Empathy Day

“Empathy is our ability to understand and experience someone else’s feelings. It builds stronger, kinder communities. It’s a crucial life skill that young people need to learn, thrive, and make a positive difference. We’re not born with a fixed quantity of empathy – it’s a skill we can all learn. Excitingly, research shows that books are a powerful tool to develop it. When young people identify with book characters, they learn to see things from others’ points of view. As they read, they are building their empathy skills”. The EmpathyLab 2024

Here is a selection of books recommended by the EmpathyLab which are available in our school library.  YA (Young Adult) means these books are for older students.


Noughts & Crosses by Maloire Blackman
Sephy is a Cross and Callum a Nought.
Their friendship is threatened by mounting racism and violence. A much loved, gritty classic, exploring the absurdity of tribal ways of thinking. YA

Rosie loves Jack by Mel Darbon
On one level this is a touching story about Rosie and Jack finding love in the face of adversity. On another, it offers a rare life-affirming chance to see through the eyes of a girl with Down’s Syndrome, with profound insights into living with a learning disability. Feisty Rosie is an adorable, unforgettable character, who will do anything to be with the boy who makes the sun shine in her head. YA

New Kid by Jerry Craft
Jordan is one of the very few black students at his new posh school, and he could hardly feel more out of place. A superbly crafted, hard- hitting graphic novel with empathetic take on issues of race, privilege and changing schools.


Scavengers by Darren Simpson
Landfill lives as a scavenger and longs to venture Outside. At the heart of this strange world is the need for connection and hope. A shocking, poignant, unforgettable blast of a read, about breaking down walls and facing fears head on.

Boy 87 by Ele Fountain
Shif wants to be an engineer, but he soldiers come for him. Heart-stopping as he is imprisoned, escapes, journeys perilously … survives. Fiction can help us understand the refugee experience like nothing else.

The Boy Who Steals Houses by C.G Drews
A raw and painful read about two vulnerable brothers who feel utterly rejected by society. We’re gladdened by the empathy of strangers who find a way to give the boys the security they need. YA

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
16-year-old Bri has ambitions of being a great rapper. We feel the pressures of her and will her on – to fight for her dream and be true to herself. Powerful insights into the obstacles of poverty and prejudice many young black people have to overcome. YA

When Stars Are Scattered by V Jamieson
and Omar Mohamed
A beautiful, empathetic graphic novel about Omar, a Somali boy separated from his mother, stranded for years in Kenyan refugee camp and struggling to care for his younger brother. We get right inside his head, living through his ambitions and frustrations as he yearns to be educated and leave the camp. In the moving end pages, we discover it’s all based on a true story and the brothers are thriving in America.


Clap When you Land by Elizbeth Acevedo
A fine verse novel in which we experience the very different perspectives of two sisters – Camino in the Dominican Republic and Yahaira in New York. Until their father is killed in a plane crash they don’t know of each other’s existence. Through their eyes, we confront uncomfortable economic and gender power inequalities. Ending with love and understanding, this wonderful book will stay with you for a long time. YA

The First Move by Jenny Ireland
Juliet and Ronan are chess-loving teenagers, who are hiding big secrets. A love story with a difference, exploring how communication and trust allow people to be their true selves, even when it means acknowledging disabilities and profound trauma. YA

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressdia Cowell
An unlikely leader talks to the dragons instead of bullying them. This book series won the Philosophy Now Award for its meditations on moral themes, tied into an adventure in which surprising people help each other.

The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson
An intriguing mystery about a missing toddler, seen through the eyes of Matthew, who suffers from OCD. Real emotional insight wrapped into a romping read.

The Unforgotten Coat by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Julie, from Bootle, remembers two nomadic Mongolian brothers who helped her see the world through very different eyes. A story showing that having an open heart can lead to life-changing understanding and friendships.

Frankie’s World by Aoife Dooley
We meet Frankie, who is autistic, as she tries to work out if she’s an alien and why her dad left when she was a baby. A funny, dynamic read full of warmth and heart; a realistic representation of neurodivergence.


When Our Worlds Collided by D Jawando
Racism, prejudice and injustice run through this compelling story, which starts when three teenagers from different backgrounds witness a stabbing. Told from the three perspectives, these teenagers show courage and kindness and somehow maintain their empathy in a very hostile world. YA

Welcome to Nowhere by Elizabeth Laird
Omar is just a normal boy who loves mobile phones, but his life is turned upside down by war in Syria. Laird’s vivid and authentic writing makes it easy to empathise with his refugee camp experiences. YA

One Dog and his Boy by Eva Ibbotson
A book which perfectly exemplifies how a skilfully developed character helps children experience all sorts of different emotions. On his huge adventure, Hal finds his perfect dog, and reshapes his family in the process.

Mr Stink by David Walliams
Children often see and wonder about homelessness. This funny, touching book gives them a great way to understand how it might feel.

The Sad Ghost Club by Lize Meddlings
Themes of loneliness, isolation and belonging are reflected in this unusual graphic novel. It conveys the powerfully compassionate message that it’s OK to feel say and go though difficult times and celebrates empathetic friendships.

The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh
by Helen Rutter
Billy has a crippling stammer and is trying every which way to get rid of it. A funny, warm-hearted novel in which we see him finally do a standup comedy act, and learn how to be, and accept, himself.

The Taylor Turbochaser by David Baddiel
Amy Taylor and friends turn her wheelchair into a super sports car and embark on an adventure to prove her dreams are achievable. A story of hope, friendship, family and breaking down barriers.

Check Mates by Stewart Foster
A troubled boy and his grieving grandfather find a shared passion in chess. The game becomes the medium through which they learn to understand each other and find their own confidence, focus and peace. This is a tender read about love, understanding and compassion.

The Bubble Boy by Stewart Foster
Joe must live in a bubble in hospital; Amir plots to spring him. Illuminating insights into the feelings of children with incurable illnesses, a great cast of characters and hilarious, hopeful moments.

The Boy at the Back of the Class
by Onjali Q. Raúf & Illustrator Pippa Curnick
Three charming, warm-hearted children go on a crazy adventure as they try to reunite refugee Ahmet with his family. Powerfully shows how empathy can inspire action.

Tender Earth by Sita Brahmachari
Empathy can motivate people to try to make a difference. In this sensitive coming-of-age story, readers experience Laila’s growing determination to make a stand against racism in her community. Even small acts of empathy can change lives. YA

Sky Dancer by Gill Lewis
A great example of how books can help children see different people’s perspectives. The characters hold diametrically opposed views about whether to shoot or protect endangered hen harriers on a grouse moor. A superb, uplifting book.

Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by
Frank Cottrell Boyce Illustrator Steven Lenton Sputnik is an alien tasked with writing a guidebook to Earth, who struggles to understand how humans work. With his new, shy friend Prez, he learns about the planet’s very best things. Exuberant, witty writing with a strong emotional core. The Guggenheim Mystery by Robin Stevens
This gloriously inventive art-theft whodunit is narrated by Ted Sparks, who is living with autism and has unusual powers of detection (read The London Eye Mystery to meet him for the first time). A lovely depiction of how Ted’s family value him for who he is.

The Island at the End of Everything by
Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Amihan is separated from her mother, who has leprosy, and sent to live in an orphanage on a distant island. A gripping read, with beautifully drawn characters to help children expand their emotional understanding.