Empathy involves the ability “to feel or imagine another person’s emotional experience” (McDonald & Messinger, 2011, p. 2).
This powerful emotion inspires compassionate behavior that can mean a lot to someone else. in fact, empathy in which positive emotions are shared is associated with greater prosocial behavior and happiness (morelli, lieberman, & zaki, 2015).
You are reading: Books about kindness and empathy for adults
This article highlights numerous books and resources from positivepsychology.com that will guide readers to practice greater empathy and ultimately contribute to a more loving and harmonious society.
“too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of affection, all of which have the potential to change a life.”
leo Buscaglia
Before we continue, we thought you might like to download our three emotional intelligence exercises for free. These science-based exercises will not only improve your ability to understand and work with your emotions, but will also give you the tools to foster emotional intelligence in your customers, students, or employees.
empathy and kindness books
books for adults
The following five informative books give readers the justification to become more empathetic, along with suggestions on how to do so.
1. the war for kindness: building empathy in a fractured world – jamil zaki
Written by a psychology professor at Stanford University, this book offers a unique perspective on empathy, sharing both anecdotes and research findings.
the importance of empathy as “one of the most vital survival skills in the animal kingdom” is articulated by zaki (2020, p. 5), who also describes stories of people who have overcome violent pasts to become role models of kindness.
By presenting empathy as a malleable construct, readers gain evidence of the ways empathy and kindness can be strengthened.
look for the book on amazon.
2. the empathy advantage: harnessing the value of compassion as a driver for success – maria ross
As an expert in marketing and branding, Ross has written a book that demonstrates the essential nature of empathy in business (eg leadership, culture, advertising, etc.).
The book includes research, case studies, and author recommendations that illustrate the link between empathy and workplace success in multiple areas, including hiring decisions, productivity, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
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Ross applies his knowledge as a brand strategist and his personal experience surviving a brain aneurysm to articulate the many ways that practicing empathy leads to greater success and satisfaction in the workplace.
look for the book on amazon.
3. The Power of Empathy: A Practical Guide to Creating Intimacy, Self-Understanding, and Lasting Love in Your Life – Arthur P. ciaramicoli and katherine ketcham
This book is co-written by Arthur Ciaramicoli, a psychologist and professor at Harvard Medical School, and Katherine Ketcham, a prolific non-fiction author in areas such as addiction, recovery, spirituality, and empathy.
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is designed to help readers experience greater empathy in areas such as listening, building relationships, intimacy, finding love, and trusting others.
The book contains personal stories of the authors’ relationships with patients, colleagues, and students. it also incorporates honesty, acceptance, faith, gratitude, humility, hope, tolerance, and forgiveness in relation to “empathy in action.”
In doing so, the book helps readers develop the skills necessary to incorporate empathy into everyday life.
look for the book on amazon.
4. the power of kindness: why empathy is essential in everyday life – brian goldman
This unique book is written by an ER doctor who takes an honest look at his sense of empathy and compassion as a doctor.
He goes in search of his lost compassion by meeting with a variety of people (for example, a neuroscientist, a personality researcher, and some very empathetic and inspiring people) from all over the world.
In addition to clarifying key terminology (eg, empathy versus sympathy, emotional empathy, cognitive empathy, etc.), Dr. goldman (2018, chapter 1) uses wisdom and storytelling to describe her personal experience creating this book as a “journey into empathy as seen through my eyes…sometimes i’m the guinea pig for an empathy test, sometimes I’m a vessel for you.” experiment and learn to be kinder in a world that could use a little more kindness.”
look for the book on amazon.
5. empathy: why it matters and how to get it – roman krznaric
This book is written by a social philosopher who founded the world’s first Empathy Museum.
krznaric is a leading researcher and writer on the importance of empathy for social connectedness and social equality. krznaric is an excellent storyteller describing the many ways empathy leads to greater life satisfaction.
The book also includes krznaric’s description of the six habits of highly empathic people:
- ability to activate the empathic brain
- ability to make the imaginative leap
- ability to seek out experimental adventures
- ability to practice the craft of conversation
- ability to travel in one’s own armchair
- ability to inspire a revolution
These and other ideas are described in detail, along with a call to action.
look for the book on amazon.
books for parents and teachers
For adults who want to create family and classroom environments characterized by empathy and kindness, there are some great books to guide the way.
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here are five examples:
1. be the difference: 40+ ideas for kids to create positive change using empathy, kindness, equality, and environmental awareness – jayneen sanders
Written by an experienced teacher and author, this book is packed with ways in which children may contribute to a more positive, kind, and empathetic world.
It is appropriate for children to read alone, with parents, or as a classroom activity.
With discussion questions in the back, the book provides a wealth of ways for children to make a positive difference by promoting empathy and kindness, care for the environment, and racial and gender equality.
look for the book on amazon.
2. kindness begins with you – jacquelyn stagg
Authored by a new mother and graphic designer, this book is designed to teach kindness to kids.
The story follows a little girl through her day as she learns to spread kindness in a variety of relatable ways (for example, sharing toys with her brother).
The book contains weekly kindness challenges, examples of situations where kindness would make a difference, and “lightbulb kindness lessons.” Overall, Stagg has created a fun and easy way to teach young children about the importance of kindness.
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look for the book on amazon.
3. teaching kids empathy, social emotion: reproducible lessons, activities, and worksheets (k-6) that teach how to “put yourself in someone else’s shoes” – tonia caselman
The author of this book is a clinical social worker with a Ph.D. in human development.
Applying her extensive clinical and academic experience, Caselman has produced a resource that enhances empathy for teachers and parents.
Regarding empathy as a “core social emotion,” the book contains numerous lessons, activities, and worksheets designed to help children empathize with others and behave with kindness, compassion, and acceptance.
look for the book on amazon.
4. the kindness curriculum: stopping bullying before it starts – judith anne rice
Written by a family education teacher with early childhood experience, this book tackles the serious problem of bullying.
The book is especially useful for teachers who intend to prevent bullying before it even starts.
The author includes numerous activities designed to improve conflict resolution, compassion, respect, and other adaptive qualities that promote kindness and supportive learning environments.
look for the book on amazon.
5. a little kindness! – diane alber
Created by an artist and mother, this book follows the main character, Spot, as he learns to practice kindness in everyday life (eg, sharing, being courteous, etc.).
The story provides a fun way for children to learn simple acts of kindness toward family members, classmates, and peers.
Teachers and parents alike have found the book helpful in inspiring kindness and understanding in children.
look for the book on amazon.
Illustrated children’s books
One of the best ways to communicate positive messages to children is through picture books, especially since many children will read their favorite books many times. Picture books are not only a fun way to learn, but reading to children also promotes parent-child bonding.
The following five picture books provide valuable and fun lessons in kindness:
1. tomorrow i’ll be nice – jessica hische (ages 3 and up)
An award-winning illustrator created this inspiring picture book.
uses colorful and fun illustrations of animals to remind children of the many simple yet powerful ways that kindness, compassion and empathy make a significant difference in everyday life.
look for the book on amazon.
2. superbuns – diane kredensor (ages 4 to 8)
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The author and illustrator of this book is an Emmy Award-winning artist and a successful producer of educational programs for children.
superbuns is an adorably illustrated book in which a bunny dreams of being a superhero.
Turns out superbuns is already a superhero, given her special power to be super nice. The images are colorful, fun, and easy for young children to relate to.
look for the book on amazon.
3. It’s Brave to Be Kind: A Kindness Story and Activity Book for Children – Natasha Daniels (Ages 5-7)
Drawing on his extensive experience as a child therapist, Daniels has created a combined story and activity book on the value of kindness.
With its inspiring story and excellent role model, the book shows kids fun ways to practice kindness and also offers tips for parents on how to teach children empathy and kindness.
look for the book on amazon.
4. listening with the heart: a story of kindness and self-compassion – gabi garcia (ages 4-8)
Written by a mother and an experienced school counselor, this book tells the story of a girl who finds a heart-shaped rock that she perceives as a reminder to spread kindness.
The book teaches young readers the importance of self-compassion and being kind and loving to oneself and others through its meaningful story and mindfulness activities. is also available in Spanish.
look for the book on amazon.
5. be nice – pat zietlow miller (ages 4-10)
This new york times bestseller is written by an award-winning children’s book author.
miller uses a kind and engaging text to describe how a girl considers thoughtful ways to respond after a friend spills grape juice on her.
The book uses beautifully illustrated vignettes to teach children the power of kindness, civility, and empathy.
look for the book on amazon.
relevant resources from positivepsychology.com
When it comes to promoting empathy and kindness, positivepsychology.com is packed with tons of useful information and exercises. For example, the following resources seek to promote kindness, empathy, and healthy relationships:
can random acts of kindness increase well-being?
This informative article describes what it means to practice random acts of kindness and the positive impact of such actions on emotional well-being.
The author explains the position of kindness within positive psychology, as well as methods for putting kindness theory into practice. Lesson plans for teachers are also included, along with helpful books, youtube videos, quotes, and apps.
Overall, the article contains tons of resources designed to help readers practice random acts of kindness throughout their lives.
what is loving-kindness meditation? (incl. 4 hyphens)
This article delves into loving kindness meditation, whereby we focus on extending generous and selfless love to ourselves and others.
With helpful instructions, tips, and suggestions for mantras, the author guides readers through the research, basics, and benefits of practicing loving-kindness. Also included are all of the science-backed ways that meditation in general, and loving-kindness mediation in particular, can benefit our health and well-being.
Loving-kindness meditation, or metta, can instill a deep sense of self-worth and gratitude, which can then be extended to others.
17 emotional intelligence exercises
If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others develop emotional intelligence, this collection contains 17 validated ie tools for professionals. use them to help others understand and use their emotions to their advantage.
a message to take home
The world could always use more empathy and kindness. In addition to being the right thing to do, practicing empathy cultivates compassion, love, and kindness toward family members and neighbors.
There are countless tools to improve these essential qualities, including the books we’ve highlighted for adults who want to be more empathetic, as well as resources for teachers and parents who want to promote kindness and compassion in children.
the tools at positivepsychology.com, as well as some engaging and fun children’s picture books that promote empathy, can further develop these qualities.
We hope you feel inspired to practice greater empathy and kindness, making a positive difference in the world around you.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three emotional intelligence exercises for free.