EmpathyLab's Read for Empathy Collection 2026

Now in its 10th year, the EmpathyLab Organization develops, activates, and celebrates the power of stories to increase real-life empathy in children through a systematic use of high-quality literature.

We’re happy to announce that several Bright authors and illustrators have made the 2026 Read for Empathy collection. The collection is made up of 70 expertly-selected titles, curated to help build empathy in young readers. See below.

The Dinosaur Next Door

Author & Artist: David Litchfield

Publisher: Magic Cat

Noah's New Home

Artist: Nabila Adani

Author: Zeshan Akhter

Publisher: Templar Books

This Is Not a Small Voice

Artist: Jade Orlando

Poems selected by: Traci N. Todd

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Roar

Artist: Kushiaania

Author: Manjeet Mann

Publisher: Penguin

The Bicycle

Artist: Yas Imamura

Author: Patricia McCormick & Mevan Babakar

Publisher: Farshore

The Endless Sea

Artist: Linh Dao

Author: Chi Thai

Publisher: Walker Studio

It's OK to Say No

Artist: Sarah Jennings

Author: Molly Potter

Publisher: Bloomsbury Education

The Hideysaurus

Artist: Chris Chatterton

Author: Rachel Bright

Publisher: Hachette Children's Books / Orchard Books

The Boy in the Tree

Artist: Katie Kear

Author: Lisa Thompson

Publisher: Barrington Stoke

The Moonlight Mystery Agency: The Birthday Cake Theif

Artist: Agnes Saccani

Author: Vashti Hardy

Publisher: Barrington Stoke

Interested in working with any of the brilliant talent featured above?
Get in touch with our team here.