Bullying is a pervasive issue faced by children and adolescents worldwide. It can cause severe emotional and psychological trauma, sometimes leading to long-term consequences. Teaching kids about empathy, kindness, and standing up against bullying is crucial in nurturing a positive environment at school and home. One effective way to facilitate these important conversations is through literature. Here are 26 must-read anti-bullying books for kids that help address this significant subject.
1. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
2. The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
3. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
4. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
5. El Deafo by Cece Bell
6. Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry
7. Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
8. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
9. Spaghetti In A Hot Dog Bun: Having The Courage To Be Who You Are by Maria Dismondy
10. The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up To Others by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy
11. My Secret Bully by Trudy Ludwig
12. The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill
13. The Bully Blockers Club by Teresa Bateman
14. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
15. The Three Questions by Jon J Muth
16. Leave Me Alone: A Tale of What Happens When You Stand Up to a Bully by Kes Gray
17. Confessions of a Former Bully by Trudy Ludwig
18. One-Third Nerd by Gennifer Choldenko
19. Beans on Toast No Bullies Allowed!: Teaching Children about Acceptance and Kindness through Storytelling (The Adventures of Beans on Toast) (Volume 1) by Sue-Anne Hammersmith
20. Lyla, the Silly Little Superhero (Anti-Bullying Book) by Nina Riggs
21. Lucy, the Octopus®, and The Bullyfish by Charley Moyeda
22. Big Red and the Little Bitty Wolf: A Story About Bullying by Jeanie Franz Ransom
23. Bodacious Blob: A Bullying Blob Tale by Seliana Moonshadow
24. Yam In The Classroom: An Anti-bullying Book by Seliana Moonshadow
25. Tommy Trouble and the Magic Marble by Ralph Tellone
26. I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoët
The books listed above represent a mix of fiction and non-fiction titles that focus on empathy, kindness, bullying awareness, diversity, and standing up against bullies. Each story helps children understand the importance of treating one another respectfully while providing a safe and supportive environment for their development.
Make sure to integrate these must-read anti-bullying books into your child’s reading routine or curriculum to foster an inclusive atmosphere at home, school, and beyond.
