10 Books on Bullying Prevention
by Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer, The Recess Doctor
10 Books on Bullying Prevention
Sometimes, a good book on bullying can go a long way. It can be inspiring, intriguing, and even teach about empathy. There’s a saying. “If you want to curb bullying teach empathy.” These 12 books are sure to accomplish those purposes and a lot more too. Help children to explore bullying solutions through books.
Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld
True friends stick up for one another, even if it’s a bit scary.
Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell. Illustrated by David Catrow
Molly Lou is a unique individual and most would agree. But her grandmother has taught her well. So when a bully picks on Molly, she knows just what to do. Do you?
A Big Guy Took My Ball by Mo Willems
Sometimes it’s terrifying to be the little guy at recess. Will Piggie and Gerald figure out a way to survive a playground bully?
The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill and Laura Huliska-Beith
Mean Jean is the recess queen. Everybody knows it. But when a new girl becomes her friend things begin to change for the better. This is a great book on addressing bullying on the playground.
The Juice Box Bully By Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy
Standing up for one another is one of the best bully-busting techniques. Students will learn how to have each other’s back instead of remaining silent when they witness bullying.
You, Me and Empathy by Jayneen Sanders. Illustrated by Sofia Cardoso
Teaching children about empathy is a great bully-busting technique. This book is about empathy, feelings, kindness, compassion, tolerance, and recognizing bullying behaviors.
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
This book is about the benefits of making a new friend. When Jeremy Ross tries to get rid of an enemy, his dad shows him a better option. Jeremy’s only way to succeed is to spend an entire day with his enemy. Learn how an enemy becomes a friend.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio.
You can’t blend in when you are born to stand out. One of my personal favorite books on bullying and empathy. August was born with a facial deformity, so he’ll have to convince his classmates that he is normal, just like them, despite his appearance.
Restart by Gordon Korman
When the main character, Chase wakes up with a bump on his head and no memory of what he was like before his fall, he has to relearn who he was. He’s not sure he likes what he discovers. Will he get a second chance to be a better person?
Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham
A generational problem. What happens when your best friend starts hanging out with the “popular” kids? It is a story about how hard it is to figure out who your “real” friends are.
