Children’s books for tough conversations

We asked writers to tell us about a book for young children that provides the occasion for its readers—adults and children—to talk about large or difficult issues.

Natalie Carnes: Most books I read with my children end happily. Happy endings are important. They assure children that the world is a safe place to experiment and fail, to stretch themselves, and to become the person they are meant to be. But part of what I love about Jacqueline Wood­son’s Each Kindness (illustrated by E. B. Lewis) is that it does not end happily. Sometimes un­happy endings are important too.