Bully

by Laura Vaccaro Seeger (Roaring Book Press, 2013)

Bully the young bull responds rudely when the other animals ask him to play. With simple words young readers see the story from both sides.

Ages 3+

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade

by Justin Roberts, illustrated by Christian Robinson (Putnam Juvenile, 2014)

This is how the smallest, and often unnoticed, girl in the playground notices and speaks up about bullying. Review by Roxanne of ‘Books that Heal Kids’ blog.

Ages 4+

Weird! Dare! Tough!

by Erin Frankel, illustrated by Paula Heaphy (Free Spirit Publishing, 2012)

These three books are all interconnected. Each is written from a different perspective - the bullied Luisa, the bully Sam and the bystander Jayla - in a situation involving three girls.

Ages 5+

Willow Finds a Way 

by Lana Button, illustrated by Tania Howells (Kids Can Press, 2013).

Kristabelle has invited the whole class to her birthday party and everyone is thrilled until she starts crossing guests off the list when they don't do things her way.

Ages 6+

Bully 101 

by Doretta Groenendyk (The Acorn Press, 2012)

Rhyming text and funky illustrations explore different types of bullying and the feelings associated with bullying - both bully and victim. A conversation starter with humour.

Morgan Gets Cracking 

by Ted Staunton, illustrated by Bill Slavin (Formac Publishing, 2012)

An illustrated chapter book for young readers tells the story of Curtis the new kid at school who likes to show off, Aldeen, the Queen of Mean, and Morgan who is not a fan of either one of them.

You're Mean, Lily Jean 

by Frieda Wishinsky, illustrated by Kady Macdonald Denton (North Winds Press/Scholastic, 2009)

Two sisters who used to play well together have to adjust to their new neighbour Lily Jean and her domineering play.

gr.K-3

Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet - How to Deal with Bullies 

by Catherine DePino, illustrated by Bonnie Matthews and Charles Beyl (Magination Press, 2004).

Steve isn't sure what is worse - being bullied or having his parents find out. But this turns to relief as his parents help Steve come up with 'The Plan' - an 11 point plan for dealing with Gus the school bully.  'The Plan' is full of ideas for practising at home.

gr1-6

When I Was Eight

by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard (Annick Press, 2013)

When I Was Eight is the picture book version of Fatty Legs: A True Story (by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, illustrated by Liz Amini-Holmes and with archival photos in a scrapbook section, Annick Press, 2010). This book is the memoir of an Inuit woman's childhood experiences in residential school. Eight yr old Margaret is tormented by Raven, one of the nuns, but her determination to learn to read helps her through.

Stand Up!  

by Lisa Roth and Karen Siris illustrated by Marsha Levitin (Createspace, 2012).

One boy organizes his friends to stand up for another boy and the Caring Majority is born.

Say Something 

by Peggy Moss, illustrated by Lea Lyon ( Tilbury House Publishers, 2004).

A young girl sees kids at her school being bullied and chooses not to join in. But when she herself finds herself alone in the face of teasing she realizes that someone needs to 'say something'. In most bullying situations there is the bully, the bullied and the witness. This is an excellent discussion starter around the power of the witness to stop bullying. Includes discussion questions, tips and resources.

Just Kidding 

by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Adam Gustavson ( Tricycle Press, 2006).

DJ's friend often says hurtful things and then adds "just kidding" - words that make it very difficult for DJ to know how to respond. With help from his father, brother and a teacher DJ formulates a plan. Relational bullying among boys. Includes tips, discussion questions and resources.

My Secret Bully 

by Trudy Ludwig illustrated by Abigail Marble (Tricycle Press, )

Monica's friend Katie can be nice and fun to be around but she can also be quite hurtful and mean. With the help of her mother, Monica learns how to cope with Katie's manipulative behaviour. Relational bullying among girls. Includes tips, discussion questions and resources.

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun 

by Maria Dismondy, illustrated by Kimberly Shaw-Peterson (Making Spirits Bright).

Lucy is badly bullied by Ralph. Then Ralph gets into difficulties on the monkey bars. How does Lucy react? She chooses to do the right thing.

The Juice Box Bully 

by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy illustrated by Kim Shaw (Ferne Press).

Some of the characters in Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun (see above) reappear here. Pete is the new kid and he chooses aggression as the best defence. But this new school is different and his class has made a Promise not to stand by and accept bad behaviour. 

Here teacher Carrie Gelson shares the book with her primary class, documents some of their responses and insights into why Pete bullies.

Nobody Knew What to Do 

by Becky Rae McCain illustrated by Todd Leonardo (Albert Whitman & Co. 2001).

Ray was being bullied in the school yard and the kids did not know what to do. Finally one of them brings the situation to the attention of a teacher and things get better. Helps children understand the difference between "telling" and "preventing harm".

One 

by Kathryn Otoshi (KO Kids Books).

The characters here are colours and numbers. RED is a hot head who picks on BLUE, YELLOW and GREEN. PURPLE and ORANGE watch but don't know what to do. Until ONE comes along and shows the colours how to stand up for themselves. 

Bird Child 

by Nan Forler illustrated by Francois Thisdale (Tundra Books, 2009).

Eliza witnesses the new girl Lainey being teased and excluded at school. Her response is to freeze in her boots. She is the silent bystander and it is a horrible feeling. After speaking with her Mum, Eliza realizes what she must do and her actions make a big difference. 

Here teacher Carrie Gelson shares the book with her primary class, documents their responses and vividly portrays the power of this book.

My Best Friend 

by Mary Ann Rodman, illustrated by E.B. Lewis (Puffin, 2007)

Ezra Jack Keats Book Award Winner.

Lily would like Tamika to be her best friend but despite Lily's efforts Tamika and her best friend Shanice push her away. Generates discussion about the nature of friendship, and feeling left out, handles topic of relational aggression among girls. 

Here teacher Carrie Gelson shares the book with her primary class, documents their responses and vividly portrays the power of this book.

Desmond and the Very Mean Word

by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Adams, illustrated by A.G. Ford

Ben Rides On

by Matt Davies

Jungle Bullies

by Steven Kroll, illustrated by Vincent Nguyen

Pre K -2

Howard B Wigglebottom Learns About Bullies

K-3

When Randolph Turned Rotten

by Charise Moricle Harper

Bully 

by Patricia Polacco (Putnam Juvenile, 2012) 

There are consequences when Lyla sticks up for her friend Jamie who is being cyber-bullied by a powerful clique. 

Ages 8+

Healing Days: A Guide for Kids Who've Experienced Trauma 

by Susan Farber Straus illustrated by Maria Bogade (Magination Press, 2013).

Because this book doesn't specify that nature of the trauma being described children are free to adapt the book to their own experiences.

Ages 6-10 

The Invisible Boy

by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton, (Knopf, 2013)

Nobody ever seems to notice or include Brian. He’s often alone and never invited, quite invisible to his classmates. When new student Justin arrives Brian is the first to make him feel welcome and the small acts of kindness that follow allow Brian to shine.