How Reading Inclusive Stories Impacts Our Perspective on Others

“We are all big believers in the notion that as a species we are better together than we are apart, that the common core of our shared humanity is stronger than that which seeks to marginalize us and factualize us and turn us against each other.”

– J. Michael Straczynski

Ever since childhood, I have heard the saying, “United we stand while divided we fall.” It has been proven time and again that there is strength in unity. We, as humans, are the same at our core. Whenever we discriminate amongst ourselves, we do humanity a great disservice.

Did you know that the base-pair level of all human DNA is 99.9% similar? You will be astounded to know that all of us living on Earth today share at least one common ancestor. Our shared humanity is undeniable even from a scientific viewpoint. With the hustle and bustle of daily life, we have forgotten this important fact. We have let discrimination and isolation invade our lives.

Though it often goes unnoticed, most people, irrespective of their culture, gender, region, and education, have common feelings and experiences. If you pay close attention, you will see that most religions share a belief in the human soul, an intangible life force that makes us human. We, humans, also value our individual dignity, above almost everything. As per scholar, Donna Hicks,“Dignity is a human phenomenon. Our desire for it is our highest common denominator.”

Our shared humanity does not mean that we are all exact replicas of each other. To do justice to the idea of shared humanity, we need to work toward getting rid of inequities and discrimination. To build a happy and prosperous world, we need to show people what we have in common instead of erasing our differences. We should learn to accept the gift of diversity and become more inclusive.

As Pema Chodron said, “…Compassion becomes real when we realize our shared humanity.” Kindness has become a rare gift in today’s society where war, racism, and gender discrimination have become common. Most of us find ourselves hurting others or showing indifference instead of being compassionate. We seldom care about others’ mental health issues, traumatic experiences, or disabilities. None of us is free from the common human experience of hurting others or being hurt by others. Realizing our shared humanity makes us look at hurt from a different perspective. It invigorates our inherent kindness. Compassion not only does others good but also helps us overcome our own harrowed past and dysfunctional stories. It is our duty to showcase our shared humanity and make the world a better place through one act of kindness after another.

Today, let us take a moment and rediscover our shared humanity. Here is a list of the best inclusive reads that highlight the stories of our shared humanity. These stories will not only warm your heart but also make you retrospect and bring about real change.

Stories Build Empathy

Stories are the closest thing we have to living someone else’s life—and that’s where empathy begins.

When stories reflect diverse experiences across age groups, they bridge gaps that facts and debates never could. They allow readers to see the world through someone else’s eyes—not just intellectually, but emotionally. A child reading about a character from a different background learns that differences aren’t scary—they’re just different. A teenager navigating identity finds comfort in a story that says, You’re not alone. An adult reading outside their own experience starts to understand struggles they’ve never faced firsthand. Stories don’t just tell us about humanity—they make us feel it.

A great example? “Front Desk” by Kelly Yang. It’s a middle-grade novel about a Chinese immigrant girl running a motel while her parents navigate discrimination and economic hardship. On the surface, it’s a fun, heartfelt story—but for young readers, it builds deep empathy for the challenges immigrant families face. And for adult readers? It’s a reminder of resilience, sacrifice, and how much courage it takes to build a life from scratch. That’s the power of inclusive storytelling—it turns “their story” into “our story.”

Austin Benton, Marketing Consultant, Gotham Artists

Inclusive Stories Bridge Gaps

Inclusive storytelling opens windows into the lives of others whose experiences might differ vastly from our own, bridging gaps between diverse groups. By presenting characters and scenarios that reflect a broad spectrum of age, culture, gender, and ability, readers can develop empathy and understanding for people unlike themselves. Authors like Angie Thomas, who wrote “The Hate U Give,” exemplify how powerful this approach can be. Thomas’s narrative about a young Black girl navigating the complexities of race and justice in America has resonated with a wide range of readers, promoting dialogue and understanding among diverse age groups.

This cultivation of empathy through literature is not just beneficial on a personal level but also enriches community bonds. When readers, whether they’re teenagers or adults, see their own struggles mirrored in others’, or confront new perspectives through stories, they’re more likely to feel connected and compassionate towards people around them. This shared emotional experience fosters a societal culture more attuned to diversity and inclusivity. Ultimately, by highlighting our common human experiences and the richness of our differences, inclusive stories encourage a more empathetic and united world.

Alex Cornici, Writer, The Traveler

Books Foster Empathy And Understanding

Inclusive books, regardless of genre or age group, have a powerful role in fostering empathy and understanding among readers. When we find ourselves on the journey of a main character who may not look or live like us, it allows us to step into their shoes and experience the world from their perspective. This connection goes beyond the page, as we mentally align with the character, building an alliance with someone whose life may be entirely different from our own. This process of identification with characters who have unique experiences encourages us to expand our own worldview, bringing us closer to understanding individuals with backgrounds, struggles, and challenges that differ from our own.

Additionally, reading about different groups of people opens up a world of curiosity. It compels us to question and reflect on societal issues, privileges, and causes we may not have previously considered. For instance, when we read about a character from an underrepresented group or a marginalized community, it can inspire us to research these communities, their histories, and the specific challenges they face. Through these stories, we are prompted to examine our own privileges—whether they relate to race, gender, socioeconomic status, or access to resources—and to recognize how these privileges shape our experiences and perspectives.

In this way, books serve as a tool for self-awareness and growth. They encourage us to be more compassionate and thoughtful in how we approach people from different walks of life. The empathy built through reading is not just an emotional response; it leads to a deeper understanding of how we can make a positive impact in the world. By recognizing and reflecting on the experiences of others, we can move toward a more inclusive, equitable, and just society. Ultimately, the inclusive narratives we read shape not only our personal perceptions but also our interactions with others, allowing us to build a world where empathy and understanding guide our actions.

Nicole Moreno-Deinzer, Content Creator and CEO, Just Nicole Co.

Multicultural Education Promotes Empathy

Multicultural education plays a significant role in fostering empathy and global awareness by exposing individuals to diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences. This broadens their understanding of the world, encouraging more inclusive and empathetic behaviors in both personal and professional settings. For example, a business leader who received multicultural education is more likely to approach international markets with cultural sensitivity, leading to better communication, stronger relationships, and ultimately, more successful global operations. This educational foundation helps adults appreciate diversity and act with a more global mindset.

Ronald Osborne, Founder, Ronald Osborne Business Coach

Embrace Diverse Perspectives

I’ve learned that everyone in a family sees things from their own perspectives. Their thoughts and emotions can affect how they see and/or handle situations. Someone emotional will be affected differently than someone who is not emotional. Therefore, it’s essential to hear what each person is saying and understand that they come from a different place. Let everyone be heard even if they don’t agree. Agree to disagree.

Sue Smey, Life Coach, Entrepreneur, Reality TV Star, Survivors Path Coaching