We Are a Community: Building Empathy and Understanding

Mira brings color and builds community through her beautiful art which she first gives to individuals and then has them contribute their own paintings. Based on an Urban Art Trail in San Diego, the animated illustrations evoke Mexican folk art while remaining child-like. 

A girl with ponytails takes her buffalo to school, and as one might guess, the buffalo doesn’t respond quite the same as everyone else. But the buffalo learns about individuality and respect just like the children starting kindergarten will. Cartoon illustrations enhance the silliness of the sincere message.

The new kid in school needs a new name! Or does she? Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her.

When a new teacher mispronounced Yuriko’s name and kids laugh at the picture Yuriko shared in her kimono, Yuriko wants to change her name. Her father handles her unhappiness calmly and wisely. The story is autobiographical, incorporating a photograph of the real Yuriko as a young child and as a lovely young adult in a kimono.

Stella loves her silver starliner — a mobile home — until she’s teased about living in a trailer. When other kids think her home is gorgeous, Stella comes to appreciate what they see and feels pride, actually like a “squillionaire!” Signature illustrations effectively convey Stella’s rollercoaster emotions and the ultimate comfort of friends, family and home.

The questions asked by two children celebrate our commonalities as well as what makes each person distinct. Lyrical text and handsome watercolors portray the tapestry of a city and the people who live in the world. 

A slightly grumpy CJ asks his grandma why they have to take a bus across town every Sunday after church. Her answers are playful, wise, and effective; CJ admits he’s glad they came to see their friends at the soup kitchen where they serve. Bright, stylized illustrations and rich, well-paced language presents a warm relationship and a diverse urban locale. (2016 Newbery Medal Winner)

Detailed, almost delicate illustrations of a diverse cast of characters affirm the joy in differences, all because each and every one matters. The illustrator’s signature style is worth multiple examinations.

Expressive ink and watercolor illustrations detail the story of a playground mishap. Alex tosses a ball that accidentally knocks another child’s artwork into a puddle. Other kids pick up on that child’s unhappiness and give Alex the cold shoulder until the child whose artwork got wet asks Alex to play ball again. Suggestions for readers conclude this engaging and relatable book. 

Though Wanda says she has a hundred dresses at home, her classmates tease her because she wears the same worn dress everyday. Only one girl feels badly when Wanda no longer attends school, and she tries to make amends. This girl learns what Wanda already knows — that words really hurt.

Ivan lives in a “domain” at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall. In evocative language and gentle illustrations Ivan’s story unfolds through his touching, taut, yet hopeful narration. It’s a chronicle of friendship, loyalty, and the power of art. (2013 Newbery Medal Winner)

Louis, a self-taught space expert is delighted to learn that his teacher has sent him to the principal’s office to attend personal space camp. Eager to learn more about lunar landings, space suits, and other cosmic concepts, Louis soon discovers that he has much to learn about personal space right here on earth. Written with style, wit, and rhythm, personal space camp addresses the complex issue of respect for another person’s physical boundaries. Told from Louis’s perspective, this story is a good resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who want to communicate the idea of personal space in a manner that connects with kids.

Each kindness makes the world a little better. This quiet picture book is about small actions that can hurt, and an honest look at bullying and forgiveness.

A child travels alone on a bus through a bustling city. Who is the narrator addressing? Is the reader or someone else? The child offers advice, like “Alleys can be good shortcuts…” but there are dangers, too. Arriving home to a red door and a warm embrace, the child confidently says “You will be all right.” Only close examination of the stunning illustrations provides clues as to who (or what) is really small and alone in the city.

While Milo and his sister travel on a subway, Milo observes other passengers drawing them in his sketchbook. But appearances don’t always reveal the whole story Milo learns. When he and his sister arrive at the prison to visit their mom, so does a boy from the subway. The illustrator’s signature illustrations are the perfect complement to the moving, understated text.

In this chapter book for beginning readers, Lily and her parents move from their suburban neighborhood to New York City. Lily is used to living in a house on a quiet street; she feels like a small ant on such a busy block and worries that she’ll never feel at home. As she and her parents explore their new, multicultural neighborhood, Lily discovers that sometimes change can be a good thing. Featuring a diverse cast of characters, this is the first in the Confetti Kids series (see also The Perfect Gift (opens in a new window) and Want to Play? (opens in a new window))

Hudi’s dad is athletic, but Hudi is not. Hudi is funny and well, chunky. In this fictionalized memoir, Hudi confronts his family’s expectation, school bullies, and how to be true to his real interests. The graphic format captures the tone, tensions, and wit of the story.

This novel, written in free verse, tells the story of Kek, an eleven-year-old boy from the Sudan who arrives as a refugee to Minnesota in the middle of winter. In moments both amusing and heartbreaking, it is possible to see through Kek’s eyes what it is like for new immigrants who come to this country and to think about the scars that war leaves on its youngest victims. Teacher’s Guide (opens in a new window) available.

Four very different kids each with unique problems and personalities, come together over a short period to find a lost boy, come to appreciate each other, and discover new friendships. Each character is recognizable, likeable, and when they come together create a fast-paced story sure to engage young readers.

Joey’s dad is back in the picture after winning the lottery. He’s a man with a mission—to remake himself and his family. But, Joey wonders as his mother takes his father back into their life, is it really possible? Readers will cheer Joey on as his journey ranges from the heartbreaking to the comical.

Three storylines — contemporary and mythic — intersect in this tale of a boy who is not comfortable with his culture or himself. This fresh, sometimes surprising, revealing novel is told in image and text. This graphic novel was the first of its format to win the Printz Award for best work of Young Adult Literature.

Storms delay travelers at a Chicago airport but it is a lost toddler and a mistake by TSA staff that connects young Asian Americans in this series of interconnected short stories by a range of Asian American writers. Sometimes humorous, sometimes serious, the book highlights the diversity of Asian Americans as well as the biases they often confront.

The narrator describes her eyes and those of her family as “eyes that kiss in the corner and glow like warm tea.” Poetic language and handsome illustrations evoke Asian art and culture create an affirming portrait of a family and their heritage, to be enjoyed by all cultures.

Leila discovers a bit more about herself and her family during their weekly dinner with Leila’s grandmother. She discovers that the color saffron really does look good on her and that she is part of a loving family. Bold, bright illustrations capture the colors of the Middle Eastern family, glimpsing their diverse community.

Iris is the only Deaf student in her class. Though sometimes frustrated, she reads lips though prefers to use American Sign Language (ASL). She’s also most comfortable when working with old radios and their components. When she learns about a unique whale, Blue 55, that is not part of a pod she becomes convinced that it, too, is deaf and thus separate from others. And unlikely but riveting adventure with her grandmother leads to healing and a satisfying conclusion.

The young narrator thinks her life in Hong Kong in the alley of Tai Yuen Street is boring — until a stranger down-on-his luck helps her realize that she is indeed quite lucky. Readers will appreciate the gentle reminder that kindness is contagious, when after the girl gives the man her special mooncake, the entire community steps up to help the man. 

Both Pink, the son of black slaves, and Say, a poor, white boy, fought in the Union army during the Civil War. Only Say survives the Andersonville Prison to tell of their remarkable friendship and how Pink saved Say and taught him how to read. This poignant story, complemented by Patricia Polacco’s signature illustrations, is based on a story from the author’s family.

When Esperanza and her family are forced to leave Cuba, they work hard to make a home for themselves and others who also had to flee to the U.S. The artist’s signature illustrations further enliven the warm family saga. 

Many languages and cultures are used in a poetic journey around the world, each affirming that people welcome others. Warm watercolors show diverse people in a variety of settings. An afterword and pronunciation guide conclude this gentle, encouraging book.

Two girls from very different backgrounds each struggle with different issues. But Sara, a Pakistani American, and Elizabeth, whose mother is British and father American, come together in a cooking class. There they discover friendship and more revealed from both girls’ perspectives.

In this special Passover story, Larnel Moore, a young African-American boy, and Mrs. Katz, an elderly Jewish woman, develop an unusual friendship through their mutual concern for an abandoned cat named Tush. Together they explore the common themes of suffering and triumph in each of their cultures.