- BU L LY I N G

ANTI
BRO C H U R E
Grades K–12

Prejudi
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s i c a l
Phy
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a l Verbal
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This brochure includes books and resources to discourage bullying in all
its forms. We have selected titles that showcase characters who practice
self-helpful skills or ask for help in standing up to bullies. Importantly, we
have also included books that help build a positive classroom climate—
books that communicate values of love, tolerance, and kindness, and
books that illustrate characters building healthy self-esteem. Discuss
titles that tackle bullying head-on, explicating healthy and unhealthy
relationships and boundaries. Collaborate with school counselors to
empower students with knowledge about what is and is not acceptable
behavior in your classroom—and beyond!

RHTeachersLibrarians.com
Picture Books For a Positive Classroom Climate
All Are Welcome KINDergarten
Follow a group of children Calling all kindergarten
through a day in their and pre-K educators! This
school, where students from story about a classroom
all backgrounds learn from coming together to make
and celebrate each other’s a kindergarten into a
traditions. Set the tone for KINDergarten is sure to
your classroom with this warm, calm the nerves of—and
accessible read-aloud with offer inspiration to—new
strong themes of charity and kindergartners. This story
empathy. beautifully explains how CHAPTER BOOK FEATURE
even the smallest acts—like Harry Versus the First
Horton Hears a Who raising your hand—can help 100 Days of School
In the colorful Jungle of Nool, the classroom to feel kind for
Horton discovers something everyone. In just one hundred days, Harry will
that at first seems impossible: learn how to overcome first-day
a tiny speck of dust that The World Need jitters, what a “family circle” is,
contains an entire miniature More Purple Schools why guinea pigs aren’t scary after
world—Who-ville—complete Adorable character Penny and all, what a silent “e” is about, how
with houses and grocery her pals put their purple skills to count to 100 in tons of different
stores and even a mayor! But into action in their very favorite ways, and much more. He’ll make
when no one will stand up for place—their classroom! How great friends, celebrate lots of
the Whos of Who-ville, Horton do you make a purple school? holidays, and become an expert first
uses his elephant-sized heart It will take curiosity, sharing, grader who experiences the sorrows
to save the day. This tale of hard work, and lots of laughs! and joys of the first 100 days of
compassion and determination school.
Celebrate these characteristics
proves that any person, big or
to create a healthy classroom Normalize good days and bad days
small, can choose to speak out
culture. and everything in between with
for what is right. Teach students
that in your classroom, you this realistic, laugh-out-loud funny
speak up for each other! chapter book, with a character who
models self-helpful skills in a warm
classroom environment.

Books About Acceptance and Belonging

I Am a Masterpiece The Name Jar Ask students to write about a
Down syndrome allows Mia Being the new kid in school is ritual, tradition, or holiday that
Armstrong to see and understand hard enough, but what happens they observe. This could be
the world in a way that may when nobody can pronounce anything from how birthdays
not make sense to others. She your name? Having just moved are celebrated to religious
considers it her superpower— from Korea, Unhei is anxious practices. Communicate that
and instead of it making her about fitting in. So instead of your classroom is one in which
strange, she considers herself a introducing herself on the first students can come to you with
masterpiece. As we all are. day of school, she decides to any questions they have, where
choose an American name from their rituals are respected and
After reading I Am a appreciated.
a glass jar. With the help of a
Masterpiece, have one-on-one
new friend, Unhei will learn that
conversations with students. Sweety
the best name is her own.
What is one special thing about Sweety is awkward, even for a
them that they’d like to tell you? Ask every student to learn the naked mole rat. She’s intense and
Celebrate how every student in story behind their name (and passionate—and her peers don’t
your classroom is a masterpiece. send a letter home to request always get her. But surely there
help!). This could be their first are others like her out there? As
Invisible Boy name, a nickname, or a surname. Sweety sets out to find them, she
Nobody ever seems to notice If they don’t have a story they’d comes to realize—with a little
Brian: He’s the last picked for like to share, ask them if there’s help from her cool aunt Ruth—
a team during gym. He’s the a name they prefer to be called that being Sweety is awesome.
only one not invited to the latest and why. With heart and humor and a
birthday party. He is an introvert, whole lot of charm, Andrea Zuill
and often overlooked in the Salat in Secret delivers a story about learning to
classroom. But when a new boy, In this beautiful story of embrace everything that makes
Justin, arrives, Brian is the first community and identity, a boy you unique.
to make him feel welcome. And named Muhammed receives a
when Brian and Justin team up to prayer rug for salat. He is now Teach self-acceptance as well
work on a class project together, old enough to pray five times as acceptance of others in your
Brian finds a new way to shine. a day, but he is worried about classroom.
where he can pray at school.
As a class, brainstorm ways that
In the end, with help from his
the class can make everyone feel
teacher, Muhammed finds the
welcome.
perfect place to pray.
 Picture Books Books That Stand Up to Bullies

Bird Boy (An Inclusive Darryl’s Dream I Walk with Vanessa

Children’s Book) Meet Darryl, a quiet third grader Inspired by real events, I Walk with
Nico was new, and nervous about with big hopes and dreams. He loves Vanessa explores the feelings of
going to school. Everyone knew what writing and wants to share his talents, helplessness and anger that arise in
to do and where to go, but Nico felt but he’s shy—and the kids who make the wake of seeing a classmate treated
a little lost. So, he did all the things he fun of his glasses only make things badly. By choosing only pictures to
loved—including befriending the birds. worse. At the talent show, he finds his tell their story, the creators underscore
Before he knew it, Nico was known chance to shine! This is a story about the idea that someone can be an ally
as BIRD BOY. But Nico didn’t mind. finding confidence, facing bullies, without having to say a word.
Soon, he made one friend, then two, and celebrating yourself and all your Using the book’s helpful backmatter as
VERBAL as the other kids learned to appreciate talents. a guide, discuss allyship—what it looks
BULLYING Nico for who he was. Before long, Make clear that your school is a no- like and the different forms it can take.
Nico learned he could be completely, bully zone. Take time to conference
delightfully himself. with each student and share what you My Secret Bully
This dreamy story will encourage see as their special talent. Here is the all-too-familiar story of
all readers to express who they are Monica. She and Katie have been
unapologetically and be true to How to Be a Lion friends since kindergarten. Monica
themselves—even in the face of bullies. This story stresses the importance of loves being around her when she’s nice.
being true to yourself and standing by But there are times when Katie can be
your friends. We meet Leonard, a lion, just plain mean. And Monica doesn’t
and his best friend, Marianne, a duck. understand why. Monica is a target
Leonard and Marianne have a happy of relational aggression, emotional
life together—talking, playing, writing bullying among friends who use name-
poems, and making wishes—until one calling and manipulation to humiliate
day a pack of bullies questions whether and exclude. But with a little help from
VERBAL
it’s right for a lion and a duck to be a supportive adult—her mother—
BULLYING pals. Leonard soon learns there are Monica learns to cope and thrive by
many ways to be a lion and many ways facing her fears and reclaiming power
to be a friend, and that sometimes from her bully.
finding just the right words can change Talk to students about relational
the world. aggression—what it is and what it
Talk to students about using their words looks like.
to stand up for themselves and the
people around them.

RELATIONAL
BULLYING

TEACHER TIPS
Be consistent in your word and actions.
• Weave themes from the books above into lessons across your
curriculum.
• When you see bullying—even the seemingly smallest of
behaviors—take it seriously, informing school counselors,
principals, and parents so that a team of people can work
together to address the situation.
• Bombard students with messages about kindness, acceptance,
and tolerance.
Make kindness a community effort. The behavior that students
observe in the hallway or from older students can affect their
RELATIONAL understanding about acceptable behavior (or can signal that a
BULLYING behavior is tolerated). Be the classroom that starts a movement at
your school.
• Select one of these books as an all-school or all-community read.
• Invite older student leaders, who students might look up to, to
RELATIONAL
read to your class.
BULLYING • Involve parents:
◦ Communicate regularly about the social-emotional concepts
you’re discussing in the classroom. Parents will be better able
to partner in this learning if they are kept informed.
◦ Picture books are for everyone! Invite parents to attend an
all-school read-aloud for one of the picture books. All adults
could also use a reminder about the kindness, acceptance,
and tolerance showcased in these picture books.
 Middle Grade Books for Healthy Classrooms

The Hero Next Door The List of Things That Will to invite your school nurse, a
Published in partnership with We Need Not Change counselor, or a doctor to discuss
Diverse Books, this vibrant anthology After her parents’ divorce, she can bullying as well as aspects of
features thirteen acclaimed authors always look back at the list Bea keeps puberty. Changing bodies can
whose powerful and diverse voices in her green notebook to remember coincide with fluctuating self-
show how small acts of kindness can the things that will stay the same. The esteem, which can lead to bullying
save the day. This beautiful collection first and most important: Mom and or being the target of bullying.
will show readers that the hero could Dad will always love Bea, and each Normalizing conversations around
be right beside them—or the hero could other. When Dad tells Bea that he these changes—and infusing them
even be them! and his boyfriend, Jesse, are getting with humor and understanding—can
married, Bea is thrilled. As the wedding bring some relief to the self-
Because this anthology is broken conscious tweens and teens.
up into segments, you can infuse a day approaches, Bea will learn that
little kindness into various lessons by making a new family brings questions,
surprises, and joy. Superpowered
reading aloud one segment at a time— Bullying can take many forms and
easily incorporating it into an existing Discuss with readers how Bea has a can result in anxiety and depression
curriculum. team of trusted adults who support her in children. One way to help
and equip her with self-helpful tools, students is by showing them how to
Growing Pangs especially during this period of change. manage stress and build confidence.
Katie’s always felt different. She’s Ask readers to consider their team of This bestselling book offers young
homeschooled, she has freckles, and adults who can advocate for them. readers the tools they need to
her teeth are really crooked. But none overcome their insecurities and
of these things matter to Kacey. But Puberty Is Gross but Also uncover their inner superheroes—
when they go to summer camp, Kacey Really Awesome superheroes who can advocate for
starts acting weird. And when Katie This book discusses all aspects of themselves and others. It’s a must-
gets home, she can’t stop worrying. puberty—easy-to-understand scientific read for every teen and preteen.
About getting braces. About sixth information, interesting studies, and
grade. About friends. Is something Include this on your classroom
tips from experts, covering everything
wrong with her? And will anyone want bookshelf and read excerpts of it
from breast development and gender
to be friends with her if they find out? aloud to offer your students self-
identity to acne and mental health.
helpful tools.
Talk to students about the changes that Offer this book as a resource for kids.
friendships can go through, especially If it’s not already coordinated by
as they approach and enter middle your school, work with administration
school.

Books About Acceptance and Belonging

Isabel in Bloom This book will create opportunities for along the way, a determined group of
Twelve-year-old Isabel is the new kid in students to consider who their trusted his classmates bands together to come
her San Francisco middle school. It’s the adults are. up with the greatest idea in the world—a
first time in many years that she’ll be living magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his
with her mother again after joining her Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero loved ones.
from the Philippines. Making new friends Isaiah is now the man of the house. But Balancing humor and heart, this relatable
in a new city, a new country, is hard, but it’s a lot harder than his dad made it look. story about the refugee crisis from
joining the gardening and cooking club His little sister, Charlie, asks too many the perspective of kids highlights the
at school means Isabel will begin to find questions, and Mama’s gone totally silent. community-changing potential of standing
her way. Good thing Isaiah can count on his best as an ally and offers a fantastic model to
friend, Sneaky, and his classmate Angel.
Discuss how joining extracurricular show kids that everyone deserves to feel
And when things get really tough, there’s
activities can help students find community included.
Daddy’s journal, filled with stories about
and a sense of belonging. Encourage the amazing Isaiah Dunn, a superhero
students to find their cheerleaders in their We Are Big Time
who gets his powers from beans and rice.
school community and to join in activities Aliya is new to Wisconsin, and everything
that build their self-esteem. Isaiah is an extraordinarily self-helpful feels different than Florida. The Islamic
character. He has to channel all of his school is bigger, the city is colder, and
Something Like Home inner strength to be his own advocate her new basketball team is . . . well, they
Laura has a plan: no matter what the in a situation where he does not have stink. Join Aliya and the Peace Academy
grown-ups say, she will live with her adults who are able to advocate for him— on a headline-making season where they
parents again. It’s tough to make friends including at school. Talk to students about strengthen their skills and their Muslim
as the new kid at school. And while ways they can advocate for themselves! identities—all while discovering that it
staying at her aunt’s house is okay, it just takes more than talent to be great, and
isn’t the same as being in her own space. The Boy at the that teamwork and self-confidence can
So when Laura finds a puppy, it seems Back of the Class define true success.
like fate. If she can train the puppy to There used to be an empty chair at the Talk with students about the importance
become a therapy dog, then maybe she’ll back of Mrs. Khan’s classroom, but then of building self-confidence. Conference
be allowed to visit her parents. Maybe a new kid fills it: nine-year-old Ahmet, a with each student to learn more about
the dog will help them get better. This is Syrian refugee. The whole class is curious their interests and talents outside of the
a beautiful novel-in-verse from Newbery about this new boy—he doesn’t seem classroom.
Honoree Andrea Beatriz Arango about to smile and he doesn’t talk much. But
finding home, community, and connection after learning that Ahmet fled a very real
where you are. war and was separated from his family
Middle Grade Books That Stand Up to Bullies

Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone The School for Invisible Boys

Thanks to her best friend, Reagan, Mallory Sixth grade takes a turn for the weird when
Moss knows the rules of middle school. The Hector Griggs discovers he can turn invisible.
most important one? You have to fit in to Sure, ever since Hector’s former best friend
survive. But then Jennifer Chan moves in Blake started bullying him, he’s been
across the street, and that rule doesn’t seem feeling like he just wants to disappear . . .
RELATIONAL PREJUDICIAL to apply. Jennifer doesn’t care about the laws but he never thought he would. And
BULLYING BULLYING
of middle school, or the laws of the universe. then Hector meets another invisible boy,
She believes in aliens—and she thinks she can Orson Wellington, who has an ominous
find them. Then Jennifer goes missing. Using warning: “I’m stuck here. Stuck like this. It’s
clues from Jennifer’s journals, Mallory goes been years. The gelim’s hunting me and it’ll
searching. But the closer she gets to answers, get you, too.” It turns out, there is more than
the more Mallory has to confront why Jennifer meets the eye at St. Lawrence’s Catholic
might have run . . . and face the truth within School for Boys, and if Hector is going to
herself. save Orson—and himself—from the terrifying
creature preying on students’ loneliness and
This is a story from Newbery Award–winning
fear, he’ll need to look deeper.
author Tae Keller about shifting friendships,
the perils of conformity, and the damage This middle grade novel features a male
bullying can do to a community. Discuss protagonist and is a perfect title for
allyship and the ways it can stop bullying in examining relational aggression, discussing
its tracks. its consequences, and identifying antidotes to
RELATIONAL loneliness.
BULLYING Iveliz Explains It All
PREJUDICIAL
Seventh grade is going to be Iveliz’s year. Stargirl
BULLYING She’s going to make a new friend, help From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High
her abuela Mimi get settled after moving in a burst of color and sound, the hallways
from Puerto Rico, and stay out of trouble at hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.”
school. But no matter how hard Iveliz tries, She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just
sometimes people say things that just make one smile. The students of Mica High are
her so mad. Sometimes, bullies at school say enchanted. At first. Then they turn on her.
racist things. And worse, Mimi keeps saying Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything
Iveliz’s medicine is unnecessary—even though that makes her different, and Leo, panicked
it helps Iveliz feel less sad. But how do you and desperate with love, urges her to become
PREJUDICIAL
BULLYING explain your feelings to others when you’re the very thing that can destroy her: normal.
not even sure what’s going on yourself? This This classic book is a celebration of
Newbery Honor–winning novel-in-verse nonconformity and illustrates the perils of
navigates mental health, finding your voice, popularity. Share this title with students and
RELATIONAL and discovering that those who really love point out the consequences of conformity.
BULLYING you will stay by your side. Also discuss how the shunning or ostracizing
Use this beautiful story to start a conversation someone is a form of bullying.
about racist or prejudicial bullying. Identify
the self-helpful tools that Iveliz uses Wonder
throughout the story that allow her to find her Auggie Pullman was born with a facial
voice and advocate for herself. difference that prevented him from going to
a mainstream school—until now. He’s about
A Kind of Spark to start fifth grade at Beecher Prep. The thing
Ever since Addie’s teacher told her class is, Auggie’s just an ordinary kid with an
about what happened in the witch trials extraordinary face. When his new classmates
TEACHER TIPS centuries ago, she can’t stop thinking about
them. Those people weren’t magic—those
ostracize him, he wonders if he will ever be
able to convince them he’s just like them. This
• Educate yourself, students, and parents on your school’s policy on people were like her: different, with no one to is the powerful and moving story behind the
bullying. speak up for them. Addie is autistic, she sees #ChooseKind movement.
things others do not, and sometimes she feels
• October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Work with your Wonder illustrates the power bystanders
things others do not. She recognizes that other
school’s administration to plan events, guest speakers, whole-school give to bullies as well as the transformative
people in her small town don’t understand,
reads, teach-ins, and more—all to create awareness for bullying and power of choosing kindness. Choose kind on
but believes if she keeps trying, someone
its varied forms, and to communicate that it is not tolerated at your behalf of your classroom or school and make
will. She won’t let the witches be forgotten,
school. Send home newsletters that recap school events and offer Wonder an all-school or community read.
because there is more to their story, just like
resources, including the books included in this brochure. Invite parents
there is more to hers.
into the conversation to ensure that students are receiving the same
messages at home and at school. This story highlights ableist bullying and
features a teacher who contributes to it.
• Make bullying prevention more than just a month. Integrate these
Discuss what it means to be a bystander
books into the curriculum, recommend them for independent reading,
in a bullying scenario.
and assign them for literature circle discussions so that students are
bombarded with messages about healthy self-esteem, acceptance, #CHOOSEKIND
tolerance, and kindness.
• Picture books are for everyone. Incorporate them into lessons for
upper elementary and middle school students to talk frankly about
what can be an uncomfortable topic.
 Young Adult Books to Discuss Identity,
Wellness, and Belonging
Home Is Not a Country In the Wild Light novel guide to everything they need
Nima wishes she were someone else. She Life in a small Appalachian town is not to know but might not know how to
doesn’t feel understood by her mother, easy. Cash lost his mother to an opioid talk about. Covering relationships,
who grew up in a different land. She addiction and his Papaw is dying slowly friendships, gender, sexuality, anatomy,
doesn’t feel accepted in her suburban from emphysema. Dodging drug dealers body image, safe sex, sexting, jealousy,
town; yet somehow, she isn’t different and watching out for his best friend, rejection, sex education, and more, this
enough to belong elsewhere. Nima must Delaney, is second nature. But when is the go-to handbook for every teen
grapple with the phantom of a life not Delaney manages to secure both of (and adult).
chosen—the name her parents meant them full rides to an elite prep school in Offer this book as a resource for teens.
to give her at birth—Yasmeen. But that Connecticut, Cash will have to grapple Invite your school nurse or counselor
other name, that other girl, might be with feeling like an outsider in a school to discuss any topics included here that
more real than Nima knows. And the that doesn’t seem to want him there. you think would be relevant to your
life Nima wishes were someone else’s students or that you receive questions
Discuss the idea of belonging and found
is one she will need to fight for with a about. These include shifting friendships,
family.
fierceness she never knew she possessed. changing bodies, and the complications
Use this novel-in-verse, longlisted for the Let’s Talk About It of romantic relationships—all of which
National Book Award, to discuss shifting Growing up is complicated. How do can lead to bullying or being the target
relationships, identity, and belonging. students find the answers to all the of bullying. Normalize conversations
questions they have about themselves, around these topics with the help of
their identity, and their bodies? Let’s experts, who could become another
Talk About It provides a comprehensive, trusted adult and valuable resource
thoughtful, well-researched graphic for your students.

Books to Discuss Bullying, Abuse, and Domestic Violence

Bright Red Fruit Dear Medusa Award-winning author Mahogany L.
No matter how hard Samira tries, she Sixteen-year-old Alicia Rivers has a Browne weaves together prose, poems,
can’t shake her reputation. She’s never reputation that precedes her. But there’s and vignettes to tell the story of Angel, a
RELATIONAL gotten the benefit of the doubt—not from more to her story than the whispers young woman whose past was shaped
BULLYING by domestic violence but whose love
AND SEXUAL her mother or the aunties who watch that follow her through the hallways
BULLYING her like a hawk. When Samira turns to at school—whispers that splinter into a of language and music and the gift of
a poetry forum for solace, she catches million different insults that really mean: community grant her the chance to find
the eye of an older, charismatic poet a girl who has had sex. But what her herself again.
named Horus. For the first time, Samira classmates don’t know is that Alicia was Use this book as a conversation starter,
feels wanted. But soon she’s keeping sexually abused by a popular teacher, or book-talk it and include it on your
a bigger secret than ever before—one and that trauma has rewritten every cell classroom bookshelf. Invite a counselor
that that could prove her reputation and in her body into something she doesn’t or social worker to visit your class, and
jeopardize her place in her community. recognize. be sure to point out resources that are
RELATIONAL
BULLYING This novel-in-verse covers themes of Alicia was abandoned by her best friend, available to victims of domestic violence
identity and belonging, but it also quit the track team, and now spends her or intimate partner violence.
includes reference to intimate partner days in detention feeling isolated and
violence and manipulation. Use this invisible. When mysterious letters left in
book as a conversation starter, or book- her locker hint at another victim, Alicia
SEXUAL
BULLYING talk it and include it on your classroom
bookshelf. Be sure to point out important
struggles to keep up the walls she’s built
around her trauma.
TEACHER TIPS
resources included in the educators’ • Educate yourself, students, and
This book covers themes of loneliness
guide, which you can download from parents on your school’s policy
and belonging, but it also includes sexual
RHTeachersLibrarians.com. on bullying.
abuse by an adult. Despite the heaviness
of its topics, it is the story of a healing • Avoid retraumatizing victims
Chlorine Sky journey. Use this book as a conversation of bullying, domestic violence,
Sky had grown used to living in Lay Li’s or sexual abuse. If you select
starter or book-talk it and include it on
shadow. Her best friend was the sun, and these titles for curriculum
your classroom bookshelf.
Sky was more than happy to bask in the inclusion, provide students
glow. But when high school begins, the with a content warning so they
Vinyl Moon
rules seem to change. Suddenly, Sky is know what material they can
Angel feels out of sync with the rhythms
the brunt of the jokes, and Lay Li is the expect.
of her new neighborhood. At school, she
one laughing. And when boys come into • Inform your school social
can’t shake the feeling everyone knows
the picture, Sky is left behind altogether. workers about books you're
what happened—and how it was her fault.
With gritty and heartbreaking honesty, reading so they might:
The only place that makes sense is Ms. G’s
PHYSICAL Mahogany L. Browne delivers a novel-in- ◦ Discuss and prepare any
BULLYING class. And as Angel becomes immersed
verse about broken promises, fast rumors, students they work with.
in her revolutionary literature course, the
and when growing up means growing Social workers and students
words of Black writers like Toni Morrison,
apart from your best friend. can devise a plan in case
James Baldwin, and Zora Neale Hurston
Start conversations about shifting speak to her and begin to heal the students are triggered.
friendships and relational aggression. wounds of her past. ◦ Prepare a lesson for
Random House Children’s Books Have a counselor come talk to the class students on healthy and
School and Library Marketing unhealthy relationships.
about what healthy friendships and
1745 Broadway
New York, NY 10019 relationships look and feel like.