Picture Books for Life’s Tough TopicsLike this list

14 items

• The Enemy

  a Book About Peace

  Calì, Davide

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  A thought-provoking story about two soldiers taught to fear each other, highlighting the futility of war and the humanity that exists beyond conflict.

• Papa and Pearl

  a Tale About Divorce, New Beginnings, and Love That Never Changes

  Clayton, Annette M.

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  Explores a fresh perspective on divorce, focusing on the strength of the father-daughter relationship, not the divorce itself.

• Home for Margaret

  Davy, Denise

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  A sensitive portrayal of a person experiencing homelessness, as seen through the eyes of a child. "Canadian journalist Davy offers a frank, age-appropriate introduction to housing insecurity, broaching complex systemic realities with digestible…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Race Cars

  a Children's Book About White Privilege

  Devenny, Jenny

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  Uses a story about two race cars, one Black, one White, to explain how systemic advantages affect outcomes, introducing the concept of white privilege in an age-appropriate way.

• Don't Hug Doug (he Doesn't Like It)

  Finison, Carrie

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  A fun, clear story about bodily autonomy and consent, showing that it’s okay to set boundaries, even with hugs.

• We Move Together

  Fritsch, Kelly

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  Celebrates disability justice, community care, and accessibility, showing how people of all abilities can work together to create inclusive spaces.

• Red

  a Crayon's Story

  Hall, Michael

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  A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as red struggles to fit in until he embraces his true self, celebrating identity and self-acceptance.

• The Invisible String

  Karst, Patrice

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  Reassures children facing separation anxiety or loss, like a thunderstorm or a loved one's death, by helping them understand that this connection is real, unseeable, but always felt, promoting emotional resilience and a sense of belonging.

• Ruby Finds a Worry

  Percival, Tom

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  Explores how anxiety can grow when kept inside, and shows the importance of talking about worries to feel better.

• When We Were Alone

  Robertson, David A.

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  A gentle, poignant story introducing children to the history of residential schools in Canada, through a conversation between a young girl and her grandmother.

• The Together Tree

  Saeed, Aisha

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  When a new boy is bullied for being different, one classmate’s kindness helps grow a sense of belonging and community, showing the power of standing up for others.

• Is It Asleep?

  Tallec, Olivier

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  The book explores the difficult abstract topics of death, grieving, and the cycle of life through the eyes of the characters, who initially believe the bird is only sleeping.

• The Orange Shirt Story

  Webstad, Phyllis

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  Tells the true story behind Orange Shirt Day, highlighting the impact of residential schools and the importance of remembering and honoring survivors.

• Two Homes, One Heart

  Young, Jessica

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  A child adjusts to her parents’ separation, learning that though family life now includes two different homes, love remains constant, and change can bring new experiences.