The 10 Best Books to Battle Bullying

While you’ve likely heard the expression Pay It Forward, how about Pink It Forward? Wednesday, February 24th is Pink Shirt Day – aka Anti-Bullying Day. Students, parents, and teachers all across the country are showing their support and sporting some serious pink.

Character education is a big focus today in molding children to become moral, non-bullying people. As both an educator and mom, I believe that children’s books play a role in shaping our youth and teaching them about courage, compassion, and empathy. Storytelling is also a non-threatening way to open up honest dialogue and communication between students and the adults who love them.

Bullying is a battle I believe we can fight and win with words. Here are my 10 favourite kids’ books that will touch your soul and inspire change at the same time.

Friendshape

Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

For ages: 3-5

Friendship can enrich our lives. This concept is introduced to young readers with the help of a cast of shape characters – triangle, square, circle and rectangle. Parents and educators can “shape” the discussion by either resting at the core or delving a little deeper.

Noni Speaks Up

Written by Heather Hartt-Sussman, Illustrated by Geneviève Côté

For Ages: 3-7

In the third companion book, Noni faces a very real dilemma when her friend Hector is bullied at school. Readers will relate to Noni’s challenge of feeling powerless and cheer her courage to find her voice.

A Friend for Lakota: The Incredible True Story of a Wolf Who Braved Bullying

Written and Photographed by Jim and Jamie Dutcher

For ages: 4-8

It’s often less acknowledged that bullying takes place in countless forms and places. Enter the real story from National Geographic Kids of a shy wolf pup, Lakota, who experiences bullying. His story is captured by documentarians who observed and lived with wolves for six years. Animal lovers of all ages will howl for Lakota.

Duddle Puck: The Puddle Duck

Written by Karma Wilson, Illustrated by Marcellus Hall

For ages: 4-8

This picture book follows a quirky little puddle duck who will not conform to the expectations of his farm animal friends. This puddle duck refuses to quack and to their dismay likes to cluck, honk, oink, and neigh. This charming story has a subtle anti-bullying message about being true to oneself– regardless of peer pressure to change.

Kika the Upside-Down Girl

Written by Jessica Tudos

For ages: 4-10

Anyone who has ever felt a little different will relate to this story. The charismatic Kika is an aspiring gymnast who loves to live life upside down. Cool fact: it’s based on the personal journey of the author, Jessica Tudos, who competed in the 1984 Olympics. Get ready to add “fliptastic” to your vocabulary.

The Artist and Me

Written by Shane Peacock, Illustrated by Sophie Casson

For ages: 5-9

This unique biographical picture book is based on the actual life of the famous artist, Vincent van Gogh. Readers will learn this exceptional painter was actually tormented for his creative genius. This story and its illustrations are breathtaking. You will want to pre-order it, as it’s coming to bookstores this April.

Dear Bully of Mine

Written by Vicki Fraser, Illustrated by Cody and Sean McGrath

For ages: 8 and up

This book was penned by a Canadian school teacher, Vicki Fraser, who decided to take a stand against bullying. Told through the rhyming narrative of three students experiencing bullying, the story reveals the importance of speaking up and breaking the cycle.

Wonder

Written by R.J. Palacio

For ages: 8 and up

This chapter book tells the tale of fifth-grader Auggie Pullman, born with a facial deformity and his quest to fit into his new school. Written in the voices of children, it’s by far one of my favourite YA books that adults will love.

Anna, Banana, and the Friendship Split

Written by Anica Mrose Rissi, Illustrated by Meg Park

For ages: 6-10

Navigating elementary school friendships can get tricky as illustrated in this chapter book. Anna experiences bullying from an unexpected source - her very best friend. A good reminder that bullying can transpire where you least expect.

To This Day: For the Bullied and Beautiful

Written by Shane Koyczan, Illustrated by various artists
For ages: 11 and up

The journey of To This Day began when an animated video of Shane Koyczan’s poem was released and viewed over 12 million times. This special poem has now transitioned into a unique book, with a preface by Shane and illustrations by 30 artists worldwide.

The 10 Best Books to Battle Bullying

Pink It Forward on Pink Shirt Day!