10 Inspiring Books That Teach Courage and Kindness

Discover Courage and Kindness Through Literature

At times, it can be challenging to avoid feelings of helplessness or anger, and even more difficult to maintain optimism about the future. Fortunately, there are books that can help us escape reality and instill hope. Here are 10 inspiring books that teach you to be brave, strong, and kind, no matter what.

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

We do not choose our times. We can only decide how to live in the times we are given. Like hobbits, we are ordinary people who prefer the comfort of home, the certainty of daily routines, and other normal things. When the world calls upon us to rise and fight evil, the heroes understandably worry if they are good enough. An ordinary person cannot hope to do something extraordinary one day. But the hobbits were wrong: time and again, they face evil and prove that as long as you are brave, your spirit is strong, and a warm meal awaits you.

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

People are not either bad or noble. They are like a signature salad—good and bad, tasty and distasteful, all chopped and mixed together, resulting in confusion and discord. If you haven’t watched the Netflix adaptation of this book with Neil Patrick Harris, you’ve missed out. The convoluted story follows the Baudelaire children as they come to terms with the loss of their parents. The heroes must deal with the murderous intentions of Count Olaf, who becomes their guardian. As the title suggests, this is not a happy story, and throughout the 13-book series, the main characters constantly struggle with a stream of problems and tragedies. Nevertheless, the heroes do not lose hope, relying on humor, love, and support for each other. They successfully build a relationship with their wicked guardian.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing. The novel’s events take place during the Great Depression in America and tell the story of a young girl nicknamed Scout, whose attorney father defends a black man falsely accused of a crime. Scout demonstrates everyday heroism that often goes unnoticed. Her father’s moral compass is unwavering, and he endures all hardships with dignity, while the young girl, like him, stands up for what she believes in. The book helps us understand that courage does not require audacity or brute force.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

When you have to choose between two bad options, choose the one that will save your loved ones. Set in a futuristic version of Chicago, society is divided into five factions. When children turn 16, they undergo a psychological aptitude test to determine which faction they belong to. The main characters leave the city to explore the world. But the obstacles on the teenagers’ path become increasingly difficult, forcing them to summon all their mental strength. Courage is not the absence of fear. Any fool can be fearless. Courage requires us to acknowledge what we fear. We have two choices: overcome our fear or use it as an excuse to run away. The fact that even brave people experience anxiety and the desire to turn and flee makes them the people who inspire us.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

We thought we had such serious problems. How were we to know we were happy? This book is a tale of terror, oppression, and misogyny, and, more importantly, of courage. In the new futuristic world of Gilead, only one in a hundred women can have a child, so women from the common people are sent to a special camp to prepare for future sexual slavery and reproduction. The main character, who ends up in such a camp, begins to write an autobiography, emphasizing that she does not want to remain in the shadows. From her memories, it becomes clear that rebellions are flaring up all over the territory of the American States, and despite the danger threatening the woman, she fiercely fights for her rights. Any act of courage, no matter how small, can be the impetus for another person to change the situation. No matter how dark the world becomes, you are not alone.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

The whole point of growing up is learning how to stay among those who laugh. Sam Kingston is 17 years old and lives an ordinary school life but dies in a car accident. She vividly describes the moment of her death, making the reader endure the horror and pain of her last breath. When it all ends, she wakes up in her bed drenched in sweat, and it becomes clear that the daring girl has been given another chance. She relives her last day over and over again until she corrects her mistakes. As the story develops, Sam comes to understand how much power she has and how even the smallest changes can affect those around her. I can confidently say that this book helps you take a close look at your life and what you consider important.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Some people are afraid of ghosts, others of spiders and snakes. But, sadly, the most real danger to humans is other humans. The Holy Quran does not say anywhere that men can go wherever they please, and women must stay at home and do housework. Malala Yousafzai started a blog about life under the Taliban in 2009 when she was 11 years old. Her challenge to Sharia law led to a militant boarding her school bus and shooting her in the head in 2012. She was only 15 and survived. Instead of being terrified of the attack, Malala promised to fight even harder, and now, as the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, she travels the world speaking on behalf of every girl and boy. She demands equal education for them and will not stop until everyone receives it. Malala’s name has become synonymous with freedom, gender equality, and courage. The book is a true story about the extraordinary life of a girl who speaks of our true strength coming from within. Speak for those who have no voice.

Matilda by Roald Dahl

If you want to go unpunished, never do anything halfway. Go all the way and stop at nothing. Make everyone think that everything you do is so incredible that it’s simply impossible to believe. When little Matilda discovers that her family members and a wicked headmistress bully her, she refuses to listen to them and spends more time in the library. “Books transported her to new worlds and introduced her to amazing people who lived interesting lives. Without leaving her small room or even the city, she traveled the world.” Every evening, she devours books that teach her the meaning of love and kindness. She demonstrates these traits when she supports her friend Bruce, saves her classmates from the teacher’s wrath, and devises a plan to rescue Miss Honey from her tyrannical aunt. Despite being a very small girl, Matilda possesses immense strength, and through her defiance, she changes the world.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Wanting to be liked by others is a completely natural and innocent desire, as long as it does not become all-consuming and lead a person to foolish or immodest actions. Learn to recognize and appreciate praise that is deserved, and inspire the admiration of good people by being as modest as you are beautiful. This book was written during a time when women were expected to be gentle and submissive to have a “good” marriage. The main characters, the four March sisters, take care of the home during the Civil War.