Kindness and community book recommendations for children (chapter books &graphic novels)

If you're working on our February SweetBean challenge and looking for related reading recommendations, look no further! Here are some books that center kindness and community for children.

Looking for recommendation lists for other age groups?

See the list for adults here.

See the list for teens here.

See the list for picture books here.

Updated February 1, 2024
C
Cabarrus County Public Library
Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
Book Uncle and me
Krishnaswami, Uma
Paper Book
Winner of the International Literacy Association Social Justice Literature Award An award-winning middle-grade novel about the power of grassroots activism and how kids can make a difference. Every day, nine-year-old Yasmin borrows a book from Book Uncle, a retired teacher who...
The life of Ty : non-random acts of kindness
Myracle, Lauren
Paper Book
  Ty Perry's second-grade life is crazier than ever.   He's trying hard not to worry too much, but that's not easy when his brain is filled with so many thoughts, like finally finding a pet for Baby Maggie, his sometimes-crazy classmates, and the dreaded neck-pinch...
Rica Baptista : llamas, iguanas, and my very best friend
Bates, Janet Costa
Paper Book
Rica's very best friend is moving away. How can she convince her parents to let her get a pet so she won't be lonely? Friendship and family shine in this engaging young chapter book. Rica Baptista wants--no, needs--a pet. A llama, a kinkajou, or maybe an iguana? She even...
Ways to grow love
Watson, Renée
Paper Book
Grow and glow with Ryan Hart! Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Renée Watson continues her charming young middle grade series starring Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit and sunshine. Ryan Hart loves her family and friends. She's looking forward to...
Wishtree
Applegate, Katherine
Paper Book
From #1 New York Times-bestelling author of Odder and The One and Only Ivan, Wishtree is the beautiful, nuanced story of an oak tree and a crow who help their neighbors embrace their differences. Trees can't tell jokes, but they can certainly tell...
Wonder
Palacio, R. J.
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * Millions of people have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face--who shows us that kindness brings us together no matter how far apart we are. Read the book that inspired the Choose Kind...
Your pal Fred
Rex, Michael
Paper Book
* Best Graphic Novel for Kids selection by the American Library Association* *Texas Little Maverick Reading List selection* *101 Great Books for Kids selection by the Evanston Public Library* From Michael Rex, the bestselling author/illustrator of Fangbone! and...

Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.