Kids are full of untapped energy, creativity, and determination. If we can harness that power, we can help them to change the world. Today I gathered this list of new children’s books to inspire kids to make a difference and harness the power and determination inside of them.

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Three Cheers for Kid McGear!

Written by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Ag Ford

In this addition to the Construction Site series, a little skid steer named Kid McGear has joined the beloved construction crew. She may be tiny, but she is eager to help the other trucks to get the job done. The other vehicles aren’t sure that she will be able to help with her small size,  but when they all find themselves in trouble, Kid McGear may just have the skills needed to save the day. This sweet rhyming story holds an important lesson about tapping in to the potential in even the smallest among us, while the illustrations of the family of trucks will delight young readers.

Related Post: Construction Books for Kids!

A Boy Like You

Written by Frank Murphy and illustrated by Kayla Harren

This inspirational story is perfect for the little boy in your life. In a world that keeps throwing confusing stereotypes and expectations at young boys, this book reminds them to be true to themselves. Whether they enjoy sports or they prefer baking or gardening, there is power in everything that they choose to do. The text shares important reminders to be kind and be fair, while also explaining that it’s okay to be afraid and to cry. So many of the lessons included in this book can be applied to all children (and even adults as well). There are lots of actionable tips, such as holding the door for people or greeting everyone with a smile, that we could all use a little more of.

Unstoppable Me

Written by Susan Verde and illustrated by Andrew Joyner

Everyone knows someone who is always in motion. This book is a tribute to kids who are always on the go. Sometimes these kids that are full of boundless energy are treated as “too much”. However, the author decided to look at this energy from another perspective, and instead celebrate all of the amazing things that it can lead to. The kid in the story flies out of bed in the morning and is go, go, going all day long. His parents struggle to keep up with him as he zips and zooms around. But all of that energy allows him to create, explore, and do all kinds of fun things. By embracing this constant energy, the book allows active kids to see their unique energy as a positive thing!

I Am Love: A Book of Compassion

Written by Susan Verde and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

This beautiful book follows a young girl who wants to help others clear away the gray skies during difficult times. She realizes that her kindness and compassion can make a difference. The text outlines the many ways that she can spread kindness, as well as various definitions of love. The illustrations accompanying the text are full of soothing images. The back of the book includes information on heart opening yoga poses and heart meditation. This is a great book for showing kids how they can make a difference with acts of kindness, and use their strengths to change the world.

Check out the activities that we paired with this activity here!

Together We Can!

Written by Caryl Hart and illustrated by Ali Pye

This ode to friendship and teamwork celebrates all of the wonderful things that friends can do together. The peppy rhyming text shares all of the ways that friends can be different from us, but celebrates the idea that no matter how different we are, we can all be friends. The illustrations are bursting with diverse groups of children participating in fun adventures with their friends. The repeating refrain throughout the book reminds the reader that together we can do anything. The small acts of kindness and suggestions for making friends sprinkled through the book, make it easy for kids to see that they can make a difference in someone’s life every day.

Get Up, Stand Up

Adapted by Cedella Marley and illustrated by John Jay Cabuay

This illustrated adaptation of the Bob Marley song pairs the poetic lyrics with bright and colorful illustrations to teach kids about the importance of standing up for themselves, for others, and for what is right. The text flows from one page to the next, with lots of easy rhymes, and a repeated refrain that just begs to be shouted out loud. The vibrant illustrations feature a diverse cast of children learning to get along and stand up for what is right. The author’s note at the end shares the inspiration behind turning the song into a children’s book, and the lessons that she hopes her children, and the children reading the book, will take with them.

What are your favorite books to inspire kids to make a difference? Share in the comments below!

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