Books are powerful tools for helping students step into another person’s shoes, understand different experiences, and embrace compassion. Whether you’re tackling topics like disability, learning differences, or prejudice, stories can create meaningful conversations that stay with students for life.
Below is a collection of impactful books grouped by theme, along with classroom discussion ideas and writing prompts to deepen student understanding.
Lesson Handout
You can also download a free printable list of these books with reflection questions here.
Teaching Empathy Using Literature
Characters with Health Challenges
These stories center on characters navigating physical or medical conditions, helping students build understanding and respect.
1. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Auggie Pullman was born with a facial difference. When he attends public school for the first time, he struggles to be accepted—but eventually becomes a hero among his classmates.
- Discussion Idea: What does “Choose Kind” mean to you?
- Activity: Create a class kindness campaign based on Auggie’s experience.
2. Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
Melody has cerebral palsy and cannot speak, but she’s incredibly intelligent. With a new communication device, she shows her classmates that they’ve underestimated her.
- Discussion Idea: How can we better include students who communicate differently?
- Writing Prompt: Write a journal entry from Melody’s point of view on the day she joins the trivia team.
3. Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr
Sadako battles leukemia after radiation exposure in Hiroshima. Her courage and determination inspire a national symbol of peace.
4. Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
Max, a large but slow learner, and Kevin, a genius with a physical disability, form an unforgettable friendship.
Characters with Learning Differences
These stories build empathy for students with dyslexia, autism, OCD, and other learning challenges.
5. Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Ally struggles with dyslexia and feels like she’s always in trouble until a supportive teacher recognizes her potential.
- Discussion Idea: How do we treat classmates who learn differently?
- Writing Prompt: Describe a time when you felt misunderstood.
6. Rules by Cynthia Lord
Told from the perspective of a girl whose brother has autism, this story explores the balance of love, frustration, and understanding.
7. Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
Set on Alcatraz Island, the story revolves around a boy whose sister has autism, and how his family navigates life with her.
8. The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson
Matthew deals with severe OCD and rarely leaves his house. When a neighbor goes missing, he becomes an unlikely detective.
9. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson is a modern demigod with ADHD and dyslexia, and those traits become his superpowers.
Characters Who Face Prejudice
These books open windows into experiences of racism, religious intolerance, and discrimination.
10. Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
An oak tree named Red watches over a diverse neighborhood. When a Muslim family moves in, intolerance arises—and Red takes action.
- Discussion Idea: What are some ways we can stand up for our neighbors?
- Activity: Create your own classroom “Wishtree” with messages of hope and acceptance.
11. The Cay by Theodore Taylor
When a boy is shipwrecked with a man of African descent, he must overcome his own prejudice to survive.
12. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Set in Nazi-occupied Denmark, this story shows how ordinary people stood up to protect Jewish families.
13. Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
A legendary boy breaks racial and social boundaries in a divided town.
14. Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
This sweeping novel tells three stories across time and cultures, linked by a magical harmonica and themes of prejudice and courage.
15. The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
A humorous and heartwarming tale that takes a powerful turn when the family visits Birmingham during the Civil Rights Movement.
Teaching Empathy Wrap-Up Activity
After reading one or more of these books:
- Have students create empathy journals.
- Role-play tough conversations using scenes from the books.
- Invite students to write “letters of advice” to the characters.
Teaching empathy isn’t a one-time lesson—it’s a mindset we build over time. These books make great read-alouds, book club picks, or individual reading choices that lead to meaningful discussion.
⬇️ Download Your Free Book List + Discussion Questions
Empower your students to understand and embrace others through stories that matter.
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Wonder is one of the impactful novels featured in this post. Click the link to explore the novel study section on TPT, where you’ll find all related novel studies
