Harper Lee’s classic “To Kill a Mockingbird” shows empathy through the eyes of Scout Finch. Scout’s father, Atticus, defends Tom Robinson, a Black man wrongly accused of a serious crime. Scout learns to understand the suffering of others by observing Atticus’ example.
The story reveals how compassion can shape a person’s values and judgment. Lee masterfully weaves lessons about kindness and tolerance. The novel urges the reader to see the humanity in everyone, even when prejudice and ignorance threaten to obscure it.
“Wonder” by R. J. Palacio tells us Auggie’s story, a young boy with a facial deformity who attends school for the first time. Auggie longs to fit in but knows he appears different.
As other characters’ viewpoints shift, the readers experience different perspectives, learning how empathy connects people. Palacio beautifully captures how genuine kindness can defeat bullying and isolation, reminding readers that everyone’s story matters.
“Wonder” gently encourages us to reach beyond assumptions to see real human feelings.
“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak offers a unique narrative voice—Death itself. Liesel, a young girl in Nazi Germany, finds solace by stealing books and sharing their comfort with those near her, such as the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
Zusak’s portrayal of tough circumstances and powerful friendships allows readers to feel empathy for characters living through war and loss. The novel demonstrates how reading and storytelling create understanding, compassion, and emotional connections even amid turmoil.
Daniel Keyes’ “Flowers for Algernon” introduces Charlie Gordon, who, after surgery, transforms from intellectually disabled into a genius. Through Charlie’s journal entries, readers experience his emotional growth and pain as he changes.
This story invites readers to consider differences and disabilities in new ways, offering insight into human dignity and the challenges people face in social situations.
Keyes’ novel illustrates the importance of compassion and understanding towards people facing extraordinary circumstances.
Emma Donoghue’s “Room” tells the harrowing tale of five-year-old Jack and his mother, held captive in a small room. Jack’s innocent perspective guides readers, revealing his understanding of a world limited by four walls.
Through Jack’s eyes, readers grasp the emotional strength and resilience his mother displays as she shields and cares for him.
The story offers an empathetic glimpse into the unimaginable trials they undergo, exploring the unconditional love and powerful bonds built from affection and sacrifice.
Mark Haddon’s “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is narrated by Christopher Boone, a teenager on the autism spectrum. Christopher struggles to understand social interactions and people’s emotions.
The mystery he’s eager to solve about a neighborhood dog reveals deeper mysteries about his own life. Christopher’s straightforward voice invites readers inside his worldview, creating empathy through precise descriptions of his thoughts and feelings.
This revealing look into Christopher’s experiences challenges readers to be understanding of those whose minds work differently.
Kazuo Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go” explores empathy through the sheltered lives of three friends growing up in an English boarding school. Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy slowly discover unsettling truths about their existence.
Through their evolving awareness, particularly Kathy’s reflective narration, Ishiguro forces readers to consider how society values and treats human lives.
This novel poignantly examines themes of compassion, acceptance, and the boundaries we place between ourselves and others, urging readers to understand and respect human dignity.
In Toni Morrison’s powerful work “Beloved,” empathy arises from the haunting experiences of Sethe, a former slave with painful memories she cannot shake. Sethe’s journey back to freedom includes confronting painful decisions and scars left by her trauma.
Morrison constructs this compelling novel about empathy by exploring how the past continually shapes present identities, relationships, and emotional well-being.
Readers are connected deeply to Sethe’s story, sharing in the grief and healing portrayed sensitively and beautifully.
“The Kite Runner,” Khaled Hosseini’s emotional story, shows the bond between Amir and Hassan in Afghanistan. Amir struggles with guilt after betraying his loyal childhood friend.
Hosseini skillfully places readers in Amir’s shoes, as he confronts regrets and tries to make amends with his past. Readers feel empathy for characters dealing with difficult emotions, while also becoming aware of another culture’s complexities and struggles.
The novel emphasizes forgiveness, redemption, and the genuine power of emotional connections.
Lois Lowry’s “The Giver” presents young Jonas in a seemingly perfect community, tightly controlled and free from pain. When Jonas is chosen as the Receiver, he uncovers memories of real emotions, struggles, and love previously unknown to him.
Jonas finds empathy for others by experiencing their joys and sorrows firsthand, particularly through the poignant memories shared by The Giver.
Lowry reveals that to fully understand humanity involves embracing both pleasure and pain, demonstrating empathy’s necessity for connection and compassion.
Jonathan Safran Foer’s “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” introduces readers to Oskar Schell, a boy dealing with the tragedy of losing his father in the September 11th attacks. Oskar embarks on an emotional journey around New York searching for closure.
Foer uses Oskar’s voice along with other narrations to illustrate the complexity of grief and emotional displacement. The novel delivers heartfelt lessons about understanding people’s actions and feelings, invoking deep empathy towards characters managing profound personal loss.
Fredrik Backman’s “A Man Called Ove” introduces readers to a curmudgeonly protagonist. Ove dismisses people, appears grumpy, and sticks stubbornly to his routines.
Yet, through interactions with new neighbors and cats who won’t stay away, readers witness his warmth and vulnerability underneath the tough exterior. As readers learn more about Ove’s past, empathy flows naturally towards his struggles and pain.
This novel gently reveals how understanding others’ stories can create deep connections that change our perceptions and judgments.
“Klara and the Sun,” another standout from Kazuo Ishiguro, follows Klara, a charming Artificial Friend designed to observe and help humans. Klara patiently watches and learns human behavior, especially focused on the lonely girl she cares for.
Ishiguro explores human emotions through Klara’s curious, careful view.
Readers empathize deeply with Klara’s earnest attempts at understanding love, grief, and companionship from her artificial yet compassionate perspective, posing thoughtful questions about where empathy comes from and who experiences it.
T. J. Klune’s “The House in the Cerulean Sea” explores empathy through the curious assignment of case worker Linus Baker. Linus observes and evaluates orphanages caring for magical creatures.
As he reaches the titular orphanage, he soon discovers children who are different but lovely. Klune offers readers heartfelt glimpses into characters’ hearts, revealing empathy in small exchanges and big actions.
The story lovingly celebrates acceptance, understanding differences, and appreciating the beautiful quirks within each being.
Jodi Picoult’s “Small Great Things” centers on Ruth Jefferson, a Black nurse unjustly accused after a tragedy involving a white supremacist couple’s newborn.
Picoult explores multiple perspectives, creating empathy for characters facing conflicting beliefs, biases, and misunderstandings. Readers grapple with complex emotions alongside the characters, challenged to confront racism and inequality through Ruth’s personal experience.
This novel carefully examines empathy as an entryway to social awareness, compassion, and ultimately, change.