Here at Cardinal Rule Press, we know how important it is to be an ally, though teaching others, especially children, can sometimes be hard or confusing. Leading with empathy and kindness are skills best learned through recognition and understanding, and it’s easy to miss opportunities to point out other’s actions, missing opportunities to model positive behavior. Therefore, we’ve taken the time to highlight some of our favorite books that highlight some superb allyship and demonstrate its importance in valuing and supporting others.

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K.Ali, with art by Hatem Aly

Muhammad’s 2019 book, following two sister’s first day of school, is a great place to start learning how to empathize! Our main character Faizah gives us a first-hand look at the emotionality of seeing someone else mistreated, especially a family member. When her sister, Asiya, gets made fun of for wearing her hijab for the first time, Faizah worries that her sister will feel hurt, although she finds the courage to push through and show off how gorgeous her culture can be! This story from an Olympic medalist and social activist works hard to show that people’s actions affect more than one person, although courage can supersede any insult - after all, you can’t carry around other people’s hurtful words, they belong only to those saying them.

When Aidan Became A Brother by Kyle Lukoff and Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

This important story, about the reality of the transgender experience in children, pushes back against traditional conceptions of gender and helps the reader to understand that love is the most important part of being a parent, friend, or ally. In building a two-pronged practice of empathy, Lukoff first demonstrates how Aidan comes to understand his gender, showing how he explored until he found what was exactly right for him. Then, we are treated to a transformation as Aidan learns how he can help his soon-to-be sibling feel included and comfortable right away, breaking down any binaries that previously stood in the way. This cheerful narrative of discovery is perfect for learning to show kindness to both yourself and others!

Like That Eleanor by Lee Wind, Illustrated by Kelly Mangan

CRP’s most recent release, “Like That Eleanor” exemplifies the way we can learn from the past and implement that learning in the future, helping others to feel included! Eleanor knows that her non-binary classmate Star is having a hard time subscribing to the binary world they inhabit. However, through an important discovery of her namesake Eleanor Roosevelt’s activism of the past, she finds the courage to stand up for inclusion, making everyone more comfortable. Lee Wind’s genius narrative makes sure that readers walk away understanding the seven important functions of an ally: noticing, asking, listening, helping, speaking with, gathering, and befriending.

Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh

This narrative of the true story of Sylvia Mendez’s family’s fight for desegregation plays an important role in teaching the different forms of racism that have occurred in the past and spotlights the strength required to fight through it. Readers learn of the family’s lawsuit with the California school system to include all races in them, as we learn how the hatred imposed on her kept Sylvia from expressing or even introducing herself. Tonatiuh points out the bigotry, whether explicit or implicit, keeping some people from learning and succeeding like everyone else based purely on skin tone and their associated conceptions. With important takeaways, like how “segregation creates an aura of inferiority” among those pushed out, this piece is crucial in teaching acceptance and understanding at a young age, especially when it comes from a united group.

The YOU Kind of KIND by Nina West

This colorful and engaging book is perhaps the most important in learning to highlight and value empathy, as readers follow Nina and her travels through town pointing out acts of kindness and model behavior. With a strong focus on the impact of other’s feelings and engagement tactics like made-up words (Wuzztastic and Yowwee being particular stand-outs) and direct questions to the reader, West’s book compiles all of the important traits of a kind ally - asking you to consider how you’re performing these actions in your daily life.

These recommendations are just the beginning of the wide range of books promoting allyship, so get out there and start exploring the ways you can be kind and considerate to all!

Logan May is a senior at Bowling Green State University, studying English while double minoring in marketing and writing. In his free time, he can be found reading or performing on stage, promoting his passions on and off the page.