Are you looking for the perfect book on community for children? Look no further! We have curated a list of the 20 best books that teach kids about the importance of community and foster a sense of belonging. From heartwarming stories of friendship to tales of helping others, these community for children books are sure to inspire young readers. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or librarian, these books are a must-have for any children’s bookshelf. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of community together!
Contents
- 1 The Proudest Blue
- 2 The Day You Begin
- 3 Last Stop on Market Street
- 4 The Name Jar
- 5 Each Kindness
- 6 The Sandwich Swap
- 7 The Invisible Boy
- 8 The Big Umbrella
- 9 The Other Side
- 10 Strictly No Elephants
- 11 The Family Book
- 12 The Hundred Dresses
- 13 The Colors of Us
- 14 The Great Big Book of Families
- 15 The Skin You Live In
- 16 The Sneetches and Other Stories
- 17 The Hello, Goodbye Window
- 18 The Peace Book
- 19 The Other Side of the Island
- 20 The Family Under the Bridge
- 21 Conclusion
The Proudest Blue
by Ibtihaj Muhammad
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad is not just a book about community for children, it is a captivating and empowering tale that celebrates diversity and self-acceptance. This beautifully illustrated picture book follows the journey of Faizah, a young girl who is eagerly awaiting her older sister’s first day of wearing a hijab. As Faizah navigates the first day of school with her sister Amani, they encounter both admiration and confusion from their classmates. Through the power of storytelling, the book highlights the importance of embracing one’s identity and teaches children the value of unity and acceptance within their community. With its heartfelt message and empowering representation, The Proudest Blue is a must-read for children and adults alike, fostering a sense of belonging and empathy.
The Day You Begin
by Jacqueline Woodson
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson is a heartwarming and empowering book about embracing our differences and finding our place in a community. This captivating book on community for children beautifully explores the feelings of loneliness and the fear of being different that children may experience when entering new environments.
Woodson’s lyrical prose and Rafael López’s stunning illustrations create a safe and inclusive space for children to celebrate their unique identities. The story encourages children to be brave and authentic, reminding them that their stories and experiences matter. It is a book about community for children that teaches empathy, compassion, and the power of embracing diversity.
Whether it’s being the only one who doesn’t speak the same language or feeling self-conscious about cultural traditions, The Day You Begin offers a reassuring message that everyone has a place and a story worth sharing. This community for children book is a must-read for children and adults alike, as it encourages us to embrace and celebrate our differences, fostering a more inclusive and understanding world.
Last Stop on Market Street
by Matt de la Peña
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña is a heartwarming and vibrant book about community for children. It takes readers on a journey through the bustling city streets as a young boy named CJ and his grandmother ride the bus to their final destination. Along the way, CJ’s grandmother teaches him valuable lessons about gratitude, empathy, and the beauty of the diverse world around them. Through vivid illustrations and poetic storytelling, this community for children book celebrates the power of connection, kindness, and finding joy in the simplest moments. Last Stop on Market Street is a must-read for children and adults alike, reminding us all of the incredible magic that can be found within our own communities.
The Name Jar
by Yangsook Choi
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi is a heartwarming book about belonging and acceptance in a diverse community. It tells the story of Unhei, a young girl who moves to America from Korea and is nervous about fitting in. To make things easier, she considers choosing an American name, but before she can decide, her classmates decide to help her by filling a jar with name suggestions. Through this thoughtful gesture, Unhei learns about the power of community and the importance of embracing her own identity. This beautifully illustrated book is a celebration of diversity, friendship, and the strength of a community for children, making it a must-read for young readers.
Each Kindness
by Jacqueline Woodson
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson is a heartwarming book about the power of kindness and the importance of community for children. This beautifully illustrated story follows Maya, a new girl in school who is constantly ignored and excluded by her classmates. As the days go by, Maya’s teacher encourages her students to be kind and to make a difference in each other’s lives. But it is not until it is too late that the main character realizes the impact of their unkindness towards Maya. Each Kindness teaches children the value of empathy, compassion, and inclusivity, reminding them that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life. This book about community for children is a must-read for young readers, as it promotes an important message about the significance of treating others with respect and understanding.
The Sandwich Swap
by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah
The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah is a delightful and heartwarming book about the power of acceptance and friendship. This insightful book on community for children tells the story of Lily and Salma, two best friends who discover that their sandwiches look and smell different. As their classmates begin to tease and judge them, the girls learn an important lesson about embracing diversity and celebrating each other’s differences. With charming illustrations and a relatable storyline, this book about community for children teaches young readers the value of respect, understanding, and unity. Through the universal language of food, Queen Rania beautifully conveys the message that we should embrace and appreciate the unique flavors that each individual brings to our communities.
The Invisible Boy
by Trudy Ludwig
The Invisible Boy, written by Trudy Ludwig, is a heartwarming and insightful book about the importance of community for children. With beautiful illustrations by Patrice Barton, this book explores the story of Brian, a quiet and overlooked boy who often feels invisible amongst his peers. Through this relatable tale, Ludwig skillfully demonstrates the power of kindness, empathy, and inclusion in building a strong and supportive community. With its gentle approach and relatable characters, The Invisible Boy encourages children to embrace their differences and shows them the transformative impact of reaching out to those who may feel invisible. This book about community for children is a must-read for educators, parents, and anyone who wants to foster a sense of belonging and compassion in young hearts.
The Big Umbrella
by Amy June Bates
The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates is a heartwarming and inclusive book about the power of community for children. This beautifully illustrated picture book showcases the importance of acceptance, kindness, and embracing diversity. The story revolves around a big, red umbrella that welcomes everyone, regardless of their differences.
Through its vibrant illustrations and simple yet powerful storytelling, The Big Umbrella teaches children the value of inclusivity and the beauty of coming together as a community. It encourages young readers to open their hearts and extend a helping hand to others, fostering empathy and understanding. This book about community for children is a wonderful tool for parents, teachers, and caregivers to introduce important concepts of acceptance and unity in a fun and engaging way.
The Other Side
by Jacqueline Woodson
The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson is a captivating book about the power of friendship and breaking down barriers in a community. This heartwarming story follows two young girls, Clover and Annie, who live on opposite sides of a fence that divides their town. Despite their differences, the girls form a bond and discover that they have more in common than they thought. Through their friendship, they challenge the norms of their community and learn the importance of unity and acceptance. This thought-provoking book on community for children teaches valuable lessons about inclusion, empathy, and the power of coming together. With its beautiful illustrations and powerful message, The Other Side is a must-read for children of all ages.
Strictly No Elephants
by Lisa Mantchev
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev is a heartwarming and inclusive book about building a sense of community among unlikely friends. This captivating children’s book encourages young readers to embrace diversity and find common ground with others, regardless of their differences.
The Family Book
by Todd Parr
The Family Book by Todd Parr is a delightful and colorful book about the importance of diversity, acceptance, and love within families. This heartwarming book on community for children celebrates all types of families, highlighting that each one is unique and special in its own way. With vibrant illustrations and simple, yet powerful, text, Todd Parr encourages children to embrace differences and understand that families come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether it’s a family with two moms, two dads, or a single parent, this book about community for children teaches kids that love is what truly matters. Through its message of inclusivity and understanding, The Family Book promotes a sense of unity and acceptance, making it a must-read community for children book.
The Hundred Dresses
by Eleanor Estes
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes is a heartwarming book about friendship, empathy, and the power of community for children. This timeless story revolves around a young girl named Wanda, who is teased by her classmates for wearing the same faded blue dress to school every day. Despite Wanda’s claims that she owns a hundred dresses, she becomes a target for bullying. Two friends, Maddie and Peggy, soon realize the error of their ways and embark on a journey to make things right. Through this beautifully illustrated book about community for children, readers learn valuable lessons about acceptance, kindness, and the importance of standing up for others. The Hundred Dresses is a must-read for young readers, teaching them the significance of embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity within their own communities.
The Colors of Us
by Karen Katz
The Colors of Us by Karen Katz is a vibrant and heartwarming book about celebrating diversity and embracing the beauty of our unique skin tones. This book on community for children follows a young girl named Lena as she sets out on a journey to discover the colors of her friends and family. With each encounter, Lena learns that there are many shades of brown and that each one is special and beautiful in its own way. Through Katz’s colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, children are encouraged to appreciate and respect the diverse range of skin tones that exist within their own community. This book about community for children is a wonderful tool for teaching kids about inclusivity and acceptance, while also celebrating the beauty of our differences.
The Great Big Book of Families
by Mary Hoffman
The Great Big Book of Families by Mary Hoffman is an extraordinary book about community for children. It celebrates the diversity and uniqueness of families from all walks of life. This captivating book takes young readers on a journey to explore the many different types of families that exist in our world. From single-parent families and stepfamilies to same-sex parents and families with adopted children, this book beautifully showcases the beauty and strength of every family, no matter their shape or size. With vibrant illustrations and simple, yet powerful, text, children will learn the importance of acceptance, understanding, and embracing the differences that make each family special. The Great Big Book of Families is a must-read for children, promoting the values of love, respect, and inclusivity.
The Skin You Live In
by Michael Tyler
The Skin You Live In by Michael Tyler is a captivating book that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusivity. This thought-provoking book on community for children encourages young readers to embrace and appreciate the unique qualities that make each individual special. Through vibrant illustrations and poetic language, Tyler emphasizes the importance of acceptance and understanding, teaching children that our differences should be cherished rather than judged. This book about community for children is a powerful tool for starting conversations about diversity, identity, and empathy. It fosters a sense of belonging and teaches children to appreciate the beauty in everyone, regardless of their appearance or background. The Skin You Live In is a must-read community for children book that will inspire young minds and encourage a more compassionate and inclusive society.
The Sneetches and Other Stories
by Dr. Seuss
The Sneetches and Other Stories is a captivating book on community for children, written by the beloved Dr. Seuss. This enchanting collection consists of four timeless tales, each carrying a powerful message about diversity, inclusion, and the importance of acceptance in a community for children.
Through whimsical rhymes and colorful illustrations, Dr. Seuss takes young readers on a journey where Sneetches discover that appearances and labels are not what truly matter. With themes of unity and empathy, this book about community for children encourages them to embrace differences, celebrate diversity, and treat others with kindness.
Whether it’s the Sneetches, Zooks, or the characters in the other stories, Dr. Seuss brilliantly teaches children the value of living in harmony and fostering a sense of belonging in their own communities. This community for children book is a must-read for parents, educators, and little ones alike, reminding us all that we are stronger together.
The Hello, Goodbye Window
by Norton Juster
‘The Hello, Goodbye Window’ by Norton Juster is a heartwarming book about the importance of community for children. This enchanting story follows a young girl named Nanna and her special window, through which she sees and interacts with the vibrant world outside. The window becomes a gateway to her grandparents’ house, where she experiences love, joy, and endless adventures. With beautiful illustrations by Chris Raschka, this book captures the essence of community for children, highlighting the bonds between family, neighbors, and the wider world. It celebrates the simple yet profound connections that make a community thrive, reminding young readers that they are an essential part of the larger tapestry of life. ‘The Hello, Goodbye Window’ is a must-read for children seeking to explore the magic of community and their place within it.
The Peace Book
by Todd Parr
The Peace Book by Todd Parr is a delightful and colorful book about building a sense of community for children. With vibrant illustrations and simple, yet powerful, messages, this book serves as a wonderful resource for teaching children about kindness, acceptance, and understanding. Through its pages, children are encouraged to celebrate diversity, embrace their uniqueness, and spread positivity and love. This book on community for children reminds young readers that peace can be found in small acts of kindness and in the acceptance of others. It highlights the importance of coming together as a community, supporting one another, and creating a harmonious world. With its uplifting and inclusive message, The Peace Book is a must-read for children of all ages.
The Other Side of the Island
by Allegra Goodman
The Other Side of the Island by Allegra Goodman is a captivating ‘book about community for children’ that takes readers on a thrilling adventure to an island where everything is tightly controlled. In this dystopian society, safety is paramount, and individuality is discouraged. The story follows the courageous and curious protagonist, Honor, as she questions the rules and seeks to uncover the truth behind the island’s mysterious secrets. With its thought-provoking themes of independence, friendship, and resilience, this ‘book on community for children’ will inspire young readers to question the world around them and embrace their unique voices. Get ready for an extraordinary journey into a world where imagination and individuality are the keys to unlocking true freedom!
The Family Under the Bridge
by Natalie Savage Carlson
The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson is a heartwarming book about the power of community for children. Set in Paris, the story follows Armand, a grumpy old man who lives a solitary life under a bridge. However, everything changes when he meets a mother and her three children who are also homeless. Reluctantly, Armand allows them to stay with him, and as they form an unlikely bond, they create their own little community. Together, they face the challenges of living on the streets, find ways to celebrate, and learn the importance of helping one another. This captivating book about community for children teaches valuable lessons of kindness, compassion, and the beauty of finding family in unexpected places.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 20 books about community for children are not only entertaining and educational, but they also instill important values such as empathy, inclusivity, and cooperation. Whether it’s exploring different cultures, understanding the importance of teamwork, or learning about the impact of individuals on a community, these books offer valuable lessons that will stay with children for a lifetime. So, dive into these captivating stories and let your child embark on a journey of discovery and understanding of the world around them.