Military families know change. A new base, a new school, a parent leaving for deployment—our kids often walk into situations where they are the “new one” or feel like the “different one.” Those moments can feel overwhelming, but they are also powerful opportunities to grow empathy and kindness. One of the simplest tools we have to guide our kids through those experiences is right on our bookshelves.

Books are more than pure entertainment. They help children step into someone else’s shoes, see the world through another perspective, and practice kindness in small, meaningful ways. When a story depicts a character moving to a new neighborhood, struggling to make friends, or standing up for what’s right, our children learn how to respond in real life.

Why Reading Aloud Matters

Reading aloud isn’t just for toddlers. It’s one of the best ways to build empathy at any age. When we pause mid-story to ask, “How do you think she feels right now?” or “What would you have done?” we invite readers to practice perspective-taking. Reading together also gives us, as parents, a chance to connect the story to our own lives. For example, after a book about moving, you might share, “When I was your age and we moved, I was scared no one would sit with me at lunch. But then one person asked me to play. That one act of kindness changed everything.” These might seem like small stories, but honest stories make empathy real. These stories show kids that kindness isn’t abstract—it’s everyday choices, just like theirs.

A family read-aloud or a shared audiobook on a long PCS road trip can spark big conversations even for teens. Stories become safe spaces to talk about hard topics—bullying, injustice, or even global issues—through the lens of characters, rather than putting kids on the spot.

Book Suggestions by Age Group

Pre-Readers (Ages 3–5)
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña – Celebrates kindness and gratitude in everyday life.
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld – Teaches the value of listening with compassion.
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud – A simple, visual way to show how kindness impacts others.

Early Elementary (Grades K–2)
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson – A playful story about resolving conflict and making friends.
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts – Highlights generosity and putting others first.
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev – Models inclusion and friendship.

Upper Elementary (Grades 3–5)
Wonder by R.J. Palacio – Encourages empathy and belonging.
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo – Explores loneliness, friendship, and kindness.
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper – A powerful look at living with cerebral palsy and being underestimated.

Middle School (Grades 6–8)
Refugee by Alan Gratz – Explores empathy through three refugee children across time.
Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan – Shows resilience and empathy through a quirky protagonist.
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park – Teaches compassion through survival and global awareness.

High School (Grades 9–12)
All-American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely – Dual perspectives on racial injustice and empathy.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – A powerful story of empathy amid war and loss.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds – A sports story layered with themes of empathy and overcoming hardship.

As military parents, we can’t always shield our kids from hard transitions or new challenges. But we can give them the tools to walk into each new situation with empathy, kindness, and courage. Reading together is one of the most powerful ways to do that. So, the next time you open a book—whether it’s a bedtime story for your preschooler, a chapter book for your grade-schooler, or a thought-provoking YA novel with your teen—take a moment to pause, ask questions, and share a piece of your own story. You’ll be surprised how those conversations stay with them long after the book is closed.