Blogs The season of gratitude is upon us once more. Leaves are changing colors and beginning their yearly descent, while the air takes on a crisp chill—or, for those in warmer parts of the country, it may only dip to a “chilly” 75 degrees. Though the season changes differently for everyone, one thing unites us: gratitude.
These final months of the year invite us to reflect and give thanks for the friends, family, and experiences that make life rich. But gratitude isn’t limited to just one season. It’s a lesson we can share with our students, helping them carry this mindset into the new year.
So, as colder days invite us to curl up with a good book, we’ve rounded up titles for every age—from PreK to high school—that spark joy and remind us to appreciate the small things in life. While not every book here is set in autumn, each one centers on themes of gratitude, perfectly timed for the holiday season.
Picture Books About Gratitude (Grades PreK-2)
Gratitude is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego
Little Betsy discovers that happiness comes from life’s simple joys, both big and small. Guided by her magic stone, she begins to feel grateful for her parents, friends, and toys. But when Betsy forgets to use the stone’s magic, she learns an important lesson: the true power of gratitude has been within her heart all along.
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts
Jeremy longs for a pair of those shoes—the kind everyone at school seems to have. Although his grandma reminds him they can only afford what he “needs,” not “wants,” Jeremy becomes even more determined when his old shoes fall apart. He finally finds a thrift-store pair, but they’re much too small, leaving him with sore feet. Over time, though, Jeremy realizes that what he already has—warm boots, a caring grandma, and an opportunity to help a friend—means more than the shoes he wants.
Apple Cake by Dawn Casey
This book makes a wonderful read-aloud for early elementary grades. It tells the story of a little girl gathering ingredients to make a special apple cake, giving thanks to the cows, chickens, and everyone who helps along the way. Best of all, the book includes the recipe for apple cake! Expand this story into a full lesson by exploring gratitude themes and sharing an apple cake with the entire class.
The Gratitude Jar by Katrina Liu and Bella Ansori
In this book, Mina discovers that comparing what she has to others only leads to disappointment. When she starts keeping a gratitude jar, her perspective shifts as she learns to appreciate life’s simple joys. Read this together as a class or family, and start your own gratitude jar to practice the themes shared in this story.
Children’s Books About Gratitude (Grades 3-5)
Grateful Being Me by Deena Kong
Rosila embarks on a new adventure in America, navigating a new school, unfamiliar classmates, and speaking English for the first time. Facing curious looks about her unique vocabulary, ethnic foods, and her puffy coat, she learns to embrace her differences. Through her journey, Rosila discovers gratitude for her heritage and the courage to love herself just as she is.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell
In this award-winning picture book, best-selling Cherokee author Traci Sorell shares a year in the life of the Cherokee community, where each season brings its own blessings and challenges. Through the word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah), meaning “gratitude,” students are introduced to contemporary Indigenous experiences that celebrate the rhythms of the Cherokee year. Complete with a glossary and the Cherokee syllabary, this beautifully crafted story offers a universal message of appreciation.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
When young Mary Lennox loses her parents, she is sent to live with her reclusive uncle at the mysterious Misselthwaite Manor. Consumed by bitterness, her life begins to change when she discovers a hidden key to a secret garden filled with beauty and mystery. As Mary tends to the garden with her spirited maid Martha, her kind-hearted brother Dickon, and her fragile cousin Colin, she experiences the healing power of nature and friendship. The Secret Garden is a classic tale of transformation, inviting readers into a world of beauty, self-discovery, and the power of gratitude.
The Other Half of Happy by Rebecca Balcárcel
This beautifully written novel follows Quijana, a girl navigating the complexities of her identity. As she grapples with her biracial heritage, evolving friendships, and family dynamics, Quijana learns which parts of herself are most important and what it means to belong. With themes of gratitude and self-discovery, this heartfelt, lyrical debut by Rebecca Balcárcel resonates with anyone who has experienced growing pains.
Chapter Books About Gratitude (Grades 6-8)
Pay It Forward (Young Readers Edition) by Catherine Ryan Hyde
This moving and uplifting novel follows twelve-year-old Trevor McKinney, who takes on his teacher’s challenge to change the world. His simple yet powerful idea is to do a good deed for three people and ask them to “pay it forward” to three others, igniting a vast movement of kindness and gratitude in his small California town.
Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Willow Chance is a twelve-year-old genius with a passion for nature and an ability to diagnose medical conditions, finding comfort in counting by sevens. Her quiet happiness is shattered when her adoptive parents die in a car crash, leaving her alone in a bewildering world. However, the triumph of this story lies in Willow’s resilience; rather than becoming a tragedy, her journey to form a diverse and loving surrogate family reveals the power of gratitude, connection, and the human spirit as she navigates her grief.
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
In this captivating novel, two children, Ben and Rose, each seek what is missing from their lives: Ben longs to know his father, while Rose dreams of a mysterious actress she chronicles in a scrapbook. Their journeys, set fifty years apart, intertwine through a unique blend of words and pictures, revealing the profound impact of connection and belonging. Ultimately, this beautifully illustrated story highlights themes of gratitude as both characters discover the importance of appreciating the relationships and experiences that shape their lives.
Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
At Snow Hill School, seven fifth graders find themselves in Mr. Terupt’s class, each struggling with their own challenges. Despite their differences, Mr. Terupt inspires them to uncover their inner strength and support one another. After a tragic accident leaves their teacher in peril, the students must reflect on his lessons of resilience and gratitude, determining whether they can continue to grow together or fall back into their old ways.
Young Adult Books About Gratitude (Grades 9-12+)
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Aza Holmes never planned to investigate the disappearance of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but with a $100,000 reward on the line and her adventurous friend Daisy at her side, she finds herself drawn into the quest. As they venture to connect with Pickett’s son, Davis, Aza juggles the pressures of being a good daughter, friend, and student while grappling with her own spiraling thoughts. Amidst the chaos, Aza learns the importance of gratitude for the support of those who care about her and the bonds that can help her navigate life’s challenges.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
In a magical library that holds infinite books, each representing a different version of reality, Nora Seed is given the chance to explore the lives she could have lived had she made different choices. As she navigates this enchanting realm, she grapples with her regrets and desires, weighing the potential of new careers and relationships against the life she currently leads. Ultimately, Nora’s journey through the Midnight Library leads her to a profound appreciation for her own existence and the importance of gratitude for the life she has, discovering what truly makes life worth living.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Greg Gaines has mastered the art of navigating high school by staying on the fringes and keeping a low profile—until his mother forces him to befriend a girl with cancer. What starts as an unwelcome obligation soon transforms Greg’s perspective on friendship, life, and loss, leading him to confront his fears and insecurities in profound ways. This fiercely funny and heartbreakingly honest novel explores the unexpected connections that can emerge in challenging circumstances, ultimately highlighting the importance of gratitude for the moments and relationships that shape our lives.
Everything is OK by Debbie Tung
Debbie Tung shares her heartfelt journey through anxiety and depression, illuminating the challenges of overthinking and feeling hopeless. Through her graphic memoir, she explores the importance of mental health, self-love, and embracing both the highs and lows of life while cultivating gratitude for the small moments of joy. With comforting messages for those facing similar struggles, she encourages readers to practice kindness towards themselves and recognize that vulnerability is a strength, reminding us that even amidst dark clouds, hope and healing are possible.
Gratitude Journal for Teens by Scarlet Paolicchi
While reading titles with gratitude themes can kickstart students’ journeys, the most effective way to harness the power of gratitude is through daily practice. This colorful gratitude journal, with prompts designed to encourage reflection, helps high school students record what they are grateful for each day, from the small joys to the bigger aspects of life. By fostering a habit of gratitude, students can cultivate resilience and positivity, manage negative thoughts, and enhance their overall well-being, ultimately taking these valuable skills with them beyond the classroom.
The books highlighted here offer valuable lessons about appreciating the small things in life and recognizing the connections that shape us. By introducing our students to these narratives, we can inspire them to cultivate a lasting sense of gratitude that will carry them into the new year.
