Kindness, compassion and empathy: middle grade

Hector is a bully who reports an innocent homeless man to the police because he thinks he’s probably responsible for a spate of thefts – but when Hector discovers he’s got it wrong, he must race to restore justice.

Lula and Lenka are the best of friends until they have an argument and neither will say sorry. Will they ever manage to make up? Polly Ho-Yen beautifully explores the complexity of friendships and learning that there are always two sides of a story. 

This is the story about how four classmates have a massive impact on the life of Ahmet, a boy that comes to their school as a refugee from Syria. An inspiring and sweet tale that should help children be the best they can be and realise the power of kindness.

Starting secondary school is a daunting time for any 11 year old – and Natalia is no exception. This is a powerful, readable and relatable story about trying to fit in. Along the way, a host of assumptions and stereotypes about autism are smashed. 

A powerful re-imagining of Frankenstein that provokes empathy and compassion. Compelling and thrilling.  

A classic-feeling story set in the 1970s about filming a Hollywood movie. 

Leo and his best friend often feel like the odd ones out at school and in the small village they live in, where everyone else is white. Another sensitive, thoughtful book from Onjali Q Rauf that highlights racism and bullying in children’s lives today.

This delightful detective story has an engaging plot and likable characters. It subtly explores new friendships, the importance of community and issues of food poverty and online bullying, plus includes some easy-to-follow recipes.

Aya is a Syrian asylum seeker, looking after her mother and baby brother in the cold, unfamiliar city of Manchester – but she is also a talented ballet dancer. Children who love stories of performance and friendship will enjoy this book. 

This is a timely and important book which illuminates the realities of life as a refugee. The horrors that 14-year-old Shif is escaping are all too real, but this is ultimately a story about the power of kindness and the strength of the human spirit.

Jordan is in remission from cancer but finding it difficult to make friends at his new school. One day, he gives a homeless man some soup and then, in the spirit of doing kind things, ends up secretly running a soup kitchen. Very funny and deeply moving. 

One day, Scoob’s Grandma turns up at his house and invites him on a road trip – retracing the steps of a trip she took with his late grandpa. This is a satisfying, timeless read about a family’s history which intersects with the American civil rights movement, and reminds readers of the impact of racism and intolerance.

Jessie is delighted when she finds a beautiful white puppy at Gran’s house. But then Gran starts becoming confused, and saying strange things about their new pet.

Nothing ever happens in Littlehaven… at least, that is, until Izzy’s Dad comes out as trans. A gentle, timely and warm story about identity, friendship and standing up for what’s right.

This is the real life story of one of the most incredible and inspirational young people in the world. Reading this book might just change the way you think and feel.