10 Books About Dealing with Bullying

Getting along and fitting in has always been a big concern for young children. Luckily, the impact of bullying and strategies to combat it has never been more studied and discussed than it is today. Helping kids deal with bullying is challenging. Sometimes a good book can help break the ice and start a conversation. Here are 10 books to help kids cope with and understand bullying.

PRESCHOOL (ages 3-6)

Oddrey by Dave Whammond
Oddrey has always been a little different, and she likes it that way. To her, it is important to think for herself. But not everyone appreciates her individuality, which means that she was sometimes lonely. When things start to go terribly wrong during a class play, it's Oddrey's original thinking that saves the show. Oddrey is a light-hearted celebration of individuality and independent thinking.

You're Mean, Lily Jean by Frieda Wishinsky
Sisters Carly and Sandy always played their make-believe games together. That is until Lily Jean moved in next door. Lily Jean dominates all their games and only allows Carly to play if she'll take the lowest, least pleasant role. Not happy with how Carly is being treated, one day Sandy decides to play with Carly instead. Lily Jean is welcome to play too, but she has to play nice. Told with great subtlety, the story realistically depicts the dynamics of play without getting preachy.

Caramba by Marie-Louise Gay

Caramba is not like all the other cats in the world. He can't fly. When his cousins take him out for a flying lesson, it ends with a big splash and the realization that Caramba has his own special gifts. Warmly written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay of the Stella and Sam books, Caramba speaks to the courage needed to accept your differentness and discover your unique talents.

One by Katherine Otoshi

Blue is a quiet colour and a gentle creature. Red is hot and kind of a bully. He likes to pick on Blue. Yellow, Green, Purple and Orange don't like the way Red treats Blue, but they don't have the courage to do anything about it. That is until 1 shows up. It just takes 1 to take a stand for Red to change his ways. This clever yet simple story highlights how everyone plays a part in bullying--bully, victim and bystander--and shows that it only takes one to make a difference. This is a story all ages can appreciate.

Eddie Longpants by Mireille Levert

Eddie Longpants is tall, really tall. It's hard for him to fit into the regular-sized world, and the other kids, like Peter, tease him. When Miss Snow Pea, their teacher, finds out what Pete's been saying about Eddie, Peter takes off and hides in a tree. And then he's trapped way up high. And that's when he realizes that being big isn't bad after all. This is a gentle story about learning to accept differences.

SCHOOL AGED (ages 6-9)

Bully 101 by Doretta Groenendyk (Acorn Press)
Bully 101 is an unexpected take on the theme. In it, the text takes you through the curriculum of a class called Bully 101. Throughout the rhyming text, we see the characteristics of a bully and the impact bullying behaviour has on other people. And while this may seem like an odd way to approach bullying, by the end, it becomes clear that Bully 101 will leave you feeling sad and down. If "you prefer peace to pushing others around, Bully 101 is not for you. You might consider Kindness 202."

Wanda's Freckles by Barbara Azore , illustrated by Georgia Graham
Wanda loves her freckles. They make her feel special. That is until a group of boys at the park teases her about them. She tries everything to cover them up and make them disappear. Then she remembers that she has lots of friends and realizes that what those boys in the park had to say really doesn't count for much. With the help of Georgia Graham's vibrant illustrations, Wanda's story reminds us how hurtful words can impact an individual's self esteem, but that what is most important is how we feel about ourselves.

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Chrysanthemum loves her name. That is until she starts school and the other children, led by Victoria, tease her about it. After that, Chrysanthemum doesn't love her name anymore and she's not too keen on school either. She even has bad dreams as a result. Then when an admired teacher reveals that she is considering naming her baby Chrysanthemum, things turn around. Anyone with a name that's a bit "different" will enjoy this tale.

Bird Child by Nan Forler , illustrated by François Thisdale
Eliza has an amazing gift. She has "wings to fly" which allow her to see the possibilities before her. When she witnesses kids bullying Lainey, the new girl, she wants to help but feels helpless. Then one day she finds the courage to spread her wings and stand up to the bullies, and soon others follow suit. François Thisdale's mixed media illustrations add an ethereal quality to this beautifully written story about empathy and courage.

Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal , illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
Exclamation Mark stands out among all the periods. He tries everything to fit in, but it just makes him unhappy. Then one day he meets Question Mark, who is so very different than everyone else. And as a result he finds his voice and realizes that who he is is pretty special. Now, as an editor, any book about punctuation immediately piques my curiosity. But here, the simple text and accompanying illustrations really get to the heart of what it's like to struggle to fit in and what a joyous thing it is to find self acceptance. Period.