Bullying

The bullying book-list has been newly updated!  There are books about how to deal with bullies, bullies who learn that it isn't fun to be picked on, books for parents, and books for kids.  Click "read more" to see the full list, or come into the children's room to get a paper copy.

Otoshi, Kathryn (2008)  One.  (PreS-K)

"Red is hot, and Blue is not."  Blue is quiet and gentle, even when taunted by a bully.  But Red's meanness leaves Blue feeling blue.  Yellow, Orange, Green, and Purple try to tell Blue that blue is cool ... but no one stands up for Blue when Red is around.  Red bullies and sneers and makes the other colors feel small and unimportant.  No one wants to go against Red.  Not until One shows up.  With One's help, all the colors start to stand up for themselves and for each other--and they learn that everybody counts.

The simple shapes and lines of this book introduce both colors and numbers as characters--maybe even as friends.  The delicate watercolor textures lend themselves to close, quiet readings between a parent and child, but the simplicity and scale of the illustrations would also work well for smaller group read-alouds.

King-Smith, Dick. The Nine Lives of Aristotle. 77 pages. (Gr. 1-3)

This is a great story for an independent reader or a read aloud about an adventurous kitten named Aristotle. His owner, Bella Donna, is a very kind witch and always rescues him when he gets into trouble. It is said that cats have nine lives and poor Aristotle goes through eight of them in this one book! Subtle illustrations accompany the text and make it easier for a younger child to read and enjoy. Do you have a more advanced reader? Try King-Smith's other chapter books about animals, such as Ace, the Very Important Pig or Harriet's Hare.

Landry, Leo. Fat Bat and Swoop. 64 pages. (Gr. 1-3)

In this early chapter book, two friends Fat Bat and Swoop, like to fly around and get into trouble. Sometimes they fly through the clothesline and scare their friend Emily because they look like ghosts! Find out if Emily thinks its funny or not.

Ludwig, Trudy. Just Kidding. 1 v. (Gr. 1-4)

This is a useful picture book for older kids and parents who want to know how to stop bullying or teasing. D.J. has a friend named Vince, who likes to tease him and then says "Just kidding." How can D.J. let him know that what he's doing is not funny and is hurting his feelings? There is a list of recommended readings for adults and children about bullying, as well as some websites and organization names.