Celebrate Diversity

Build Empathy by Normalizing Differences with These Children’s Picture Books on Disabilities

Build Empathy by Normalizing Differences with These Children’s Picture Books on Disabilities

Books can help children become more empathetic to those who may be different from them and answer questions they may have about those with disabilities. Children who themselves have disabilities may find themselves represented in this evolving book list.

Embrace Diversity with Inspiring Picture Books

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Spark conversations about race, injustice, and the beauty of diversity.

This growing collection sets the stage for big conversations about the differences and similarities between us all. It’s never too early - or too late - to encourage kids to start conversations about race, racism, and justice. These outstanding books will get you started! 

(For a list of books for older children, please see our Chapter Books to Fuel a Movement page.) 


Reflections

Browse our collection of tools to raise anti-racist kids.

Browse our collection of tools to raise anti-racist kids.

  • What can be learned from considering various points of view?

  • Imagine you are one of the characters in these stories. How would you feel in their place?

  • What are some things you can do every day to celebrate differences?

  • Make your home reflect cultural diversity by the art, music, and books you display; the movies and television shows you choose to watch, and the restaurants your family frequents.

  • Or, try this:  On a sheet of paper, draw a Venn diagram, list the things that are unique about you on the left side, the things that are unique about a character in one of these books on the right side. Add similarities in the middle. Take time to respectfully discuss these differences and similarities as a family.

    Featured Title

When We Say Black Lives Matter written and illustrated by Maxine Beneba Clarke

A parent shares with their child what is meant by Black Lives Matter and all the range of emotions and actions that arise in protest movements. A lyrical, shorter read that can open big conversations with all ages.




Additional DGT Favorites

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
Celebrate diversity and inclusion with this beautiful, rhyming poem and its simple, loving refrain: all are welcome here.  


A Kids Book about Racism by Jelani Memory
Perfect for young kids and their families, this book offers a gentle starting point for a conversation about racism. Find a reading of this book here.


Across the Alley by Richard Michelson
The story of two boys, Abe and Willie, who become friends despite racial differences by talking through their bedroom windows at night and sharing their talents.


An Apple for Harriet Tubman by Glennette Tilley Turner
An Apple for Harriet Tubman is the story of the life of Harriet Tubman, from her childhood working in the apple orchard on a plantation to her adulthood as a free woman and the conductor on the Underground Railroad.


 The Big Orange Splot by D. Manus Pinkwater
Celebrate creativity and individuality with this fun story. Children of all ages will discover how different ways of seeing the world can enrich our lives.


The Capybaras by Alfredo Soderguit
Originally published in Venezuela, in this book a peaceful family of hens is interrupted by the arrival of a family of capybaras. The hens allow the capybaras to stay only if they follow the rules and don’t interact with them very much, a rule derailed when a young capybara and a chick become friends.


The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
Fall in love with the latest picture book from the incomparable Jacqueline Woodson. This book is a beautiful reminder to take pride in our own stories, watch for what we have in common with others, and delight in our fabulous differences.


Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho
Celebrate the beauty of Asian-shaped eyes with this beautiful, lyrical story. Watch an engaging read-aloud!


The Friendly Four by Eloise Greenfield
Told through engaging poetry, this story celebrates friendship as the best antidote to a "bummer summer."


The Judgemental Flower by Julia Cook
When Purple moves to the Blue Patch, all of the flowers struggle a bit to know the right way to react. In the end, they take their cue from the bees, the birds, and the wind, who treat all flowers the same.


Hey, Little Ant by Phillip M. Hoose, Hannah Hoose, and Debbie Tilley
Practice empathy by stepping into the smallest shoes imaginable. Seeing the world from such a different point of view offers a great starting point for imagining how different people experience the world.


I am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes
Gorgeously illustrated by Gordon C. James, this encouraging, empowering story refrain is an essential addition to every child’s big-hearted reading list.


Just Ask: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor
Celebrate differences and discover a simple way to learn more about the people next to you: just ask!


Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi
Lailah is finally old enough to fast for Ramadan. But as a new girl in a new country, she worries about how her classmates will react.


Let's Talk about Race by Julius Lester
Even the youngest children will be drawn into a thoughtful conversation about race with this remarkable little book. Julius Lester, a Newbery-Honor-winning author helps kids understand race as just one of many chapters in a person's story.


The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
For a child new to America whose whole world is changing, the continuity of her own name may mean an awful lot. And friends who are willing to take the time to learn her name may mean even more. This is a great book about acceptance, friendship, and change.


Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
When a young unicorn is born to a family of narwhals, he can't help but notice the many ways he stand out. Is he a land narwhal or a sea unicorn? Join young Kelp on his sweet journey to discover who he his and how to celebrate differences while emphasizing what he has in common.


One Green Apple by Eve Bunting
Imagine how you might feel if you suddenly lived in a new country where everyone spoke differently, dressed differently, and ate differently. Celebrate ethnic and cultural diversity with this heart-warming story of Farah, an immigrant who is relieved to discover some familiar sights on a field trip to an apple orchard, where she begins to create new friendships across differences.


One by Kathryn Otoshi
This story may seem sweet and simple, but at its core is an important lesson about embracing differences, the power of standing up for others, and empathy.


The Skin You Live In by Michael Tyler
This elegantly simple little story introduces our youngest readers to acceptance, friendship, and diversity.


Saltypie: A Choctaw Journey from Darkness into Light by Tim Tingle
The author weaves his family's personal history into a bewitching story about a boy, his grandmother, and the challenges faced by modern American Indian families. 


The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss
What happens when you organize the world into them versus us, plain-belly sneetch or star-belly sneetch? This children's classic makes a mockery of superficial judgments, providing the perfect starting point for a conversation about similarities, differences, and acceptance.


Smoky Night by Eve Bunting
Inspired by the L.A. race riots and the civil rights movement, this is the story of a neighborhood that learns to bridge differences during hard times.


Stolen Words by Melanie Florence
In this fictional tale of a relationship between a grandfather and granddaughter, the author explores the impact of the residential school system across generations -- and the importance of preserving Native language.


The Other Side by Jacqueline Wilson
The story of Clover and Annie, two young girls who are able to become friends despite the racial divide in their community.



Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
This simple, lyrical book is the perfect bedtime story for very young children and an exceptional reminder that across the world children everywhere share profound similarities along with fascinating differences.


The Ugly Vegetables by Grace Lin
A Chinese-American girl is unhappy with her mother’s garden, filled with ugly vegetables rather than the beautiful flowers their neighbors are growing. That changes when she (and her neighbors) taste the delicious soup her mother makes.


Wings by Christopher Myers
It’s hard enough being the new kid in school, but being the new kid and the only kid with wings is even worse. This creative tale will help kids understand what it feels like to be the add person out. Watch an engaging read-aloud by Ki with Woke Kindergarten.


You Matter by Christian Robinson
Young readers will love this sweet, powerful exploration of the many different ways we are all connected. Watch this engaging read aloud with the author via PBS.


Haven't found what you're looking for?
Visit our Complete Resource List.

Or check out our other tools to inspire kind kids.

Disclaimer:  Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.

Explore American History through Big-Hearted Picture Books

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Teach Resilience, Perseverance, and a Hunger for Justice

This list does not attempt to capture all of American history. Instead, we aim to highlight the very best biographies, histories, and historical fiction that explore stories kids may not encounter in school.


Conversation Starters

  • Who gets to decide what histories get told and retold?

  • Why do diverse and inclusive histories matter?

  • What are your favorite historical figures or stories and why?

  • What would you like to know more about?

  • How does this story make you feel about our history?

  • Do you think this story makes a difference today? In what way?


DGT’s Favorite Collections

Explore these colorful collections to discover and rediscover American heroes. If your child is excited by a particular story, dig deeper and learn more together!


The ABC’s of Black History by Rio Cortez
Young readers will love this richly drawn, lyrical book packed with visionaries and pivotal moments from Black history.
Ages 5-10


American Trailblazers: 50 Remarkable People Who Shaped U.S. History by Lisa Trusiani
This collection does a great job of introducing young learners to the many different ways people can make a difference.
Ages 8-12


The “I Am” Ordinary People Change the World series by Brad Metzler
These are not hidden figures in our history, but Metzler's quirky collection of biographies is a great starting point for anyone looking to offer a clear picture of how ordinary people can dream big and make a difference.
Ages 5 - 10


Nuestra América: 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States by Sabrina Vourvoulias
Including activists, artists, athletes, and more, this collection offers more great examples of the many different ways people make a difference.
Ages 8-12


Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries who Shaped Our History... and Our Future by Kate Schatz
This book reminds us all that even though working toward equality isn't easy and isn't always personally successful, every effort pushes us closer to justice as a society.
Ages 8-12


Ground Breaking Guys: 40 Men Who Became Great by Doing Good by Stephanie True Peters
This collection of stories offers courageous, creative role models to inspire young people to do good and act with compassion no matter what path they follow.
Ages 8-12


We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell and Frane Lessac
This is an essential exploration of the modern history, the present, and the future of Indigenous communities.
Ages 8-12



More DGT’s Favorites

Are we missing your family’s favorite? Share it in the suggestions!

Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine
All kids will be captivated by the lengths Henry goes to in order to gain his freedom. Unbelievably it works! Ages 4-8


An Apple for Harriet Tubman by Glennette Tilley Turner
An Apple for Harriet Tubman is the story of the life of Harriet Tubman, from her childhood working in the apple orchard on a plantation to her adulthood as a free woman and the conductor on the Underground Railroad.
ages 5-10


My Name is Truth by Ann Turner
Told in her own voice, this is the true story of former slave and abolitionist Isabella Baumfree, better known as Sojourner Truth. This is a picture book biography at its best!
Ages 6-10


Nurse, Soldier, Spy: The Story of Sarah Edmonds, a Civil War Hero by Marissa Moss
This incredible, true story represents the hundreds of women that dressed as men to fight for their country.
Ages 5-8


Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré Hardcover by Anika Aldamuy Denise
Help young readers discover the power of libraries and the courageous, compassionate librarians who run them.
Ages 5-12


Tree Lady: The Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins
Sticking with our theme of the many colorful ways different people have made a difference, Kate’s story or persistently solving the problem of a tree-less San Diego is sure to captivate changemakers.
Ages 5-10


Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Brian Selznick illustrates this amazing true story of how Amelia Earhart and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt snuck away from a dinner party to take a flight over Washington D.C. in their evening gowns!
Ages7-10


The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee by Julie Leung
While your head is in the clouds (see title above) meet Hazel Ying Lee and the efforts of the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II.
Ages 4-8


Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code: A Navajo Code Talker's Story by Joseph Bruchac
Chester’s story is heartbreaking, captivating, and inspiring all at once. Young readers will be inspired by Chester and the Code Talker’s heroic actions during WWII.
Ages 8-12


Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot by Margot Theis Raven
This is the true story of Lt. Gail Halvorsen, the “Chocolate Pilot,” who spread joy and sweetness during a difficult time. He dropped more than 20 tons of chocolate, candy, and gum for Berlin’s children after Stalin blockaded West Berlin in 1948.
Ages 5-10


Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki
This story of hope and courage is set in a Japanese American internment camp. Readers will be inspired by Shorty and how people at the camp found joy and dignity on the baseball field.
Ages 5-10


Lillian's Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voter's Rights Act of 1965 by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans
Through the powerful memories of a one-hundred-year-old African American woman, readers are given a stunning and poetic view of this sweeping victory in American history.
Ages 5-12


Seeds of Freedom: The Peaceful Integration of Huntsville, Alabama by Hester Bass
This gently-told story shows how racial discrimination, bullying, and unfairness can be addressed successfully with resourcefulness and perseverance.
Ages 5-12


This is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration by Jacqueline Woodson
This story of one family’s journey north during the Great Migration starts with a little girl in South Carolina who finds a rope that becomes integral for three generations of family history.
Ages 5-10


Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers
What can the Statue of Liberty teach children about freedom, courage, and the nature of our democracy? Kids of all ages will be captivated by the answer with this clever introduction to America's greatest icon.
Ages 5-12


This is not an exhaustive list! Find more stories here:

Back to Read Together for more book lists...

Haven't found what you're looking for?
Visit our Complete Resource List.

Or check out these projects and book lists to inspire your family to share kindness with your own creativity.

Disclaimer:  Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.

 

 

Picture Books about Immigrants and Refugees

A growing list of books to build compassion and emathy for the refugee experience.

Open your hearts to the refugee experience.

With so many news stories about immigration making headlines, your children may be asking questions about the families and children facing these difficult situations.

It can be hard to know what to say.

While it's important to protect our kids from traumatizing images and information, we can approach our children’s questions in a way that encourages empathy for those who are struggling. These children's books will help you build understanding and encourage compassion.

Don’t forget to check out our collection of chapter books about immigrants and refugees for even more stories to broaden your perspective.

Download this incredible (and free) tool to talk about immigration, including books, videos, and conversation starters for elementary, middle school, and high school kids.

Download this incredible (and free) tool to talk about immigration, including books, videos, and conversation starters for elementary, middle school, and high school kids.

Conversation Starters

  • What would it be like to be forced to leave home suddenly? What would you pack if you had just a little time? What would you miss?

  • What could help make a refugee feel more comfortable and less scared in their new home?

  • With older children, explain what "refugee" means -- someone who is forced to flee their home because they fear they will lose their lives or freedom if they stay.

  • Together, imagine arriving in a new country without knowing the language or customs. Help your child "walk in the shoes" of a refugee child by asking:

    • What would it be like to have to leave home suddenly?

    • What would you pack if you had just a little time? (Many refugees leave their homes with little warning and cannot even bring basic necessities.)

    • What would you miss?

    • How would you feel?

    • What could help make a refugee feel more comfortable and less scared in their new home?

  • Always reassure children that they are safe, and focus on positive ways to make a difference rather than on despair.


Featured Title

Light for All by Margarita Engle
Simple but powerful text and illustrations introduce children to the concept of immigration and the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty.  Ages 5 - 10.



More DGT Favorites

A Different Pond by Bao Phi
This beautiful story illuminates the struggle working class immigrants face while trying to make ends meet for their families. The fishing trip at the heart of this story is described in beautiful detail, both the universally recognizable moments of childhood, like grimacing at the slimy feeling of your freshly caught fish, and the unique worries and triumphs of this father and his son.  


Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan by Mary Williams
Based on true events, this touching tale follows orphaned boys walking from their war-ravaged village to a refugee camp. Ages 7 and up.


Calling the Water Drum by LaTisha Redding
After losing his parents in a tragic attempt to reach the United States from Haiti, Henri has retreated within himself. His uncle and a neighbor help Henri connect with his past by connecting to the beat of his own drum.


The Color of Home by Mary Hoffman 
The story of a recent immigrant from Somalia and his first day in an American school. The amazing watercolors help tell of this little boy's fears and hopes. Ages 4 and up.


Dia’s Story Cloth: The Hmong People’s Journey of Freedom by Dia Cha
The story cloth, Southeast Asian folk art, provides a beautiful backdrop for this sweet story.  Ages 6 to 11.


Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
The author shares her own immigration story in this beautifully illustrated book. Gently told and lyrical, this story focuses on the intangible things immigrants carry with them, hope and strength, resilience, and powerful stories.


Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams
Two girls in a Pakistani refugee camp decide to share a pair of sandals given to them by a relief worker. A simple story of friendship. Ages 6 and up.


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Global Conflict (Children in Our World) by Louise Spilsbury ad Hanane Kai
When international conflicts saturate the headlines, children may have complicated questions. This well-crafted book is designed to help you answer questions about global conflict in a straightforward way.


Hear My Voice: The Testimonies of Children Detained at the Southern Border of the United States compiled by Warren Binford for Project Amplify
This is not an easy book to read, but it is richly drawn by many contributing illustrators and gives voice to real children living through an experience that we all should be working to change. Reflection tools at the back of the book will help readers ages 8 and up and their families reflect and take action.


How many days to America? A Thanksgiving Story by Eve Bunting
A family is forced to flee their Caribbean island and set sail for America in a small fishing boat. They arrive on Thanksgiving Day, having experienced fears and hardships very similar to those faced by those who celebrated the first Thanksgiving. This is a very moving story sure to open a conversation about compassion and courage. Ages 4 to 7.


Joseph's Big Ride by Terry Farish
Follow Joseph, a new refugee, on his mission to learn to ride a bike. Ages 4 to 7.


The Journey by Francesca Sanna
Explore the impossible decisions people must make when leaving their homes behind. Ages 3-7.


Leaving Vietnam: The Journey of Tuan Ngo, a Boat Boy by Sarah S. Kilborne
Join Tuan Ngo and his father as they escape Vietnam by boat, spend time in a refugee camp and ultimately arrive in the United States. Ages 6 and up.


Mama’s Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation by Edwidge Danticat
Mama records bedtime stories for Saya to help her cope while Mama is in an immigration detention center. Ages 5 and up.


Me + Tree by Alexandria Giardina and Anna & Elna Balbusso
A lonely girl finds comfort in a stump. She knows it has a story to tell and shares her story of being forced from her home. An inspiring story of hope and connection with nature.


My Diary from Here to There by Amada Irma Perez
Join author Amada Irma Perez as she journals about her experience leaving Mexico with her family to live in the United States. Children will be able to put themselves in her shoes as she wonders what awaits her.


My Name is Sangoel by Karen Williams
Join this Sudanese refugee on as he attempts to find belonging in the new, noisy world of the United States. Ages 6 to 10.


My Two Border Towns by David Bowles Illustrated by Erika Meza
This story follows a boy and his father, living at the Southern U.S. border who travel across the border to a town that he feels mirrors his hometown. The dad and son’s kindness awakens an appreciation for the humanity of those waiting at the border. 


Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Tanya Simon
Set in 1938, Oskar is a Jewish immigrant new to the U.S. Follow him as he walks through New York City experiencing small acts of kindness, making him feel welcome in his new home. Ages 4 to 8.


Stepping stones. A Refugee Family's Journey by Margaret Ruurs
This story about the Syrian refugee crisis began when Rurrs, a Canadian children's author, encountered the breathtaking stone art of Syrian artist Nizar Bdr. This dual language book is warm and beautiful in spite of its harsh subject matter. Ages 4 and up.


Teacup by Rebecca Young
The beautiful allegory is sure to become a family treasure, and it will speak to the difficult journeys that we all must face. Ages 4 to 8.


The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey by Louise Borden
This remarkable story is perfect for literature buffs of any age. Ages 7 and up.


The Lotus Seed by Sherry Garland
A simple but eloquent story of a young Vietnamese girl who brings a lotus seed with her to America as a way to remember her homeland. Ages 6-9.


 Watercress by Andrea Wang
This beautiful new book will encourage conversation about the long-term impacts hunger and poverty can leave on a family. Kids will recognize the narrator’s embarrassment when her parents stop along the road and insist the whole family help gather watercress. When she discovers the significance of watercress to her parents’ personal stories and their Chinese heritage, readers will join her in wanting to build new memories out of the old.

We at Doing Good Together are committed to expanding this list over time, and look forward to hearing your recommendations in the comments.

Back to Read Together for more book lists...

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Visit our Complete Resource List.

Or check out these projects to inspire your next act of kindness.

Picture Books to Celebrate Winter Holidays

An evolving list of picture books celebrating winter holidays

Cozy up with compassionate holiday tales.

The spirit of wonder, hope, and generosity in each story below helps us see clearly that people everywhere have so much in common, even amid our beautiful differences.


Conversation Starters

  • What did the holidays look like in your grandparents' homes when they were children?

  • What did the holidays look like in your parents' homes when they were children?

  • How did some of the favorite holiday traditions get started in your family?

  • What would your holiday be like if you didn’t receive any presents?

  • What would it feel like to receive holiday gifts from a stranger instead of family and friends?

  • What kind gestures have others done for you over the holidays?

  • What are some ways you can show others you care during the holidays? Or what are some ways you have shared comfort and cheer with others?

  • Snag our free printable count down to the New Year for holiday kindness ideas!

    Featured Title

Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi
Lailah is finally old enough to fast for Ramadan. But as a new girl in a new country, she worries about how her classmates will react.


More DGT Favorites

A Hanukkah with Mazel Joel Edward Stein
Misha, a lonely artist, befriends a cat, Mazel. He works to make Hanukkah special for his new friend. Though they have very little, young readers will learn that holidays can be very special with the simplest gifts and a little creativity. Ages 3 to 8.

 

A World of Christmas Cookies: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World by M. E. Furman
Featuring delicious recipes from around the world, this creative story will add flavor and global appreciation to your holiday. Ages 4 to 8.

 

A Winter Candle by Jeron Ashford
Residents of one apartment building are each celebrating family traditions during the holidays. One by one, each family discovers they are missing an important part of their holiday - a candle. This lovely story follows the candle as it is passed from family to family, lighting a gatherings for the Sabbath, Saint Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, and others. Ages 5 to 11.

 

December by Eve Bunting
Simon and his mom don’t have much–the cardboard house they built for themselves, a tiny Christmas tree, and a picture of an angel on the wall. On Christmas Eve they take in a frail stranger who needs a place to keep warm, and the next morning Simon wakes early to find that the woman has vanished. Instead, he sees the angel from the picture, with her wings fanned out over their cardboard house. Could she be real?

 

The Gift Inside the Box by Adam Grant and Allison Sweet Grant
Empathy expert Adam Grant has teamed up with his wife Allison Sweet Grant to bring us this engaging and heart-warming story featuring a mysterious gift in search of someone to open him. Intentionally designed to ignite conversations about greed, selfishness, and giving, this modern-day fable is remarkably fun and engaging too.

 

Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Rich Simon and Tanya Simon
Set in 1938, Oskar is a Jewish immigrant new to the U.S. Follow him as he walks through New York City on the seventh day of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve. Along the way, he takes in New York landmarks and experiences small acts of kindness from many strangers, making him feel welcome in his new home. Ages 4 to 8.

 

The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell
What do you get for the friend who has everything? Nothing, of course! Patrick McDonnell’s The Gift of Nothing is the light-hearted tale of one dog’s quest to find just the right nothing to give his special friend. Ages 4 to 8.

 

The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau
A talented seamstress makes beautiful quilts for the poor and the homeless. When the king who has everything decides he must have one of her creations, she tells him he must give away everything; then she will give him a quilt. In the process of shedding his many possessions, the king finds true happiness. No summary can do justice to the mesmerizing, fairy-tale quality of this beautifully illustrated tale. Ages 4 to 8.

 

The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco
This story featuring the joy of giving is told with the incomparable sensitivity and bewitching style of all Polacco's books. Young Trisha and her family are preparing for Hanukkah when they learn that their Christian neighbors are coping with a scarlet fever epidemic. Unable to celebrate while their neighbors are suffering, Trisha’s family reaches out to help. Ages 5 to 10.

 

Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo
This is one of the sweetest, most elegant books of the season. Great Joy is the tale of an organ grinder, his monkey, and the little girl who worries over whether he has a place to go in the storm. Ages 4 to 8.

 

Gus and Grandpa and the Christmas Cookies by Claudia Mills
When Gus goes to Grandpa’s house to bake Christmas cookies, they discover that they don’t have any sprinkles. On the way to the store, they pass a Santa collecting money for the poor. Gus contributes two quarters and is rewarded with a “God bless you.” Returning home, Gus and Grandpa are visited by three neighbors, each bringing two dozen cookies. What are they to do with so many cookies? Gus knows! Ages 5 to 8.

 

Hanukkah Haiku by Harriet Ziefert
Celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah with a haiku for each night and a clever, beautifully design book that is lovely to read again and again. Ages 4 to 8.

 

Lights for Gita by Rachna Gilmore
Young Gita is excited to celebrate her favorite holiday for the first time after her family immigrated from India: Divali, a festival of lights. But when Gita's plans fall apart, Gita gets very homesick. With the help of family and friends, Gita discovers that she carries the light of Diwali inside her wherever she goes. Ages 5 to 8.

 

Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis
This charming fable introduces readers to the seven principles of Kwazaa and life lessons everyone can appreciate.

 

The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer
Learn about the way various cultures throughout history have observed the Winter Solstice.

 

Walk this World at Christmastime by Big Picture Press & Debbie Powell
This beautifully illustrated lift-the-flap book takes children on a tour of Christmastime around the world, as well as other winter holidays that bring families together.

 

The Wish Tree by Kyo Maclear
This mesmerizing story beautifully captures the magical spirit of the holiday season. Its soothing, serene pace is a nice break from the frenzy of year-end traditions. And its inclusive, expansive message of hope and inspiration make this book perfect for everyone on your list.

 

Haven't found what you're looking for?
Visit our Complete Resource List.

Or check out these ideas for sharing kindness this holiday season.

Disclaimer:  Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.

Chapter Books to Fuel a Movement

Explore history and get motivated to champion equality. These fiction and nonfiction books will raise awareness about the history of the United States and the movements that are pushing us closer to equality. Scroll through our extensive list to find books on Civil Rights, Disability Rights, the LGBTQ Movement, Women's Rights, and the Native People's Movement.