We’ve all heard that sharing is caring. But somewhere along the way, it gets kinda tricky.
Sometimes, giving what is yours just doesn’t feel fair. After doing all those chores at home, you’ve earned your money and all you wanna do is buy yourself a new toy. But if you give some of it out, you won’t have enough for the science kit you’ve been wanting.
Other times, you don’t really know the best way to share with those in need. It’s tough to decide which is most urgent between fighting hunger, helping animals, and saving the environment; it’s tough to decide which is most urgent!
The important thing to remember about giving is that there’s always more to go around. By using some of your earnings to buy food for the needy, you won’t run out of money. Your act of kindness will spread joy and motivate you to work harder to help another cause that matters to you.
Ready for some sharing inspiration? These are our all-time favorite kids books about giving. Check them out and when you’re done reading them, consider passing them on to a friend. This can encourage others around you to also help others and create a bigger impact in the world!
For Kids 5 to 8
You and Me and Home Sweet Home – Ever driven around town and noticed people who don’t have a home? What if you and your neighbors could get together to build a home for a family just like yours? That’s exactly what Habitat for Humanity does in local communities across the United States and many countries around the world. And in this book, you can learn how to be part of this movement that changes lives.
Why we love this book:
- Great for kids who love to build
- Shows how important it is to get together to help others
- Beautiful illustrations
Sophie’s Lovely Locks – Sometimes what seems like an annoyance – like hair that gets tangled and is difficult to brush – can be a blessing for others. When Sophie’s beautiful hair starts getting unruly, she realizes that cutting and donating it to children who don’t have hair is the right thing to do. And just like hair grows back, this book shows that you always get more in return when you share with others.
Why we love this book:
- Two smiles are better than one
- Lovely example on how to practice compassion
- Perfect example of how not all donations need to be money
Malina’s Jam – What happens when you enjoy sharing so much that you’re left with nothing for yourself? You get to enjoy the generosity of others! In this book, Malina has more raspberry jam than she could eat and accidentally gives it all away to her neighbors. Now what? It’s her community’s turn to share their favorite snacks with Malina!
Why we love this book:
- Sweet story with a happy ending
- Shows the power of generosity
- Includes a recipe for you to make and share your very own jam
The Giving Tree – If you don’t have this classic in your bookshelf, you need to add it now. It’s the type of book that you can read at any age, with your parents, or on your own. And every time you read it, you might discover a new message behind the story.
Why we love this book:
- Teaches to give without expecting anything in return
- Strong message about gratitude and appreciation
- Why you should give back when you receive
A Chair for My Mother – We often save to buy things for ourselves. But what happens when you save up to help someone else? After a fire destroys their home, a young girl saves money to buy a chair for her mother to rest after working all day to rebuild their home.
Why we love this book:
- Explains the power of working together
- Inspires kids to find joy in making someone else happy
- Encourages readers to not to give up, even after something bad happens
For Kids 8 and Up
Start Now! You Can Make a Difference – Wondering how you can change the world? The secret is to start now! With tons of ideas and tips for young activists, the possibilities are endless. All you have to do is pick a project that excites you and get started.
Why we love this book:
- No problem is too small or too big for kids to tackle
- Cool drawings and awesome pics
- Includes real-life stories of kids who make a difference
The Giving Book – Filled with activities and stories, this book is also a journal that invites you to write your own ideas and dreams on changing the world. If you want to make a difference, just look inside yourself and figure out what skills you have that can benefit others.
Why we love this book:
- Fun, hands-on scrapbook format
- Sparks creative thinking
- Great for group projects
One Hen – When it comes to helping, a little bit can go a long way. For Kojo, a boy from Ghana, it all started with a hen that he bought after his father passed away. Within a year, this investment turned into a flock of 25 hens that helped Kojo support his family and return to school.
Why we love this book:
- Inspired by a true story
- Explains the power of micro-lending
- Shows kids that they can make an impact in many parts of the world
King Flashypants and the Evil Emperor – Who says giving can’t be funny to read about? In this hilarious book, you’ll LOL while kind King Edwin outsmarts the mean Emperor Nurbison. In this adventure, the king will have to be clever and brave if he wants to continue sharing yummy treats with his people.
Why we love this book:
- Silly and thrilling
- Fun spin on the power of sharing
- Who doesn’t love chocolate and snappy crocodiles?
Warren & Dragon Volcano Deluxe – Fundraising with his sister is super fun until Warren realizes he’s not raising money to buy a new volcano deluxe set. She wants to raise funds for charity! Will Warren agree to send all the donations to the local children’s hospital, or will he choose to keep the money for himself?
Why we love this book:
- Funny and clever story
- Offers great ideas for kids to raise money
- Classic chapter book for big kids
If you love reading or know someone who does, these books are a fun way to learn all about sharing and why it’s so important! They’re full of ideas for kids who want to find organizations near them or even start their own!
Remember to check often, because we love adding new recommendations to our list and our main money books for kids library. And if you’re interested in games about sharing, take a look at our suggestions. We’ve got the most fun games for kids who are all about helping others. And be sure to read our main guide on sharing your money for kids!
