Theme Guide: Kindness and Empathy
“Always try to be a little kinder than is necessary.” ―
We love these books that encourage kindness and empathy.
Picture Books |
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The Branch When an ice storm snaps a small girl’s favourite branch from the tree in her yard, she’s crestfallen. Her neighbour, Mr. Frank, says it’s full of potential. And so, with imagination and Mr. Frank’s guidance and tools, the girl transforms the branch into something new, giving it another purpose, and her another place to treasure! This title is also available in French as Ma branche préférée. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers |
I Am Human: A Book of Empathy A hopeful meditation on all the great (and challenging) parts of being human, I Am Human shows that it’s okay to make mistakes while also emphasizing the power of good choices by offering a kind word or smile or by saying “I’m sorry.” At its heart, this picture book is a celebration of empathy and compassion that lifts up the flawed fullness of humanity and encourages children to see themselves as part of one big imperfect family — millions strong. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers |
The Lion and the Bird One autumn day, a lion finds a wounded bird in his garden. With the departure of the bird’s flock, the lion decides that it’s up to him to care for the bird. He does and the two become fast friends. Nevertheless, the bird departs with his flock the following autumn. What will become of Lion and what will become of their friendship? This title is also available in French as Le lion et l’oiseau. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers |
Shelter As a blizzard approaches, two strangers emerge from the fog enveloping the forest. From inside their cozy homes, the animal families fearfully wonder: Who are these strangers? What do they want? Desperate for shelter, the strangers go to each home, hopeful someone will take them in. Will anyone help? This title is also available in French as L’abri. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers |
Junior & Intermediate Fiction |
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The Cat at the Wall On Israel’s West Bank, a hungry stray cat sneaks into a small Palestinian house that has just been commandeered by two Israeli soldiers for surveillance. The house appears to be empty, until the cat realizes that a little boy is hiding beneath the floorboards. Should she help him? After all, she’s just a cat. Or is she? Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers |
A True Home Mona the mouse stumbles across the Heartwood Hotel in the middle of a storm and desperately hopes to stay. As it happens, Mona is precisely the maid they need at Fernwood’s grandest hotel, where forest animals come for safety, luxury and comfort. But danger lurks nearby and Mona must use all her wits to protect the place she’s beginning to think of as home. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
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Kasey & Ivy Through 26 letters to her friend Nina, 12-year-old Kasey chronicles her observations and impressions of her unexpected, month-long stay in a geriatric ward for the treatment of a rare but treatable bone disease. Hospital food, insomnia and the germy communal bath are enduring sources of dread, but some new friends make her life bearable. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
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Random Acts Zoey Dalton and her best friends, Bean and Jenna, make a pledge to begin performing random acts of kindness — anonymously. But what if their random acts of kindness are unwanted and misunderstood? What if, instead of spreading joy and good will, the trio’s actions stir up trouble, and wreak havoc? That, of course, would be a different story. This story, in fact. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
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Young Adult Fiction |
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The Agony of Bun O’Keefe It’s Newfoundland, 1986. Fourteen-year-old Bun O’Keefe has lived a shuttered, lonely life with her negligent mother, who is a hoarder. One day, Bun’s mother tells her to leave, so she does. Hitchhiking out of town, Bun learns that the world extends beyond the walls of her mother’s house and discovers the joy of being part of a new family — a family of friends who care. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers |
We Are All Made of Molecules Thirteen-year-old Stewart is academically brilliant but socially “ungifted.” Fourteen-year-old Ashley is the “It” girl of Grade 9, but her marks stink. When Stewart and his dad move in with Ashley and her mom, their worlds collide. They are complete opposites. And yet, no matter their differences, they share one thing in common: they — like the rest of us — are all made of molecules. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers |
Non-Fiction |
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Bear on the Homefront During World War II, nurse Aileen Rogers and her stuffed bear, Teddy, greet English ‘guest children’ sent overseas for safety. Teddy befriends homesick William and his sister Grace, sharing the experience of the cross-country train ride and five years on a host family’s farm. Narrated by Teddy, this poignant and beautifully illustrated book is the companion to A Bear in War. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers |
Life Lines: The Lanier Phillips Story In 1942, African-American serviceman Lanier Phillips was rescued from a sinking warship off the coast of Newfoundland — an event that transformed his life and ignited a lasting passion for civil rights. Having grown up amidst deep racism, Phillips was inspired by the Newfoundlanders’ kindness. He joined the Civil Rights Movement and told his story of transformation to inspire change. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers |
On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty A gentle introduction to the issue of poverty, this title explores the realities of people living with inadequate resources and addresses issues such as mental illness, homelessness and refugee status. Sidebars with insightful quotes from individuals and organizations such as UNICEF add further food for thought. Readers are encouraged to take what they have learned and make a difference. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers |
Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation Canada’s relationship with its Indigenous people has suffered as a result of both the residential school system and the lack of understanding of the historical and current impact of those schools. Guided by acclaimed Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith, readers will learn about the lives of survivors and learn from the allies who are putting the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into action. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers |
