Okay, so maybe I’m being a bit optimistic with my title. Unfortunately, it will take more than a book (or 34) to end bullying.
In an aggression and violence rich society that uses material wealth and beauty as a sign of success and happiness, we need to reorient ourselves to the value of each individual regardless of any factors or variables.
Am I still being optimistic? Definitely. However, I believe that we can all work to create environments that are supportive and inclusive of all students. Books are an excellent resource to spread our message!
By educating ourselves, parents, and students we can whittle away stereotypes and develop compassion and empathy for other people. It is not an easy task, but together we can do it.
Parent outreach is an excellent way to spread the anti-bullying message. Parents spend the most time with their children and have the most influence over their children. Even when children are teenagers, parents are still the second biggest influence right after peers.
Take advantage of parental influence by creating a “Parent Resource Center” in your library or media center.
If you are thinking, “I don’t work at a school. I can’t do that!” Think again. Do you have a waiting room or maybe a small space on your office bookshelf? You don’t need a fancy place to provide resources to parents. You just need to get them the information.
Books for Parents and Educators:
Highlight: Perspective of sub-groups that are often the targets of bullying. If you are not familiar with issues surrounding gender identity and how other stereotypes play a part in bullying, you should definitely read this book.
Amazon Prime or Amazon Unlimited member? Read Bullied for FREE on your Kindle or with the free Kindle app!
Little Girls Can Be So Mean by Michelle Anthony & Renya Lindert
Highlight: Provides insight into how self-esteem and coping skills can help both victims and bullies.
Queen Bees & Wanna Bees by Rosalind Wiseman
Highlights: Comprehensive look at the social pressures that can influence bullying and straightforward advice parents can give their children.
The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander by Barbara Coloroso
Highlight: Bystanders possess the power to end bullying. This book focuses on how to involve bystanders to break the bullying cycle.
Words Will Never Hurt Me by Sally Ogden
Highlight: Practical advice for parents and adults to help kids handling bullying.
Bullying Prevention Resource Books
The I Hate Wendy Club by Debra Wosnik
Highlights: Great resource for classroom lessons and small groups. Helps build empathy and inclusion.
I Didn’t Know I was a Bully by Melissa Richards
Highlights: Great resource for relational bullying and “friendship triangles”. This is another great one for classroom lessons or small groups!
Self-Help & Workbooks for Kids
Anyone who has seen my post about 10 Great Books to Help an Angry Child knows that I have had a lot of success with a child-led inquiry. Basically, this is when a child is able to discover the answers to their problems. The books featured below do just that.
I was surprised how many of my students checked out the following books out on my lending library shelf in my self-contained emotional impairment classroom.
A few of my students said they were only looking at them because they wanted to see “how stupid they were”. Regardless of their claims, these students read the books from cover to cover.
They also did a great job when answering the prompts from when they made their own bullying dice. Guess I need to find more “stupid books”!
Stand Up for Yourself by American Girl
A Smart Girl’s Guide to Friendship Trouble by American Girl
A Smart Kid’s Guide to Online Bullying by David Jakubiak
Bullying in Schools: What you need to know. by Paul Langan
How to Deal with Insults by Julie Fielder
How to Handle Bullies, Teasers, and Other Meanies by Kate Cohen-Posey
Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain by Trevor Romain
Stick Up for Yourself by Gershen Kaufman, Lev Raphael, & Pamela Espeland
Bullying Picture Books
Band-aid Chicken by Becky-Henton
I look forward to this one every year! If you don’t have this one in your collection, you’re missing out. Such a cute story…and the kids love it! Check out some of my suggestions for using this in the classroom here.
Trouble Talk By Trudy Ludwig
Great for friendship triangles!
Just Kidding By Trudy Ludwig
My Secret Bully By Trudy Ludwig
This is one of my FAVORITE books to teach kids about relational aggression. You can check out my best-selling activity pack here or by clicking on the image below.
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
Highlight: The main character, Brian, is often overlooked and ignored by his classmates until an act of kindness helps Brian shine.
Sorry by Trudy Ludwig
Alley Oops by Janice Levy
Simon’s Hook by Karen Burnett
Highlight: Luisa learns how to come out of her shell and speak up for herself
Highlight: The main character, Jayla, is caught in the middle of friendship bullying (also known as relational aggression)
Highlight: The main character, Sam, thinks it’s cool to be tough…until her teacher confronts her and Sam befriends a free spirit at school.
The Bully Blockers Club by Teresa Bateman
Juice Box Bully by Bob Sornson & Maria Dismondy
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud
Potato Chip Champ by Maria Dismondy
Highlight: Discover the connection between a bit of kindness and creating friendships. Read more about Potato Chip Champ and encouraging kindness her or by clicking on the image below.
Prevent Bullying with Empathy
You, and Me, and Empathy by Jayneen Sanders
Highlight: Gorgeous illustrations and charming verse. Sure to spark great conversations.
Highlight: Told through the perspective of a child trying to decide how to respond when a friend spills grape juice on herself.
I’d love to hear what your favorite books are in the comments below!
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