National Bullying Prevention Month is a critical time for educators to address the impact of bullying and to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. It’s a time to stand against bullying and foster kindness, empathy, and respect in our schools and communities. By raising awareness and teaching our children about the impact of bullying, we can help them understand the importance of compassion and the strength of standing up for one another.
We have curated a selection of children’s books that thoughtfully address the themes of bullying, empathy, courage, friendship, and kindness. Your students will respond to these inspiring tales that can help shape a more compassionate and understanding world for everyone.
1. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Wonder follows the story of Auggie, a boy with a facial difference, as he navigates school life for the first time. The book explores themes of kindness, empathy, and the importance of standing up for others. This novel is a powerful tool for teaching students about acceptance and the profound effects of bullying. It encourages empathy by allowing readers to see the world through Auggie’s eyes.
Classroom Ideas: Use this book to initiate discussions about differences, empathy, and kindness. Have students create “Choose Kind” campaigns or role-play scenarios to practice positive responses to bullying.
2. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
This poignant story tells of Chloe, a girl who regrets not showing kindness to a new classmate, Maya after Maya moves away. It’s a profound reminder of how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Each Kindness demonstrates the impact of exclusion and the importance of kindness, even in small actions. It creates opportunities for students to reflect on their behavior and the potential consequences of including or excluding others.
Classroom Ideas: After reading, encourage students to share ways they can show kindness in their daily lives. Create a class project where students commit to one act of kindness each day and reflect on its impact.
3. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
The Invisible Boy tells the story of Brian, a boy who feels invisible in his class until a new student, Justin, befriends him. It’s a touching story about the power of inclusion and friendship. This book highlights the feelings of loneliness and isolation that often accompany bullying and exclusion. It encourages students to be inclusive and to reach out to others who may feel left out.
Classroom Ideas: Use this book to discuss the importance of inclusion and belonging. Have students pair up to create “invisibility shields” for classmates, where they write or draw how they can help others feel seen and valued.
We have curated a selection of children’s books that thoughtfully address the themes of bullying, empathy, courage, friendship, and kindness.
4. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
This charming picture book tells the story of Chrysanthemum, a young mouse, who loves her name until she starts school and is teased about it. The story addresses the pain of being different and the importance of both belonging and self-acceptance. Chrysanthemum helps students understand the hurtful effects of teasing and the importance of respecting differences. It fosters discussions about self-esteem and the impact of words.
Classroom Ideas: After reading, encourage students to share what they love about their names or their peers’ names and create “name art” to celebrate their uniqueness. This can lead to a discussion about respecting differences and standing up against teasing.
5. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon follows the story of Molly Lou Melon, a small girl with big teeth and a unique voice, who confidently faces a bully at her new school. It’s an empowering tale of self-confidence and resilience that demonstrates how embracing one’s differences can disarm bullies.
Classroom Ideas: Use this book to discuss self-esteem and resilience. Have students create posters that celebrate their unique qualities or write postcards (index cards are a great substitute) to themselves about their strengths and talents.
6. Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy
This story tells of Lucy, a girl who is teased by a classmate for being different, but ultimately chooses kindness when her bully needs help. It’s a lesson in courage and doing the right thing, even in difficult situations. It provides a model for how to respond to bullying with empathy and can lead to nuanced discussions about when and how to stick up for yourself and when to be vulnerable with others who are hurting.
Classroom Ideas: After reading, encourage students to role-play different scenarios where they can practice responding to bullying with kindness. Discuss the importance of courage and standing up for what is right and when it’s time to seek help from an adult.
7. I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoët
This wordless picture book tells the story of a young girl, Vanessa, who is bullied at school and how a simple act of kindness from a classmate transforms her experience. It’s a powerful narrative told through illustrations. The absence of words in I Walk with Vanessa allows students to interpret and discuss the story, fostering deep conversations about bullying, empathy, and the ripple effect of kindness.
Classroom Ideas: Use this book as a visual prompt to discuss the emotions and actions depicted. Encourage students to create their own wordless stories about kindness and empathy or discuss ways they can support each other in their own lives.
The books described above not only help students understand the impact of bullying but also empower them with strategies for responding to and preventing bullying. Thoughtful discussions based around one or more of these stories are one more way to create a classroom environment in which every student feels valued and safe.
