Skip to Main Content

Read, Watch, Listen

Last Updated: Apr 15, 2020 1:00 AM
Subjects: Children, Nonfiction, Teens
Tags: Read Watch Listen
Print Page

Introduction

Bullies, Begone!

September 2012

All it takes is a push in the schoolyard or a hurtful instant message to find yourself a victim of being bullied. Bullying is a world-wide issue that not only children face at some time or another. With the recent increase of bullying awareness in the media and the new focus on cyber-bullying, we often start to ponder where to find helpful information on such an important subject. The following list contains materials for young children (picture books), elementary / middle school children, teens and parents. Discover reassurance in a book with characters that have experienced similar feelings, or seek out guidance on how to handle these troubling and painful situations.

Recommended Reads

Picture Books

Bully by Patricia Polacco (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780399257049
Publication Date: 2012-09-13
Sixth-grade friends Lyla and Jamie, both new to their school, stand up for each other when a clique of popular girls bullies them online.
Don't Laugh at Me by Steve Seskin; Allen Shamblin; Glin Dibley (Illustrator); Peter Yarrow (Afterword by)
ISBN: 1582460582
Publication Date: 2002-07-23
For those who have ever been bullied, or been a bully yourself, this book will give you words you need to know that will help you take charge and stop the cycle of both name calling and bullying. The text provides an illustrated version of a song which points out that, in spite of our differences, we are all the same in God's eyes. Includes the musical score and an audio CD
Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns about Bullies by Susan F. Cornelison (Illustrator); Howard Binkow
ISBN: 9780971539037
Publication Date: 2008-10-01
Howard B. Wigglebottom is a rhyming children's picture book with a straightforward but important message about bullies. Howard is being bullied by the mean Snorton twins and tries to use different strategies to deal with them. However, when those strategies fail over and over again he knows that he must report the problem to his teacher. A valuable lesson that all school-age children need to learn: "Be Brave, be Bold, a teacher must be told."
If I Called You a Hippopotamus! by Gary J. Stevens; April-Nicole Stead (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781609112806
Publication Date: 2010-05-01
This book teaches young children to recognize the meaningless and ridiculous nature of name calling, a form of bullying. Through rhyme and rhythm, words such as "If I called you stinky, does it mean you're a skunk?" illustrates how humor is often the best way to stop a bully.
Leave Me Alone by Kes Gray; Lee Wildish (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780764147364
Publication Date: 2011-09-01
n this delicately told story, a little boy feels down because he has to face a bully every day. He has animal friends that help even after he tells them: "There's nothing you can do for me/ There's nothing you can say." The next time he gets bullied they all shout, "LEAVE HIM ALONE!" and it works! The bully, fortunately, turns around and goes away.
Scary Mary by Paula Bowles
ISBN: 9781589251106
Publication Date: 2012-03-01
In the barnyard, Scary Mary is a bullying chicken. She keeps all the sunflower seeds to herself and chases away anyone who comes near. However, when she finds herself all alone, she realizes that being scary is awfully lonely.
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy; Kimberly Shaw-Peterson (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780615473932
Publication Date: 2008-08-18
Even though Lucy is teased by a boy at school for being different, she has the courage to be herself and comes to the boy's aid when he is in need of help. Although Lucy is mocked and teased by Ralph, she doesn't give in to the temptation to bully back. A great read-a-loud book for parents or teachers on how to talk to children about differences and bullying.

Elementary/Middle School

Alguien Me Esta Molestando by Annie de Acevedo
ISBN: 9789588294643
Publication Date: 2010-12-23
Authors define bullying and explain why the term doesn't have a definitive translation in Spanish. The book aims to give child and parent or teacher a step-by-step guide on this situation and the ways that exist to deal with the consequences. An essential addition to libraries serving Latino patrons.
The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander
ISBN: 9780061994968
Publication Date: 2011-02-08
Sixth-graders Mac and Vince operate a business charging schoolmates for protection from bullies and for help to negotiate conflicts peacefully, with amazing challenges and results.
How to Beat the Bully Without Really Trying by Scott Starkey
ISBN: 9781442416857
Publication Date: 2012-01-03
Rodney, an admitted coward, moves to Ohio where the middle-school bully immediately singles him out, but when a stray baseball knocks the bully out just as he is about to beat Rodney up, Rodney gains an undeserved reputation as a tough guy.
Stand up for Yourself and Your Friends by Patti Kelley Criswell; Angela Martini (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781593694821
Publication Date: 2009-03-01
This book explores information about bullies, with advice on how to stand up to a bully, how to help friends who are being bullied, and how to get support from family and other adults. Quizzes, quotes, and scenarios provide advice in an age-appropriate way for young girls.
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
ISBN: 9780375869020
Publication Date: 2012-02-14
Ten-year-old Auggie Pullman, who was born with extreme facial abnormalities and was not expected to survive, goes from being home-schooled to entering fifth grade at a private middle school in Manhattan, which entails enduring the taunting and fear of his classmates as he struggles to be seen as just another student.
Zero to Hero by Henry Winkler; Lin Oliver
ISBN: 9780545298872
Publication Date: 2012-01-01
The story of an unlikely friendship between new kid Billy Broccoli and a basketball-playing ghost roommate who shares helpful advice when Billy is tormented by obnoxious school bullies.
Chrissa Stands Strong (DVD)
ISBN: 1419875779
On her first day at her new school, Chrissa is seated with three girls who greet her with teasing and tricks. They bully Chrissa in class, on the bus, online, and even at swim club. When the taunting goes too far, Chrissa must find a way to stand strong.

High School

Bystander by James Preller
ISBN: 9780312379063
Publication Date: 2009-09-29
After arriving at his new school and developing a fast friendship with a boy named Griffin, seventh-grader Eric adjusts to his surroundings with ease; but when he decides to pull back after noticing Griffin's darker side as a vicious bully, things take a turn for the worse when Eric becomes Griffin's next victim.
Cyber Bullying by Nick Hunter
ISBN: 9781432948696
Publication Date: 2011-07-01
Part of the Hot Topics series, "Cyber bullying" discusses the types of cyber bullying, why it's painful and who is affects, and what to do when it occurs. A useful debate chapter can be of value to those who are researching opposing viewpoints. Statistics and websites offer information for both individual research and educators desiring further discussion on the topic.
Dear Bully by Megan Kelley Hall; Carrie Jones
ISBN: 9780062060983
Publication Date: 2011-09-06
Today's top authors for teens, such as Lauren Kate, Lauren Oliver and R.L. Stine, unite by sharing their stories about bullying - as bystanders on the sidelines of high school, as victims, and as culprits - in a collection of true stories that deal with this widespread issue. Teens will appreciate the fact of real people discussing their real occurrences.
Everybody Sees the Ants by A. S. King
ISBN: 9780316129282
Publication Date: 2011-10-03
Overburdened by his parents' bickering and a bully's attacks, fifteen-year-old Lucky Linderman begins dreaming of being with his grandfather, who went missing during the Vietnam War, but during a visit to Arizona, his aunt and uncle and their beautiful neighbor, Ginny, help him find a new perspective.
I Swear by Lane Davis
ISBN: 9781442435063
Publication Date: 2012-09-04
When a bullied teen commits suicide, her abusers argue that the girl was a weak coward and agree to keep their stories consistent to protect each other, a pact that unravels throughout a court case that reveals their acts of cyber bullying and harassment.
It Gets Better by Dan Savage (Editor); Terry Miller (Editor)
ISBN: 9780525952336
Publication Date: 2011-03-22
A collection of essays and testimonials written to teens from celebrities, political leaders, and everyday people, stresses to gay and lesbian youth that they can lead fulfilling lives free of bullying, and that their adult years will get better.
Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti
ISBN: 9780670012251
Publication Date: 2012-05-31
Hiding the truth about her mother's neglect and the brutal bullying she endures at school, Noelle is terrified when her longtime crush starts returning her feelings, compelling her to face her fears.
Playground by 50 Cent Staff; Lizzie Akana (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781595144348
Publication Date: 2011-11-01
Rapper 50 Cent unmistakably portrays the life of an overweight bullied eighth-grade boy named Butterball who is helpless to the negative messages he receives from his peers. He also has to deal with his parents' divorce and a verbally abusive father who wrongly teaches him that violence will gain him respect. An empathetic therapist helps him alter his behavior while coming to terms with his parents.
This Is What I Did by Ann Dee Ellis
ISBN: 9780316013635
Publication Date: 2007-07-01
Logan, an eight-grade awkward outcast, is being bullied because of an occurrence in his past. He is dejected at his new school and has difficulty relating to others until he meets an eccentric girl and a counselor who believe in him.
Bullying: There's Always a Way Out (DVD)
Real-life scenarios of bullying, including bullying through the internet, texts, and other media are shown. Problematic and distressing situations in an array of settings are focused on. Actions and resolutions are covered.
Cyberbully (DVD)
Taylor Hillridge, a teenage girl, feels a sense of freedom by going online without parental monitoring. But, Taylor soon finds herself the target of betrayal and bullying when visiting a social website. Afraid to face her friends at school, including her best friend, she is pushed to her extreme limit.
The Fat Boy Chronicles (DVD)
ISBN: 0625828611254
The Fat boy Chronicles (DVD) The Fat Boy Chronicles focuses on an overweight 14 year old boy, Jimmy Winterpock. As part of a school class assignment, Jimmy keeps a journal where he writes about his encounters with relentless bullying. But when Jimmy meets a classmate who sees past his appearance, he decides that it's time to make a change that will improve his standard way of living. Based on a true story written by Diane Lang and Michael Buchanan published by Sleeping Bear Press

Guides for Parents

Bullied by Carrie Goldman
ISBN: 9780062105073
Publication Date: 2012-08-14
Written by someone who has seen the effects of bullying firsthand, this timely resource, based on research from the top experts in the field, provides specific advice on how to help children respond to bullies, revealing how the power to mitigate the destructive behavior that affects too many children lies within us all.
The Bully Society by Jessie Klein
ISBN: 9780814748886
Publication Date: 2012-03-06
Argues that the rise in school violence is the consequence of a society that promotes and encourages aggressive and competitive behavior, and proposes ways to transcend these destructive trends and stress compassion over bullying.
The Drama Years by Haley Kilpatrick; Whitney Joiner
ISBN: 9781451627916
Publication Date: 2012-04-03
The founder of the Girl Talk mentoring program shares the stories of middle-school girls who have struggled with issues ranging from bullying, social cliques, peer pressure, friendships, parent conflicts and more. They offer advice on managing preadolescent stress while maintaining a positive academic record.
Little Girls Can Be Mean by Michelle Anthony; Reyna Lindert
ISBN: 9780312615529
Publication Date: 2010-08-17
Experts in developmental psychology discuss the pattern of social struggle among young girls. The book confronts the distinctive social battles of elementary-aged girls, providing parents the tools they need to help girls become stronger, happier, and better able to enjoy their friendships at school and beyond.
Odd Girl Out by Rachel Simmons
ISBN: 9780547520193
Publication Date: 2011-08-03
Author Rachel Simmons, analyzes the subtle means by which girls behave aggressively toward one another. Individual behaviors are explored while explaining the importance of enabling girls to voice their anger and resolve conflicts. Revised and updated with new material on cyberbullying, new classroom initiatives, and step-by-step suggestions for parents.
Who Says Bullies Rule? by Catherine DePino
ISBN: 9781610484695
Publication Date: 2011-07-21
Citing high rates of bullying in today's schools, a guide tailored to the needs of elementary and middle-grade students counsels parents on how to empower children to end bullying cycles, offering practical solutions for various challenges from teasers and excluders to intimidators and cyber bullies.

List Created By

Krista Welz

Children's Librarian, North Bergen Free Public Library

Websites

Related Guides