Bullies are a Pain in the Brain by Trevor Romain; Free Spirit Publishing Co.
4.5 stars out of 5. This book fits the bill for students in third through eighth grade. It reads easily, is well-illustrated, cleverly written and has very appropriate content. Students wanted copies when I read it to them. 89 pages.
Nobody Knew What To Do, A Story About Bullying by Becky Ray McCain; Albert Whitman & Co.
5 stars out of 5. This is an excellent book for all ages. It reads very simply with a short but highly effective text. Excellent illustrations portraying the emotional experience a boy goes through when being bullied. The story teller (who is not named) finally does something about the problem. This is a middle school setting. 20 pages
Say Something by Peggy Moss; Tilbury House Publishers.
5 stars. A very simply written book with short but effective text along with excellent illustrations. The story teller notices students being bullied but does nothing. Finally she realizes the problem when she is bullied. She responds by treating those who are bullied or ignored by paying attention and being friendly to them. A middle school setting, but good for grades three on up. 28 pages
Stop Picking on Me by Pat Thomas; Berron's Educational Series, Inc.
4 stars. Mainly written for primary students. Simply stated and nicely illustrated. Thorough discussion of the types of bullies there are and the types of bullying that takes place. Covers what a student should do when he or she is bullied. 27 pages
King of the Playground by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor; Aladdin Paperbacks.
4.5 stars. Recommended for children K - 3. Neat concept. The bully is the king of the playground, claiming territorial rights, so the story teller stays away each time he's given some outrageous thing that will happen if he plays on the various equipment. Nice dialog with father (who must be a househusband since he makes soup, works in the garden and is always available). Finally the storyteller challenges the bully and they end up playing together. 28 pages
The Brand New Kid by Katie Couric; Doubleday Publishers.
4 stars. Recommended for grades three through five. A perfect illustration of the new kid experiencing bullying by students in the classroom because he looks different (hair sticks out and almost white, lips bright pink and very blue eyes). A bit of a turnabout from which we are accustomed. Not really crazy about the fact that it is written so that the lines rhyme, but still a good book to read to children. Fair illustrations. 28 pages
Words Are Not for Hurting by Elizabeth Verdick; Free Spirit Publishing.
5 stars. Good content for primary students. Nicely illustrated with information on good manners and behavior. One small concern at this end regarding the use of the word "stupid". For some reason the Hispanic population in my area consider this word almost a curse word. Students are aghast when it is stated. I substitute the word "dumb", but of course students who can read still see it. This was rated four stars until my associate (who works with K-2) used it. She and the teachers she works with praise it a great deal. 27 pages
Tyrone the Horrible by Hans Wilhelm; Scholastic, Inc.
3.5 stars. This book is no longer in print, but can easily be found in the "used book" category. It's for primary students basically. Tyrone is a large boy-dinosaur who is the world's first bully. Boland, a little dinosaur, continues to be bullied by Tyrone. After much deliberation, Boland comes up with an idea that finally stops Tyrone from bullying. This is a rather neat story that holds the interest of students, however, Boland's remedy is feeding Tyrone a red-hot pepper sandwich, which is not what we want to teach children. I tell students that may work for dinosaurs but not for people. Appropriate ways are then discussed. 26 pages.
Tyrone the Double Dirty Rotten Cheater by Hans Wilhelm; Scholastic, Inc.
3 stars. Not as good as "Tyrone the Horrible" but still a good book about cheating. Also best for primary students. 26 pages.
Tyrone and the Swamp Gang by Hans Wilhelm; Scholastic, Inc.
Save your money. 26 pages.
Bootsie Barker Bites by Barbara Bottner; Scholastic, Inc.
2 stars. This was a highly rated book, but I found it to fall short for the primary student population. Bootsie is a mean-spirited little girl whose mother comes to visit the story-teller's mother, bringing Bootsie along. Somehow the story left me with an uncomfortable feeling in terms of students "getting it" or being satisfied with the outcome. 28 pages
Chicken Little - Retold and Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
4 stars. This was not necessarily meant to be a book about bullies, however, the fox is certainly a character to fear by the various members of the poultry family. This book is so well illustrated and the retelling of the story is fun. Kids enjoy having this book being read to them. This book is most certainly out of print but is sure to still be available among the used issues. 28 pages
Dr. DeSoto by William Steig
5 stars. Again, this was not meant to be a book on bullying, however, the clever way the fox is outsmarted by the mouse-dentist Dr. DeSoto makes it a joy to read. This is also out of print but available used. 29 pages
Don't Feed the Bully by Brad Tassell; Llessat Publishing Co.
4 stars. Rather unusual - don't know how else to describe it. Certainly worth checking out. Easy for upper elementary and middle schoolers to read. Good pointers in the appendix on how to handle bullying. Rather primitive illustrations. 128 pages
Stop Bullying Bobby! by Dana Smith-Mansell; Small Horizons of New Horizon Press.
5+ stars. This is not a flashy book. It's a bit small for the children to see the pictures as I am reading it, so I enlarged them with the computer. There is a misspelling on page 8 ("no" instead of "on"). It's a bit lengthy; some parts in my opinion aren't necessary. Now for the good news. I get the best reviews by students from this book. In fact I would place it among those at the top of the list. Students are made to feel as though they are Bobby as he is being bullied. 41 pages
One by Otoshi; KO Kids Books
5++ stars. Here's a very unusual approach - using colors to represent children. Red was a "hot head" who liked to pick on blue who was a very quiet color. It brings in the actions of the bully, victim and bystanders through colors. Get this one, you won't regret it. This is the only book I believe can be read to K - 6 without anyone losing interest. It's short, to the point and kids "get it". Sometimes visuals stay in the mind much longer then words alone. There are very few words on the 32 pages, but the point is easily understood.
Shredder Man Secret Identity by Van Draanen; Alfred A. Knopf Pub.
4.5 stars. This is a nice story to read to 3rd-6th grade students. "Bubby Bixby is a bully. Even teachers and principals can't seem to stop him. It would take a superhero to stop him and make him behave. What no one knows is that there is a little super-hero lurking within Nolan's nerdy exterior waiting to burst out." When that happens, Bubba better beware. 138 pages
The Meanest things to say by Bill Cosby; Scholastic
3.5 stars. To win the game, Little Bill must say mean things to the new boy. But wait! Can Little Bill be a winner too? This book encourages children to solve problems fairly and creatively. 29 pages.
Cliques, Phonies, and Other Baloney by Romain; free spirit Pub.
4.0 stars. Here's another book from Trevor Romain written and illustrated similar to "Bullies are a Pain in the Brain". He understands how inappropriate upper elementary and middle school children think and act, and highlights those atrocities through truths, myths, explanations and many other indications one finds in adolescents. Good reading for students of that age. 123 pages.
Stick Up For Yourself by Kaufman, Raphael & Espeland; free spirit Pub.
4.5 stars. This is quite a thorough and lengthy book that covers a great deal in detail, from a guide to personal power to building positive self-esteem. Certainly a good book for your personal or school library. Good for upper elementary though middle school. 110 pages.
My Secret Bully by Ludwig; Tricycle Press
4.5 stars. Girl bullying can be most complicated. This book, good with upper elementary and middle school grades, is directed toward girls. Monica's best friend since Kindergarten, Katie, is nice sometimes but other times she can be just plain mean with name-calling and manipulation to humiliate and exclude. Monica learns to cope and thrive by facing her fears and reclaiming power from her bully. This book covers a lot in its 22 pages.
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun - Having the Courage to be Who You Are by Dismondy; Ferni Press
4.0 stars. We're all different in our likes and looks, and that's OK. No one should be criticized for being different. This story empowers children to always do the right thing and be proud of themselves, even when they are faced with someone challenging. Lucy is "one of a kind" and Ralph loves to point that out. Lucy's defining moment comes when Ralph truly needs help. Good for students generally in second through fourth grade. 26 pages
Howard B. Wigglesbottom Learns About Bullies by Binkow; Thunderbolt Pub.
4.5 stars. Howard, a rabbit with long ears, must endure the bullying of the Snorton Twins, two mean little pigs. The torment Howard must put up with because he doesn't want to tell is finally eliminated by telling his teacher who told the principal who told the Snorton's parents. However, the comment "Be brave, be bold, a teacher must be told" is used often to encourage the student to report the bullying. There is a nice little "Lessons and Reflections" on bullying at the end that is worth covering with your students. Good for students in first through third grade. 28 pages
If the World Were Blind by Burnett; GR Pub.
4.0 stars. A book about judgment and prejudice. A very unique presentation regarding the prejudices that occur every day in the lives of children. How do we treat people? How do people treat us? What is really important? - a person's skin color, nationality, clothes style, body shape, looks? - or whether they are friendly, caring, giving, honest, gentle, respectful, safe, thoughtful, kind, trustworthy, generous, concerned, considerate, polite...? Let's learn to see with our hearts and treat each other with love and respect. Second through fifth grade. 22 pages.
If You're Angry and You Know It by Kaiser; Scholastic
3.5 stars. This corresponds with the song "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands." It covers many things that can happen to a child at school to make them angry and what they can do to lose that anger. Appropriate for primary grades. 28 pages.
Jake Drake, Bully Buster by Clements; Aladdin Paperbacks
4.0 stars. Jake has been a bully magnet since preschool. He has generally been able to figure out how to avoid bullying until Link came along. Ultimately he finds Link's weak spot and rather than use it to antagonize, he helps him. Good for upper elementary and middle school. Very cleverly written, as though a middle schooler were talking. 67 pages.
They Didn't Use Their Heads by Stover; BJU Press
Content 4.0; visual 2.5 stars. This is a book for primary students. While the pages are only black ink drawings, the content says a great deal about how one should act on their own or toward others. There is no story line, only one or two pictures indicating an error and how the student should have used his or her head, then on to the next error. Items do rhyme. 40 pages.
How to Lose All Your Friends by Carlson; Puffin books Pub.
3.5 stars. A book for primary students. It begins by indicating, "If you don't want to have any friends, follow these simple instructions: never smile, be gloomy, be cranky, frown a lot.....etc. These are all things children do and know it isn't right. Bottom line..... do all these things and you'll have no friends at all. 29 pages.
Sorry! by Ludwig; Tricycle Press
4.5 stars. How easy it is to deliberately do something wrong only to follow it with, "I'm sorry." This book, for upper elementary and middle school, points out the need to mean it when you say something and that there's a whole lot more to an apology than a simple "sorry". At one point, the story-teller indicates he is a "nobody". This is a good opening for you to point out that no one is a "nobody" and everyone has worth. When I point this out, I become aware as to how many kids really don't think very highly of themselves. More than I imagined. 24 pages.
How Do I Stand in Your Shoes by DeBell; Youthlight Pub.
4.0 stars. Criticism comes easily for Miranda until she is told to stand in the person's shoes. Ultimately she realizes standing in a person's shoes really means "empathy". Includes discussion questions as well as activities. PK-4 grade level. 33 pages.
My Mouth is a Volcano by Cook; National Center for Youth Issues
3.5 stars. Louis has no problem with interrupting until he must present his project and is continually interrupted by others. Grades 3 - 5. 32 pages.
Jay McGraw's Life Strategies for Dealing With Bullies; Aladdin
3.0 stars. Most of what is stated has been stated many times before. A good start in dealing with the basics. Middle and High School age. 170 pages.
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Rothmann; G.P. Putnam's Sons
3.0 stars. Very nicely illustrated. The book mainly deals with safety issues. Though the book received The Caldecott Medal, I wasn't that greatly impressed. Grades 2 - 4 students. 30 pages.
Bully Bill by Birky; Herald Press
3.0 stars. This book is appropriate for Christian parochial schools. Beautifully illustrated with an appropriate message. Grades 2 - 4. 40 pages.
Bully From the Black Lagoon by Thaler; Scholastic
3.0 stars. Some kids may look mean, but don't count on first impressions. Sometimes your imagination can get the best of you. Grades 2 - 5. 30 pages.
Trouble Talk by Ludwig; Tricycle Press
3.5 stars. Another "hit" to reach girl bullies. This once again zeros in on the particular uniqueness of girl bullying. Bailey loves to talk, even if it means hurting someone's feelings. Grades 3 - 8. 26 pages.
Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully by Penn; Tanglewood Press
3.0 stars. Chester and his forest friends have a bully that's a badger who torments them on a regular basis. They discover that when everyone gets together to confront him, he finds he is outnumbered and becomes frightened. Rather than retaliate, they ask him to join him in a game. Extremely nice illustrations. Grades K - 4. 29 pages.
Kachina and the Bully by Wise; BookSurge Pub.
3.0 stars. This centers around middle school students as they cope with bullying scenarios, the majority of which are based upon real situations. This book is quite extensive. It can be just read or used as a handbook. While it is most appropriate for middle school students, the illustration are rather juvenile. 132 pages.
Little Red Riding Hood - a Newfangled Prairie Tale by Ernst; Aladdin Press.
2.5 stars. Much of this book appears to be "tongue in cheek" type of humor. This may be okay for the library and a child to take home and read but it doesn't fill the bully bill. Grades 3 - 5. 34 pages.
Just Kidding by Ludwig;Tricycle Press
5.0 stars. Another story of upper elementary/middle school behavior by the select few who like to bully. This one is about a boy who encounters another boy who is aggravating but always is quick to say, "I was just kidding". A nice little father, son, big brother conversation evolves and the victim learns to cope and then find friends who are enjoyable. I like this book because it has DJ (the victim) responding to the bully (Vince), with comments such as "Cut it out", "Knock it off", etc. Too many times victims allow the bullying without responding. It also demonstrates in a number of ways what can be done if you are being bullied. Grades 3 - 8. 24 pages.
Simon's Hook by Burnett; GR Pub.
4.5 stars. Interesting approach through the use of the metaphor of fishing to bring home how words can "catch you" into doing something where you react in a hurt or irritated manner rather than just "letting go" and not bother you. "Hooks are no big deal unless you make them a big deal". Grades 3 - 8. 32 pages.
Don't Laugh at Me by Seskin & Shamblin; Tricycle Press
5.0+ stars. This is from the program "Operation Respect". Included is a CD having a song with the same title - "Don't laugh at me, don't call me names, don't get your pleasure from my pain". Need I say more? One upper elementary teacher played this song to her students on a regular basis. They sang along and just loved it. Buy it! Grades 2 - 8. 22 pages.
