As I mentioned in my Sunday Scribblings post for this week’s events, February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day. So what better way (for me) to celebrate it than with wonderful books about kindness (of course, this is in addition to those actual random acts of kindnesses we can do, today, tomorrow, and everyday!)
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Today’s post includes picture books, books for teens, and adults too. Well, books about kindness for all ages actually. I hope you find a book or two that you will pick for yourself or for someone else from this list of
13 Wonderful Books About Kindness
100 Ways to be Kind
100 Ways to Be Kind: Everyday actions to change your life and save the world by Theresa Cheung (Thanks to Netgalley for the digital review copy of the book)
Description: 100 Ways to be Kind is a road map of practical, simple and immediately actionable ways to be kind including how to be kinder to yourself, to others and to nature.
My Quick Thoughts: While quite a few of the ideas in this book might seem obvious or maybe things we already do, it is a nice reminder to keep with us and also gives us inspiration and ideas we didn’t already have. Plus, the research behind kindness and the ways to be kind was interesting to read by itself!
Be Kind
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller with art by Jen Hill (3 – 6 years, and up)
Description: When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate wants to make her feel better, wondering: What does it mean to be kind?
My Quick Thoughts: I mention this book earlier in my blog here, and like I said there, it is indeed a sweet read showing us how we can be kind by doing even little actions, and that they all matter and help.
Because of Mr. Terupt
Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea (9 – 11 years, and up)
Description: Seven students are about to have their lives changed by one amazing teacher in this school story filled with unique characters every reader can relate to.
My Quick Thoughts: I discovered this book when I went looking for books about kindness a few days ago, and so very thankful I did. That tugging at heartstrings feel never stops as you read this one, and you keep smiling at random intervals too.
Count Me In
Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj
Description: An uplifting story, told through the alternating voices of two middle-schoolers, in which a community rallies to reject racism.
My Quick Thoughts: I am reading this one still, but I already know that Varsha Bajaj’s books are definitely going to get added on my must-read automatically. (I have Bajaj’s Thirst on my list as well)
It’s Ok
It’s OK: Being Kind to Yourself When Things Feel Hard by Wendy O’ Leary and illustated by Sandra Eide with afterword from Christopher Germer (3 – 7 years, and up) (Thanks to Edelweiss for the digital review copy of the book)
Description: This sweet book teaches children the simple and profound power of self-compassion through simple affirmations that can be repeated when things are hard.
My Quick Thoughts: This one is all about loving ourselves, to let go, to forgive, to smile, and compliment, and a million other things – to show those those little kindnesses to ourselves each and everyday
Just Mercy
Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults): A True Story of the Fight for Justice by Bryan Stevenson
Description: In this very personal work–adapted from the original #1 bestseller, which the New York Times calls “as compelling as To Kill a Mockingbird, and in some ways more so”–acclaimed lawyer and social justice advocate Bryan Stevenson offers a glimpse into the lives of the wrongfully imprisoned and his efforts to fight for their freedom.
My Quick Thoughts: I mention this book here, and while I never ended up giving a more detailed comparative review like I thought then, what little I said holds true. Powerful, powerful read!!
Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed
Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson and Fumi Kosaka (5 – 8 years, and up)
Description: Can one child’s good deed change the world? It can when she’s Ordinary Mary―an ordinary girl from an ordinary school, on her way to her ordinary house―who stumbles upon ordinary blueberries. When she decides to pick them for her neighbor, Mrs. Bishop, she starts a chain reaction that multiplies around the world.
My Quick Thoughts: I simply adore books like this; the ones where the impact of one action is felt everywhere!
Mockingbird
Mockingbird by by Kathryn Erskine (10 – 12 years, and up)
Description: In Caitlin’s world, everything is black or white. Things are good or bad. Anything in between is confusing. That’s the stuff Caitlin’s older brother, Devon, has always explained. But now Devon’s dead and Dad is no help at all. Caitlin wants to get over it, but as an eleven-year-old girl with Asperger’s, she doesn’t know how.
My Quick Thoughts: Keep your tissues handy as you read this book.
The Path to Kindness
The Path to Kindness: Poems of Connection and Joy compiled by James Crews
Description: This book offers more than 100 deeply felt and relatable poems from a diverse range of voices including well-known writers, as well as new and emerging voices
My Quick Thoughts: I love Crews’ books, and each one is beautiful, giftable, and to be cherished indeed. Read my review of this book here.
Step Right Up
Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World about Kindness by Donna Janell Bowman and illustrated by Daniel Minter (8 – 11 years, and up)
Description: Step Right Up is the inspiring story of one man and one horse who showed the world the power of kindness
My Quick Thoughts: An amazing true story that I had not known about until this book, and a truly inspiring biography! Stunning illustrations, a moving narrative, and excellent backmatter make it a must-read. This story shows us how kindness and determination can help us overcome obstacles of all kinds!
Superbuns!
Superbuns!: Kindness Is Her Superpower by Diane Kredensor (4 – 8 years, and up)
Description: Some superheroes can leap tall buildings in a single bound, some can crawl up a wall, some grow wolf-sharp claws, and some have superhuman speed. And Superbuns? Her superpower is being kind. Super kind.
My Quick Thoughts: That title, and that bunny, and her superpower!! This one is adorable through and through, and shows how awesome of a trait kindness is!! So let us go be a superhero today, all we need to do is one simple act of kindness!
The War For Kindness
The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World by Jamil Zaki
Description: In this groundbreaking book, Jamil Zaki shares cutting-edge research, including experiments from his own lab, showing that empathy is not a fixed trait—something we’re born with or not—but rather a skill that can be strengthened through effort
My Quick Thoughts: A book I have only just begun, and one I feel is going to wow me somehow.
White Bird: A Wonder Story
White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel) by R. J. Palacio (10+ years)
Description: In R. J. Palacio’s bestselling collection of stories Auggie & Me, which expands on characters in Wonder, readers were introduced to Julian’s grandmother, Grandmère. Here, Palacio makes her graphic novel debut with Grandmère’s heartrending story: how she, a young Jewish girl, was hidden by a family in a Nazi-occupied French village during World War II; how the boy she and her classmates once shunned became her savior and best friend.
My Quick Thoughts: WWII, graphic novel, a Wonder connection! Of course, I had to check this one out. And verdict: read it!! Plus, read it before you watch the movie.
Related Reads and More Wonderful Books About Kindness
And Now, the End of This Post
Dear reader, have you read any of these books? Your thoughts on them (and on them in this list)? As always, I welcome all your thoughts and recommendations for books about kindness.
For Thursday Thirteen….Join us and check out more 13 lists…
Now the Grateful Dead song Uncle John’s Band is running through my head: Well the first days are the hardest days, don’t you worry any more
‘Cause when life looks like easy street, there is danger at your door
Think this through with me, let me know your mind
Woah-oh, what I want to know, is are you kind?
Kindness is so important for children to learn and there are a lot of adults who need to learn it too
What a warm and wonderful list! I especially liked the one about being kind to yourself when things get rough. That’s such an important lesson for wee ones.
From the looks of things, I think we need more books on kindness for adults! Great list.
I love everything about this post. People are so mean to each other on social media. It makes me sad.
A great list of recommendations and I think I will enjoy them, and they also are great gifts too! Thanks a lot for sharing of kindness! – Knycx Journeying
Being kind is a must. You have so many wonderful books here. I know kids will love them.
Awww. Saving some of these to get for my granddaughter!! So many fun titles.
I loved your recommendation for the picture book “Be Kind” by Pat Zietlow Miller and Jen Hill. What a heartwarming story about small acts of kindness and compassion. I think this book would be great for my niece who could benefit from learning about being kind.
I’m excited to explore these titles with my family and incorporate them into our reading routine.
I’ll have to look into these titles. Books about kindness are incredibly valuable as they remind us of the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding in our interactions with others. These books serve as a gentle nudge to always choose kindness, and to be the light in someone else’s day.
These are beautiful recommendations of books. I believe that there needs to be more books of kindness for adults. Thanks for sharing this with us.
What a wonderful collection of books! I’ve always believed in the power of literature to not only provide escape but also to educate and inspire.
I really love the theme of these books. You have a great selection there. I think my nephew will enjoy reading Super Buns. That sounds like a fun book.
Count Me In is the one I want to read. This is my first to hear of it.
These are great reads to help promote world kindness day. However, for me I strive to practice kindness every day. I work in customer service so it’s a must anyhow.
These are such wonderful books! I’d love to include them in our family’s reading list
So many great books here for sure! I am inn love with the Be Kind book and a few others too. I always love your book suggestions!