9 Books About Gratitude and Generosity

You’re never too young (or too old) to teach a child about gratitude and generosity. Here are great book suggestions from Book Passage to initiate the conversation about compassion and kindness.

Kamala and Maya's Big Idea

by Meena Harris

A beautiful, empowering picture book about two sisters who work with their community to effect change, inspired by a true story from the childhood of Meena Harris's aunt, US Senator Kamala Harris, and Meena's mother, lawyer and policy expert Maya Harris. Share this inspiring picture book with young readers to help introduce vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

It Takes a Village

by Hillary Rodham Clinton

I was inspired to write "It Takes A Village to Raise A Child" to share with my readers how blessed I was as a child to be surrounded by loving parents, grandparents, extended family, and mentors, and how their love impacted my childhood . "It Takes A Village to Raise A Child" encourages and enlightens parents of the importance of reaching out to extended family members, community leaders and mentors to assist in inspiring your children to reach for the stars. "It Takes A Village to Raise A Child" reflects on how children can obtain a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, skills and talents being surrounded by loving parents, family members, community leaders, and mentors.

Come With Me

by Holly M. McGhee

When the news reports are flooded with tales of hatred and fear, a girl asks her papa what she can do to make the world a better place. “Come with me,” he says. Hand-in-hand, they walk to the subway, tipping their hats to those they meet. The next day, the girl asks her mama what she can do—her mama says, “Come with me,” and together they set out for the grocery, because one person doesn’t represent an entire race or the people of a land. After dinner that night, the little girl asks if she can do something of her own—walk the dog . . . and her parents let her go. “Come with me,” the girl tells the boy across the hall. Walking together, one step at a time, the girl and the boy begin to see that as small and insignificant as their part may seem, it matters to the world.

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

by Andrea Beaty

Every morning, Abuelo walks Sofia to school . . . until one day, when Abuelo hurts his ankle at a local landfill and he can no longer do so. Sofia (aka Sofi) misses her Abuelo and wonders what she can do about the dangerous Mount Trashmore. Then she gets an idea—the town can turn the slimy mess into a park! She brainstorms and plans and finally works up the courage to go to City Hall—only to be told by a clerk that she can’t build a park because she’s just a kid! Sofia is down but not out, and she sets out to prove what one kid can do.

The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever

by H. Joseph Hopkins

Katherine Olivia Sessions never thought she’d live in a place without trees. After all, Kate grew up among the towering pines and redwoods of Northern California. But after becoming the first woman to graduate from the University of California with a degree in science, she took a job as a teacher far south in the dry desert town of San Diego. Where there were almost no trees.

The Library

by Sarah Stewart

Elizabeth Brown doesn't like to play with dolls and she doesnt like to skate. What she does like to do is read books. Lots of books. The only problem is that her library has gotten so big she can't even use her front door anymore. What should Elizabeth Brown do? Start her own public library, of course! With charming verse and watercolors Sarah Stewart and David Small celebrate one of America's oldest and finest institutions.

Follow the Moon Home: A Tale of One Idea, Twenty Kids, and a Hundred Sea Turtles

by Philippe Cousteau

A triumphant story of environmental activism, community, and friendship: Acclaimed activist Philippe Cousteau and renowned author Deborah Hopkinson team up to offer a story of the powerful difference young people can make in the world. Meet Viv, who has a new home and a new school by the sea and follow her as she finds her way in a new place and helps bring together a whole community to save the sea turtles of the South Carolina coast.

Stay

by Bobbie Pyron

Piper’s life is turned upside down when her family moves into a shelter in a whole new city. She misses her house, her friends, and her privacy—and she hates being labeled the homeless girl at her new school. But while Hope House offers her new challenges, it also brings new friendships, like the girls in Firefly Girls Troop 423 and a sweet street dog named Baby. So when Baby’s person goes missing, Piper knows she has to help. But helping means finding the courage to trust herself and her new friends, no matter what anyone says about them—before Baby gets taken away for good.

It's Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going!

by Chelsea Clinton

With an eye toward empowering and inspiring kids, Chelsea Clinton explores some of the biggest challenges facing our world today. Using data, charts and stories she unpacks challenges related to Poverty, Climate Change, Gender Equality, Health, Endangered Species and talks about what's being done to make a difference in each area--particularly by kids and teenagers. With lots of suggestions and ideas for action, Chelsea Clinton shares her passion for helping others and shows readers that the world belongs to every single one of us, and every one of us counts--no matter how young. You can make a difference. You can make a change. It’s your world.