EmpathyLab has launched its highly anticipated 2025 Read for Empathy book collection for 3-16-year-olds.

Learning Empathy

Based on scientific research showing that empathy is learnable, and that books are an essential empathy-building tool, the list of 70 expertly selected titles has been curated to inspire young people to learn more about empathy and put it into action. The books encourage young people to jump into someone else’s story through insight and understanding of different life experiences through the eyes of brilliantly created characters. From inspiring empathy for the environment, or understanding different identities and cultures, to characters facing personal challenges and choices (including health and mental health), the collection encompasses a diverse range of themes and voices.

EmpathyLab's Free Resources

Find out more and download the free guides to the collection at empathylab.uk

EmpathyLab’s co-founder and Chair of Judges, Sarah Mears, said, "Reading is a powerful way to build empathy. If we are serious about raising an empathy-educated generation, we believe this carefully chosen collection must play a significant role. It is an incredible toolbox all those living and working with children and young people can use to help them experience the lives and feelings of others, take new perspectives and understand how they can use empathy to make a difference."

#ReadForEmpathy @EmpathyLabUK

For more children's books that teach empathy, check out our LoveReading4Kids' feature 40 Children's Books to Inspire Empathy

Find out more about EmpathyLab's 2024 Read For Empathy collection from last year here