discussing cultural understanding, empathy, and the challenges of change.
Themes: Empathy, Resilience, Cultural Awareness, Adaptation
Out of My Mind
by Sharon Draper
A story about a girl with a disability who cannot speak but has a brilliant mind. The narrative provides insights into the experiences of people with disabilities, encouraging tweens to practice patience, compassion, and empathy while celebrating individual talents and perspectives.
Themes: Empathy, Inclusion, Perseverance, Understanding Differences
Books for Younger Teens (Ages 13–15)
The Giver
by Lois Lowry
Set in a seemingly perfect society that has eliminated pain, choice, and emotional depth, this story follows a boy who begins to experience feelings and memories for the first time. It encourages younger teens to think critically about individuality, empathy, and the value of human emotions, as well as the courage required to challenge conformity.
Themes: Empathy, Courage, Morality, Individuality, Choice
A Monster Calls
by Patrick Ness
This poignant story explores grief, fear, and emotional courage through a young boy’s journey coping with his mother’s illness. Using fantasy elements, the narrative helps readers understand complex feelings, process loss, and see the value of facing emotions rather than hiding from them.
Themes: Empathy, Courage, Grief, Emotional Intelligence, Coping
New Kid
by Jerry Craft
A graphic novel about a young teen starting at a new school with a very different environment. It explores challenges around identity, fitting in, and forming friendships, while providing opportunities for readers to reflect on empathy, perspective-taking, and resilience in social situations.
Themes: Empathy, Inclusion, Respect, Courage, Friendship
Counting by 7s
by Holly Goldberg Sloan
A story about a highly intelligent and sensitive teen who experiences profound loss and learns to rebuild her life with the support of new friends and community. It emphasizes resilience, the power of connection, and understanding the emotional journeys of others.
Themes: Empathy, Resilience, Connection, Healing
Awkward
by Svetlana Chmakova
A middle school graphic novel that highlights the challenges of social dynamics, friendship, and self-discovery. Teens can explore how misunderstandings arise, the importance of empathy, and strategies for navigating social challenges with kindness.
Themes: Empathy, Friendship, Belonging, Social Awareness
The Good Braider
by Terry Farish
Tells the story of a refugee teen adjusting to a new life while maintaining connections to her family and cultural identity. The narrative fosters understanding of resilience, empathy for those in new environments, and the courage required to adapt to difficult circumstances.
Themes: Empathy, Resilience, Belonging, Cultural Awareness
Stargirl
by Jerry Spinelli
Although often read by tweens, older middle school readers benefit from the lessons in individuality, courage, and empathy. The story encourages young teens to embrace differences, challenge peer pressure, and practice authentic kindness.
Themes: Individuality, Courage, Empathy, Friendship
Books for Older Teens (Ages 16–18)
Darius the Great Is Not Okay
by Adib Khorram
This novel follows an Iranian-American teen navigating depression, friendship, and his relationship with family and cultural identity. Through Darius’s journey, older teens can explore complex emotions, develop empathy for others’ experiences, and reflect on the importance of connection, self-acceptance, and courage in challenging times.
Themes: Empathy, Mental Health, Cultural Awareness, Resilience, Friendship
Eliza and Her Monsters
by Francesca Zappia
A story about a teen navigating the pressures of creativity, online fandom, and personal identity. Readers can explore emotional growth, empathy for others’ challenges, and the courage it takes to be authentic, face fears, and embrace vulnerability.
Themes: Empathy, Authenticity, Creativity, Connection, Courage
The Astonishing Color of After
by Emily X.R. Pan
This lyrical novel follows a teen coping with grief who believes her mother has transformed into a bird. Through her journey, readers are encouraged to consider complex emotions, explore cultural heritage, and develop compassion and understanding for others’ experiences of loss and healing.
Themes: Empathy, Grief, Identity, Healing, Courage
Wolf Hollow
by Lauren Wolk
Set in a historical context, this novel follows a teen who faces bullying, injustice, and moral dilemmas. It encourages readers to examine courage, integrity, and empathy for those in difficult situations, while exploring how one person can make a difference through thoughtful, courageous choices.
Themes: Empathy, Courage, Integrity, Standing Up for Others, Friendship
The Benefits of Being an Octopus
by Ann Brashares
A story about a teen girl navigating a challenging home life while learning to understand herself and others. The narrative promotes empathy, self-worth, resilience, and the importance of forming connections, even when life feels overwhelming.
Themes: Empathy, Self-Worth, Family, Hope, Resilience
Shine
by Lauren Myracle
This novel follows a teen who discovers her own courage and voice while helping a friend in need. The story encourages older teens to consider empathy in action, the importance of supporting others, and the personal growth that comes from standing up for what is right.
Themes: Courage, Empathy, Voice, Connection, Friendship
Sway
by Kat Spears
A compelling story about a teen navigating social challenges, identity, and personal responsibility. Readers are prompted to reflect on empathy, understanding others’ perspectives, and the courage it takes to navigate complex emotional and social situations.
Themes: Empathy, Identity, Courage, Friendship, Responsibility
Bringing Stories to Life
Reading with your child or teen isn’t just about finishing a book. It’s about the conversations that follow, the questions, the shared laughter, and the “I feel that way too.” These small moments help build emotional vocabulary and trust.
If you love resources like this, stay in the loop for more book recommendations and conversation tools that help families connect in everyday life.
