Books on Bullying?

[Korie Mitchell]

My sister-in-law is working with a group of African-American 4th grade boys. She asked me for ideas of books she could use with them that cover the topic of bullying. I am looking for any and all suggestions you may have!

 

Thanks!

[Paula Daubert]

I can think of 2 picture books that would be useful. "One" by Kathryn Otoshi is a wonderfuly simple short book that I have read to my K- 2 classes and did a roll playing excercise with them that they really enjoyed. For 4th grade she could definitely bump it up to their level. The story has millions of possibilitites.

 

The other pictue book is "First Come Zebra" by Barassch (don't remember the first name). It is set in Kenya and is about 2 boys from different tribes who meet and say terrible things about the other mostly because they each are repeating what they have overheard their parents say. In the end the two boys work together to save the life of a young toddler from a totally different tribe. Lots of possibilities for a bullying discussion.

I don't know if you were really looking for chapter book ideas, but I hope this may help a little.

[Korie Mitchell]

Thank you! The 2nd one sounds intriguing to me... I may check it out for my own use! :)

[Patricia M.]

The author and illustrator of "First Come the Zebra" is Lynne Barasch.

[Shawn Steidinger]

I read a book to my kids called "Mean Max" by John Peterson.  It's about a boy named Tony who gets bullied by a kid named Max. Tony's mom says to try to befriend Max. Tony's dad teaches him how to punch. Teachers tell them to shake hands. What should he do? This little book presents a great starting place for a discussion on bullies and being bullied. It's an oldie (1970) but a goodie. On the front cover, there is a note that reads "Original title: Mean Max Chickens Out", so you may be able to find a copy by that title as well.

"Maniac McGee" by Jerry Spinelli touches on bullying, too, but is more about race relations - my son read it in 4th grade, but I think it is aimed at children who are 9-12 yrs old.

 

Also, I just found this site on the web: http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/  They have publications and webisodes that you can download & watch. 

You can search Amazon.com using keyword "bully" and limit to children's books and then filter by age group, but that's not quite as helpful as hearing from your colleagues here with their reviews... I'm looking forward to see what else gets posted here!

Best of luck,

--SHAWN

[Korie Mitchell]

Thanks so much for the resources & suggestions! :)

[Korie Mitchell]

I have taken everyone's suggestions and compiled them into one list on my personal blog... Thanks everyone!

 

http://kmmitch.blogspot.com/