Some children often find it challenging to navigate childhood, mainly when the phase involves bullying.
As parents and teachers, we have hugs and supportive words at our disposal, but occasionally, we need extra assistance, like educative tools, to aid us in our anti-bullying efforts. What better educative tools can you get than books centered on making a bully more compassionate and the bullied more courageous?
In this article, we’ll explore the best children’s literature about bullying to educate your kids on the topic and lay them on the right path.
Table of Contents
A Recall of Your Efforts
Those were the days when “sticks and stones” was our motto. Indeed, bullying has changed along with the times. It’s not limited to playground brawls anymore; it may also occur verbally, digitally, and yes, even physically.
You are the front-line combatants in the fight against bullying: parents and educators. Therefore, let’s empower our children with the greatest weapon and shield—knowledge and empathy—in children’s literature.
How Effective Is Bullying Prevention via Books?
In a nutshell, When done correctly, preventing bullying from transpiring is very possible.
According to Mankiw and Strasser (2013, page 4), [Preschool classrooms can foster conversations about bullying by utilizing educational storybooks that highlight the negative consequences of bullying and prosocial interventions that can be used to stop bullying in the future.]
Books are an excellent method to deal with bullying by introducing complex subjects like bullying behavior, especially picture books for younger children. Children can comprehend, sympathize, and acquire coping mechanisms in a secure environment that books provide.
To help our little ones navigate the maze of childhood, let’s explore the best 15 children’s picture books about bullying, each a treasure in and of itself.
15 Children’s Literature About Bullying
15.”The Invisible Boy” by Trudy Ludwig:
This book teaches us that sometimes it’s not about being bullied but left out. A poignant story that nudges kids to notice the unnoticed.
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14. “Chrysanthemum” by Kevin Henkes:
What could go wrong with a name like Chrysanthemum? A lot, apparently. This picture book is a charming lesson in embracing uniqueness.
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13. “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio:
A modern classic that needs no introduction. It’s a powerful narrative about a boy with a facial difference and how he navigates school life.
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12. “Each Kindness” by Jacqueline Woodson:
This book delivers a strong message about the ripple effect of acts of kindness and the missed opportunities to be kind.
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11. “Bully” by Patricia Polacco:
Bullying goes digital in this story, and it shows children the consequences of online bullying.
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10. “Enemy Pie” by Derek Munson:
Nothing solves a problem like a pie, even a bully problem—a sweet story about turning enemies into friends.
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9. “My Secret Bully” by Trudy Ludwig:
Ever had a friend who wasn’t really a friend? This book tackles relational aggression, a less discussed form of bullying.
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8. “The Hundred Dresses” by Eleanor Estes:
A classic tale that addresses bullying and teaches the importance of empathy and standing up for others.
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7. “Tease Monster” by Julia Cook:
A fun read that differentiates between teasing and bullying, an essential distinction for kids to understand.
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6. “Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon” by Patty Lovell:
Molly Lou Melon is small and quirky, but her grandmother taught her to walk proud – a lesson in self-confidence.
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5. “Just Kidding” by Trudy Ludwig:
A story that delves into the “just kidding” excuse often used in bullying and how it feels to be on the receiving end.
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4. “Llama Llama and the Bully Goat” by Anna Dewdney:
Llama Llama books are always a hit, and this one tackles bullying in a way that’s relatable to younger kids.
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3. “Stop Picking On Me” by Pat Thomas:
A straightforward and engaging book that educates children about bullying and how to stand up to it.
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2. “One” by Kathryn Otoshi:
A simple book that uses colors and numbers to represent standing up to a bully.
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1. “John’s Hidden Truth” by Thisthatproduction:
We’ve examined every book on the list and more to compose a storyline that is sure to make your kids kinder, braver, and wiser.
Johnny’s Hidden Truth is an empowering tale that stands out in its approach to anti-bullying by digging deep into the ‘what,’ ‘why,’ and ‘how’ of bullying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Stop My 5-Year-Old from Bullying?
I had a five-year-old once. Now she’s a grownup with her own family.
From experience, to deal with your five-year-old’s bullying behavior, consider the following tactics:
1. Set a Positive Example: Show compassion and respect for youngsters, as they tend to imitate adult behavior.
2. Talk About Feelings and Empathy: By talking about feelings and the value of empathy, you may help your child comprehend the consequences of their actions.
3. Use Educational Books: Take advantage of novels that address subjects like compassion, understanding, and the fallout from bullying. Reading aloud together may teach essential ideas in a fun way to 5-year-olds.
As we suggest in the list above, a great read to educate your 5-year-old on bullying is John’s Hidden Truth by Thisthatproduction- A book that enlightens bullies to take the right path and encourages the bullied to stand up for themselves amidst confrontation.
4. Establish Clearly Defined Rules and Consequences: Clearly state what actions you don’t permit and the penalties for bullying.
5. Promote Positive Behavior: Stress the value of treating people with kindness and respect by rewarding and praising excellent behavior.
If you want me – Tanya Hilson – to expand more on stopping bullying In kids with an article dedicated to it from my personal experience as a parent to an ex-five-year-old, please let me know in the comments!
Is Bullying a Risk Factor for Mental Health?
Yes, bullying does pose a severe danger to mental health problems for both the bully and the victim.
What Is the Most Researched and Best-Known Bullying Prevention Program Available Today?
According to Mapleton Public Schools, the Olweus Bullying Prevention Programme is the most well-known and extensively studied bullying prevention program.
Who Was the First Person to Research Bullying?
Dan Olweus, the founder of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, was the first psychologist to do substantial research on bullying.
What are the Theories of Research About Bullying?
According to a study conducted by Subedi K.K.P., the following theories underpin bullying research:
1. Social Cognition Theory: Postulates that bullying is a learned behavior by seeing a bully oppressing a victim.
2. Dominance Theory: Suggests that people bully others for improved social status.
3. Organization Cultural Theory: Emphasizes that bullies derive their behavior from school, community, or society.
4. Humiliation Theory: Emphasized humiliation as a scenario where a more powerful person publicly discloses the weakness of a less powerful person.
5. Peer Response Theory: Suggests that a group of friends strongly influence their peers to become bullies in a school or societal setting.
6. Social Capital Theory: Suggests that children of a higher class in society are more likely to exhibit bullying behaviors.
7. Developmental Theory: Suggests that bullying develops from the bully’s childhood as a method to elevate their social supremacy.
References
Mankiw, N. G., & Strasser, K. (2013). [Books and Bullies: Responses to Bullying in Preschool Students]. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42380-023-00171-z#citeas
Subedi K.K.P. Theoretical perspective of bullying. Int J Health Sci Res. 2020; 10(8):83-89
.Integrated Services (Health Services and Special Services) / Bullying Prevention. www.mapleton.us/Page/5211#:~:text=The%20program%20brings%20school%20communities,with%20families%20and%20community%20members.&text=Olweus%20Bullying%20Prevention%20Program%20(OBPP,bullying%20prevention%20program%20available%20today. Accessed 19 Dec. 2023.