Bookstaken
Bookstaken
JourneyBook RecommendationsPricing
Become a Bookbuddy
JourneyBook Recommendations
Free Trial
Back
Cover of Each Kindness

Age rating and parents' guide:Each Kindness

by Jacqueline Woodson

Ages 6–11

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson is best for children aged 6–11. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: No tidy happy ending (by design).

Chloe and her friends repeatedly shut out Maya, a new girl at school whose clothes are worn and who plays alone. Each time Maya tries to join in, she is met with cold stares and laughter. When Maya suddenly stops coming to school, their teacher gives a lesson showing how every small act of kindness sends ripples out into the world. Chloe is left reflecting on missed chances. It is a quiet, deeply moving picture book that helps children think about empathy, exclusion, and how their everyday choices affect others.

Get this bookFind books for my child

Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
None
Scary moments
None
Romance
None
Bad language
None

Worth knowing: No tidy happy ending (by design)

Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Early chapter book
  • ★Easy to get into from the first page
  • ★Plenty of illustrations
  • ★Emotionally light

Great for kids who like

  • Realistic Fiction (School & Friendships)
  • School life
  • Friendship

Reading mood

  • Warm & gentle

Good to talk about

  • Friendship
  • Emotions & empathy

Books like Each Kindness

Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

  • Cover of Clementine

    Ages 6–8

    Clementine

    by Sara Pennypacker

    Eight-year-old Clementine has a heart of gold and an exuberant imagination, but she often finds herself in trouble for paying attention to the wrong things. When she tries to help her best friend Margaret after a bad haircut incident, things quickly spiral into a week of comical mishaps. Warm, funny, and deeply relatable, this story captures the dizzying logic of childhood and the security of a loving family who understand Clementine just as she is.

    Know moreGet book
  • Cover of The Hundred Dresses

    Ages 9–11

    The Hundred Dresses

    by Eleanor Estes

    Wanda Petronski is a quiet Polish girl who wears the same faded blue dress to school every day, yet insists she has one hundred beautiful dresses lined up in her closet. Her classmates tease her relentlessly, while bystander Maddie watches on with a troubled conscience. When Wanda abruptly moves away, the children are confronted with the hurt their thoughtless game caused. This gentle, poignant classic offers a timeless look at empathy, remorse, and the courage it takes to speak up for others.

    Know moreGet book
  • Cover of The Boy at the Back of the Class

    Ages 9–14

    The Boy at the Back of the Class

    by Onjali Q. Rauf

    When nine-year-old Ahmet arrives in their classroom, an empty seat at the back is finally filled. He does not speak English and rarely smiles, but a determined group of classmates soon discovers that he is a refugee who fled war in Syria and became separated from his family. Deciding to be his friends, the children hatch a bold plan to help reunite him with his parents. Told with warmth, humour, and innocence, this uplifting story gives young readers an accessible look at empathy, friendship, and the refugee crisis.

    Know moreGet book
  • Cover of Jada Jones

    Ages 6–8

    Jada Jones

    by Kelly Starling Lyons

    Jada Jones is an energetic, science-loving girl who faces the everyday ups and downs of elementary school. When her best friend moves away, Jada feels lonely, but a class project on rocks and minerals gives her a chance to explore her passions and connect with potential new friends. Written in an accessible chapter-book style with illustrations, it offers an encouraging, relatable story that newly independent readers will easily connect with.

    Know moreGet book
  • Cover of Wonder

    Ages 9–14

    Wonder

    by R.J. Palacio

    Ten-year-old August Pullman was born with severe facial differences that kept him out of mainstream school—until now. Entering fifth grade at Beecher Prep, Auggie wants nothing more than to be treated like an ordinary kid, but his new classmates struggle to look past his appearance. Told from multiple perspectives, this heartfelt and often funny story follows Auggie, his friends, and his family as they navigate empathy, hardship, and acceptance. Young readers connect deeply with its honest characters and memorable message about choosing kindness.

    Know moreGet book
  • Cover of The Name Jar

    Ages 6–8

    The Name Jar

    by Yangsook Choi

    Having just moved from Korea to America, young Unhei is nervous that no one at her new school will be able to pronounce her name. Instead of introducing herself, she tells her class she will choose an American name by the end of the week. Her supportive classmates try to help by filling a glass jar with suggestions. This gentle, heartfelt picture book explores identity, belonging, and cultural pride, encouraging children to celebrate who they are and learn about one another.

    Know moreGet book

Is this the right book for your child?

Tell us your child's age, what they are into, how they feel about reading and anything to avoid. Bookstaken's free quiz picks seven books matched to them from 300+ children's books.

A good book is the start. A mentor makes it stick.

In a free 1:1 session, a trained Bookstaken mentor reads with your child, asks what they think and helps the reading habit last.

Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Each Kindness for?
Each Kindness suits children aged 6–11. It is an early chapter book: easy to get into from the first page, plenty of illustrations.
Q: Is Each Kindness appropriate for a 6 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 6–11. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing before reading: No tidy happy ending (by design).
Q: What should my child read after Each Kindness?
Try Clementine, The Hundred Dresses and The Boy at the Back of the Class. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
Bookstaken Logo

We are building the generation that reads the fine print, questions the narrative, and writes their own future. One chapter at a time.

The Path

  • The Curriculum
  • Outcomes
  • Meet the Mentors
  • Online Reading Tutor
  • Reading Comprehension Classes
  • Creative Writing Classes
  • Reading Tutor from India
  • Reading Tutor Cost Guide
  • Best Online Reading Programs
  • Blogs
  • Success Stories
  • Pricing & Plans
  • Experience

Book Lists

  • Free Book Recommendations
  • Parents' Guides A–Z
  • Indian Books for Kids
  • Books for Reluctant Readers
  • Sudha Murty Books

The Club

  • About the Founders
  • Become a BookbuddyBecome a Bookbuddy
  • Join Parent Community

Here for You

  • Talk to a Founder
  • Parents' Guide
  • Contact Us

Privacy and Terms

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Happiness Guarantee (Refund Policy)
  • Cookie Policy

#Made with for kids

© 2026 Bookstaken Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Designed by Jaswanth NalluriJaswanth Nalluri

Bookstaken