Reading stories about bullying can help prepare your child to identify, prevent, and deal with bullies. Sadly, we can't fully protect our children from coming face to face with a bully. Bullying can happen anywhere, school, home, playground, sports, etc. It can happen at an early age too.
I learned this when my firstborn was in kindergarten. He encountered two types of bullies: the verbal type of bully and the "not so friendly-friend" (social bully). In our case, the verbal bully was much easier dealt with than the "not-so-friendly-friend".
Some things that helped were talking to my son, making sure he felt safe, letting him know he could tell me anything, and helping him identify when somebody is acting like a bully. I also talked to his teacher about it, to make sure she was aware, and I roleplayed different scenarios with my son to familiarize him with options on what he could say or do.
What is Bullying?
According to stopbullying.org, bullying is the unwanted aggressive behavior amongst school-aged children that results in a power imbalance. The behavior can be repetitive or have the potential to be repetitive. There are three types of bullying:
Verbal
Social
Physical
How Can Bullying be Prevented?
While there is no way to completely prevent bullying from happening, we can start by teaching our children about the importance of being kind and empathetic people. Teach them about being confident, self-acceptance, and loving who they are. Furthermore, we can teach our children to understand what bullying is, to be able to identify it, and stop bullying in its tracks.
Good Anti-Bullying Books ( Pre-K through 3rd grade)
Reading books is a safe and entertaining way to teach children about bullying. Below is a list of books that can help children identify bullying behavior and what to do about it. They are perfect for reading as a family, in the classroom, or as a back-to-school read.
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by Patty Lovell
Reading Age: 4 - 8 years
No matter what, always be yourself!
Meet Molly Lou Melon, although she is short, clumsy, has buck teeth, and a unique voice, she stands tall and proud. But when Molly Luo starts school, a bully picks on her. Fortunately, Molly Lou Melon knows just what to do!
by R.J. Palacio
Reading age: 4 - 8 years
Augie is just a kid who wants to belong. He looks very different, he was born that way. We're All Wonders is a story that teaches children about being empathetic and kind. It challenges children to accept themselves and others for who they are no matter what they look like. "The earth is big enough for all kinds of people" -Augie
by Steve Herman
Reading age: 4 - 8 years
Dragon has been enrolled in school, but there is a big dinosaur who bullies Dragon. Now, Dragon needs help dealing with a bully. Find out how Dragon learns to face the challenge of a bully.
by Jayneen Sanders
Reading Age: 3 - 9 years
Jayneen Sanders delivers a charming story that teaches empathy. In this story, Quinn models to the readers the meaning of empathy by demonstrating understanding, compassion, and kindness towards others. Included in the book are questions and suggested activities that promote empathy and kindness.
by Deborah Diesen
Reading Age: 1- 4 years
Mr. Fish and his friends are having a wonderful time at the park. But that all comes to a stop as soon as the bully-bully shark shows up. Mr. Fish wants to do something about the bullying because he knows it's wrong," but he's just one fish, is he really that strong?" $0.00 Audiobook
by Anna Dewdney
Reading age: 2 -5 years
When LLama Llama gets teased by Gilroy Goat he decides to do as his teacher told him - Walk away and tell someone. It puts a stop to the teasing, but now Llama Llama is worried he and Gilroy won't be able to be friends again. In this story, readers get a chance to see and discuss what bullying may look like and how it can be solved. $0.00 Audiobook
by Christina Furnival
Reading Age: 5- 8 years
Christina Furnival (author, mom, and licensed mental health specialist) gives you ideas on how to help your child deal with bullies and not-so-friendly friends. The Not-So-Friendly Friend is an engaging rhyming story of a child who successfully navigates complex peer relationships. It teaches the importance of setting boundaries for healthy relationships and gives children tools that help foster their social confidence and emotional well-being. $0.00KindleUnlimited
by Eleanor Estes
Reading Age: 6 - 9 years
Wanda is a poor and friendless girl. Her classmates make fun of her because she wears the same faded blue dress every day to school. She alleges she has a hundred dresses at home.
One day Wanda is pulled from the school. Her classmate, Maddie, feels horrible and decided to never again stand by and do nothing again.
The Hundred Dresses is a tribute to the power of kindness, acceptance, and standing up for what is right. A story about bullies, bystanders, and being courageous enough to speak up. $0.00 Audiobook
by Vashti Harrison
Reading age: 4 - 8 years
Author and Award-winning actress, Lupita Nyong'o, brings a whimsical and powerful picture book about colorism, the meaning of true beauty, and self-esteem.
Sulwe's skin is darker than everyone in her family, comparable to the color of midnight. She wants to be like her mother and sister - beautiful and bright. Throughout the story, a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes to the meaning of true beauty.
by Kerascoëtt
Reading age: 4 - 8 years
New York Times bestselling husband and wife team "write" a story inspired by the true events, I Walk with Vanessa is a wordless picture book that shows how a single act of kindness can inspire an entire community to stand up against bullying.
Happy Reading!