Books that build understanding

Theo loves Halloween, but having a serious food allergy makes trick-or-treating feel a little scary. With the help of his friends Ava and Malik, his mom, and the caring neighbors of Maple Street, Theo discovers that Halloween can be both safe and exciting. Soon, teal pumpkins begin appearing throughout the neighborhood, letting families know that nonfood treasures are available. A heartwarming story celebrating empathy, friendship, and inclusion — because every child deserves to join the fun.

After Mason takes a tumble from his scooter, he learns that caring for a wound involves more than simply putting on a bandage. With help from his mom and guidance from the healthcare team, Mason discovers how clean hands, disposable gloves, fresh dressings, nutritious foods, and careful bathing can help his body heal. Written in gentle, child-friendly rhyme, this educational story introduces young readers to important wound-care lessons in a warm and encouraging way.

When Elena accompanies her beloved Abuelo to his wound-care appointments, she learns how nurses, surgeons, and hyperbaric oxygen technicians work together to help his leg heal. Through dressing changes, treatments, surgery, and recovery at home, Elena stays close by Abuelo's side — holding his hand, calming his worries, and cheering him on. A gentle, family-centered story celebrating courage, empathy, teamwork, and the special bond between a granddaughter and her grandfather.

A warm and reassuring story about a young girl named Paige who has asthma. Through her everyday adventures, Paige shows children that having asthma doesn't slow her down — it just means she takes a few extra steps to stay healthy and safe. A perfect book for helping children understand asthma with confidence and compassion.

A gentle and meaningful children's story about Tourette's syndrome, friendship, and learning to understand others. From the classroom to the cafeteria, the playground, and the school bus, Tauren experiences moments when his body makes movements or sounds he cannot always control. As classmates begin to notice, they learn an important lesson: everyone has something that makes them unique, and kindness can make a big difference.

Addison is a lively, big-hearted girl who loves swinging high on the playground and getting messy in art class. She also happens to have diabetes. That means she keeps snacks tucked in her backpack, monitors her blood sugar several times a day, and sometimes has to pause a game (even when she's having the most fun!). Through her kindness and courage, Addison shows her classmates that she's just like them — only with a few extra steps in her day. This warm, joyful story celebrates friendship, bravery, and the little moments that make life sweet.

Based on a true story. Step into the life of a young boy named London who has Autism. Experience life from his perspective as he navigates school, where teachers and classmates may sometimes wonder about his actions or behavior. There are discussion questions at the book end for parents to ask their children, teachers to ask their classroom children and teachers to reflect for themselves.