One of the hardest things about dealing with bullying as an educator or as a parent is that you don't always see it. Sometimes it can happen on the school bus [1], on the playground, or online, and as much as you want to be able to catch it all or rely on students to tell you about it, a lot of it goes unseen and unreported. Since bullying is unfortunately so prevalent (somewhere around 27 percent of all kids get bullied [2] at some point during their school years), it's important to discuss these aggressive behaviors with children. One of the many ways you can do that is through reading. Here's a list of effective books that will help drive the conversation with your child (or student) about treating others compassionately.
Freak the Mighty
Freak the Mighty [4] ($7) is a timeless tale about a large boy who forms a friendship with a tiny genius. Ideal for ages 9-12.
How to Be Cool in the Third Grade
The smallest things can embarrass kids, and that's exactly what How to Be Cool in the Third Grade [5] ($5) addresses. Ideal for ages 7-10.
Out of My Mind
Out of My Mind [6] ($8) is a powerful read about a child with cerebral palsy. The main character is the smartest kid at school, but because she can't speak, no one knows it. It's a great read to explore conversations surrounding disabilities. Ideal for ages 10+.
The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up for Others
What does it mean to speak up? The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up for Others [7] ($8) teaches kids not to be passive but to speak up. Ideal for ages 4-12.
The Recess Queen
Kids and parents can use The Recess Queen [8] ($10) as an opportunity to discuss conflict resolution techniques through rhymes and illustrations. Ideal for ages 4-8.
The Invisible Boy
What does it feel like to be ignored by classmates and teachers? To feel alone? The Invisible Boy [9] ($10) uses both visuals and the storyline to carry this message. Ideal for ages 6-9.
Blubber
Blubber [10] ($7) is a Judy Blume classic that shows how easy it is for anyone to become the bully. Ideal for ages 8-12.
The Monster at Recess: A Book About Teasing, Bullying and Building Friendships
Through a story about a girl named Sophie, The Monster at Recess: A Book About Teasing, Bullying and Building Friendships [11] ($3) explores feelings of acceptance and insecurities. Ideal for ages 5-11.