Bullying in books for children and young adults: Elementary--PreK to 2nd
This guide lists books in Cubberley Library which directly address themes such as name calling, exclusion and/or physical violence, plus those that are more subtle and address topics such as personal identity and being accepted for who you are.
Elementary--PreK to 2nd
- Brown by Oyvind Torseter (Illustrator); Hakon OvreasPublication Date: 2019Lexile measure 530; Ages 610; K-Gr.5
Guided by his grandfather's ghost, two cans of paint, and a little help from his friends, Brown can do anything! Just as long as nobody's parents find out. - My Footprints by Bao Phi; Basia Tran (Illustrator)Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3566 .H467 M93 2019Ages 6-8; Gr.1-3.
Every child feels different in some way, but Thuy feels "double different." She is Vietnamese American and she has two moms. Thuy walks home one winter afternoon, angry and lonely after a bully's taunts. Then a bird catches her attention and sets Thuy on an imaginary exploration. - I Walk with Vanessa - A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness by KerascoëtCall Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PQ2711 .E714 I23 2018Ages 4-8; PrK-Gr.3.
Inspired by real events and told only in pictures. An elementary school girl witnesses the bullying of another girl, but she is not sure how to help. - Love Is Love by Michael Genhart; Ken Min (Illustrator)Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3607 .E543 L68 2018PrK-Gr.3.
It's love that makes a family When a boy confides in his friend about bullies saying he doesn't have a real family, he discovers that his friend's parents--a mom and a dad--and his two dads are actually very much alike. - The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Jerry PinkneyCall Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3566 .I5247 T49 2017Ages 4-8; PrK-Gr.2.
A classic read-aloud favorite addressing bullying retold by acclaimed artist Jerry Pinkney.
2011-2015
- Red by Jan De KinderCall Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PT6467.14 .E2 R6613 2015Ages 4-8: Gr.K-3.
n this poignant story, a girl finds it funny when her classmate starts blushing on the school playground. Her friends laugh along with her, but one student takes the teasing too far. Torn between her sympathy for her classmate and her fear of the bully, the girl must make a difficult choice. - Bully by Laura Vaccaro Seeger (Illustrator)Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3619 .E35 B85 2013Ages 3-6; Gr.Prk-3.
Bully doesn't have a kind word for any of his friends. When the other animals ask him to play, he responds in the way he's been taught: Chicken! Slow poke! You stink! - Lion vs Rabbit by Àlex Latimer (Illustrator)Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PR9369.4 .L38 L56 2013Ages 4-8; Gr.Prk-2.
Small turns out to be more powerful than big in this hilarious story about outwitting a bully. - Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson; E. B. Lewis (Illustrator)Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3573 .O64524 E13 2012Awards: Charlotte Zolotow Award, 2013.; Awards: Coretta Scott King Award, author, 2012.; Lexile measure 640; Ages 5-9, gr. K-3.
Chloe and her friends won't play with the new girl, Maya. Every time Maya tries to join Chloe and her friends, they reject her. Eventually Maya stops coming to school. When Chloe's teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship, and thinks about how much better it could have been if she'd shown a little kindness toward Maya.
2001-2010
- Jake's Best Thumb by Ilene Cooper; Claudio Muñoz (Illustrator)Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3553 .O586 J35 2008Ages 4-6; Gr.K-2.
When Jake goes to kindergarten, a bully teases him about sucking his thumb, but Jake discovers that everyone--even bullies--needs some help being brave. - The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill; Laura Huliska-Beith (Illustrator)Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3565 .N444 R43 2002Lexile measure 450; Book level 3; Ages 5-8; Gr.K-2.
A fresh and original twist on the common issue of bullying. Mean Jean was Recess Queen and nobody said any different. Until a new kid came to school! With her irrepressible spirit, the new girl dethrones the reigning recess bully by becoming her friend in this infectious playground romp. - Willy the Wimp by Anthony BrowneCall Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PR6052 .R6173 W559 2002Lexile measure 330; Ages 5-8; Gr.k-2.
A young chimpanzee, tired of being bullied by the suburban gorilla gang, decides to build up his muscles so he won't be a wimp anymore. - Mr. Lincoln's Way by Patricia Polacco (Illustrator)Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3566 .O396 M7 2001Lexile measure 450; Book level 3.7; Ages 5-12; Gr.k-6; Guided reading M
When Mr. Lincoln, "the coolest principal in the whole world," discovers that Eugene, the school bully, knows a lot about birds, he uses this interest to help Eugene overcome his intolerance.
Before 2001
- Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes (Illustrator)Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3558 .E49586 C49 1991Guided Reading Level: L; Lexile: 410; Ages 3-7; Grade level 1.0
Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round. - Oliver Button Is a Sissy by Tomie dePaolaCall Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3554 .E11474 O54 1979Lexile measure 480; Book level 2.9; Ages 5-8: Gr.k-2; Guided reading J
A little boy must come to terms with being teased and ostracized because he'd rather read books, paint pictures, and tap-dance than participate in sports.
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