20 Must-Read Children's Books With A Message

A pint-size biography that tackles an American icon and the civil rights movement, with amazing illustrations to boot. Part of the author's inspiring Ordinary People Change The World series, which teaches kids about such game-changers as Amelia Earhart, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and Jackie Robinson.

A young boy journeys through the city on the bus with his nana, learning lessons about the world we live in along the way.

A blue crayon is mistakingly labeled as red, and struggles with issues of identity, self, and fitting in.

A progressive twist on the typical ABC book for kids, teaching them that H stands for "hat" and also "human rights."

A heartwarming read for all children, based on the real life story of transgender kid Jazz Jennings.

Roy and Silo are a penguin couple at The Central Park Zoo who so desperately want to be dads that they attempt to hatch an egg-shaped rock. A zoo-keeper notices their nurturing ways and connects them to an egg that needs a family. A sweet reminder that love - and family - comes in all forms.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's most famous speech is somehow made even more moving and inspirational thanks to Kadir Nelson's incredible illustrations. Bonus: a CD of King's speech comes with the book.

Creative, artistic, imaginative Grace learns her class will be putting on a performance of Peter Pan, and she becomes determined to land the lead role. But her classmates scoff at her dream, saying she can't play the part because she's black and a girl. With some help from her Nana, Grace learns she can do whatever she wants despite what her haters say.

A simple celebration of all the very different kinds of families in the world, from iconic children's author Todd Parr.

The classic tale of a princess who loses everything, including the prince she is destined to marry. She sets off to rescue him in nothing but a paper bag, and defeats the dragon who destroyed her kingdom and stole her man. But instead of expressing his admiration and appreciation, the prince disses her looks and outfit, and so our heroine kicks him to the curb. All hail the queen.

Quietly toss that Paw Patrol coloring book in the closet and hand your kids this gorgeous coloring book celebrating intersectional feminism and women who are changing the world.

The book that we all grew up on has been updated with new illustrations, but the earnest, heartfelt message of compassion for yourself and others remains the same.

The story of two boys, one in India and one in America. Through their connection as pen pals they learn that while their lives across the globe are vastly different, they're also incredibly similar.

The story of one of America's most renown civil rights activists, brought to life by Yuyi Morales' vibrant pictures. In learning about Chavez's life, kids discover that their actions, big and small, can make a difference in our world.

The tale of a fearless young girl who changes her community for the better with the simple act of knitting.

Because feeling weird and strange is the most normal thing a kid can go through.

After losing everything in a fire, a young girl works together with her mom and grandmother, saving coins in a jar to finally purchase a new chair. A tale about money, matriarchy, and the true power of love.

This story of a peaceful bull with zero interest in bullfighting was published over 75 years ago, and yet it still delivers. Why? Because it's sweet message of pacifism is truly timeless.

Jacob is a gender nonconforming kid who gets teased when he shows up to school in dresses. But with the support of his parents, he makes his own outfits and wears them proudly, no matter what the other kids think.

You're guaranteed to weep when you read this to your kids. Something about Miss Rumphius's adventurous, generous quest to make the world more beautiful just hits home with every read.

As Keyana's mom does her hair before bedtime she thinks of all the different hairstyles she can wear, even though some have resulted in teasing at school. As her imagination takes flight so does her self-confidence and pride, in both her hair and her heritage.