Scientific evidence has proven that kindness changes the brain, impacts the heart and immune system, and may even be an antidote to depression. We're actually genetically wired to be kind. In Why Kindness is Good For You, David R. Hamilton shows that kindness has evolved in us and thus its effects are felt daily throughout our nervous systems. To learn more about this book and the author, visit: www.drdavidhamilton.com. 

In Raising Compassionate, Courageous Children in a Violent World, Dr. Janice Cohn offers parents not just reassurances, but specific strategies and techniques to help their children grow into caring, brave adults. Learn more here.

Through simple prose and vivid illustrations, this heartwarming book encourages positive behavior as children see how rewarding it is to express daily kindness, appreciation, and love. Bucket filling and dipping are effective metaphors for understanding the effects of our actions and words on the well being of others and ourselves.

Browse through our list of top picks of kindness-related books for kids and adults, fiction and nonfiction. Scroll to the bottom of the list if you'd like to download and print the list.

The Happiness Project is the memoir of the year author Gretchen Rubin spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific studies, and lessons from popular culture about how to be a happier person. The Happiness Project was a #1 New York Times bestseller.

Visit www.thehappinessproject.com to learn more!

The Business of Kindness, by Olivia McIvor, raises self-awareness and personal accountability for the development of a respectful and caring workplace culture. In this book, you will learn and practice the 12 Character Building Traits which when consciously applied and woven into the organizational fabric will create a positive, productive and profitable work environment. 

Read more about The Business of Kindness here!

Kindness is the foundation of the world’s great religions and most-enduring philosophies. Why, then, does being kind feel so dangerous? If we crave kindness with such intensity, why is it often the last pleasure we permit ourselves? And why—despite our longing—are we often suspicious when we are on the receiving end of it?  Drawing on intellectual history, literature, psychoanalysis, and contemporary social theory, this brief and essential book by Barbara Taylor and Adam Phillips will return to its readers what Marcus Aurelius declared was mankind’s “greatest delight”: the intense satisfactions of generosity and compassion.

Learn more about On Kindness here.

Claire Wheeler, M.D. offers ten simple techniques—drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy, mind-body medicine, and positive psychology—to help anyone and everyone avoid anxiety-related problems and feel more vibrant and healthy by managing stress.  When we are peace with ourselves, we can actively focus on sharing kindness with others.

Click here to learn more about 10 Simple Solutions to Stress.

In The Force of Kindness: Change Your Life with Love & Compassion, Sharon Salzberg, one of the nation's most respected Buddhist authors and meditation teachers, offers practical instruction on how we can cultivate the essential traits of lovingkindness and compassion within ourselves.Please select the "read more" button below to read an excerpt from Sharon's latest book. 

The following is an excerpt from Vicki Julian's forthcoming work, Simple Things to Make This World a Better Place. Vicki is a published author of inspiration, a Stephen Minister, an M.S. Advocate and a supporter of many local charitable efforts. Follow her make-a-difference articles at Examiner.com or contact her at vickijulian@sunflower.com.