On February 28th, the world celebrates International Stand Up to Bullying Day, a semi-annual event that raises awareness of the damaging effects of bullying and encourages participants to take a public stand against bullying. As the day focuses on learning how to recognize the signs of bullying and steps that can be taken to prevent it, we’ve gathered seven children’s books that do just that.
Rainbow Allies: The True Story of Kids Who Stood Against Hate by Nancy Churnin, Illustrated by Izzy Evans
Based on a real-life incident in 2016, Rainbow Allies introduces the welcoming town of Natick, Massachusetts, where older lesbian couple Cari and Lauri have made their home. When the pair decide to put up a rainbow flag outside their home, local kids stop to help them; however, those same kids are upset to later find out that Cari and Lauri’s flag was stolen and their house egged shortly after. Determined to find a way to make things right, the kids come up with a plan that helps the entire neighborhood show support for the couple. Overall, a great primer on allyship and a touching story about how kids can show support for communities most in need of it.
The Together Tree by Aisha Saeed, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Rumi is having a tough time at his new school. He misses his old friends and is having trouble finding his place, made all the more difficult when classmates Asher and Ella begin to bully him. Every recess, Rumi retreats to a sheltering willow tree to avoid interaction — and harassment — until the day that the bullying goes much too far. When one of his classmates finally stands up, Rumi begins to make friends; yet when he has an opportunity to exclude his former bully, will he? Measured yet powerful, the story and artwork provide an honest look at the pain of bullying and the potentially positive impacts of contrition and forgiveness.
Kiki Kicks by Jane Yolen & Ariel Stemple, Illustrated by John Ledda
Kiki’s mom has practiced karate for a long time, and now Kiki feels that she’s ready to learn too. Most of all, she wants to feel strong. Not for the same reasons as the bullies at school, who use their strength to hurt other people. Kiki wants to feel strong so that she knows she is powerful, peaceful, and steady like a mountain. Based on Stemple’s own experiences with bullying and reclaiming confidence through martial arts training, this gentle story gives kids an important lesson in the value of self-empowerment when dealing with bullies and that true strength is never a measure of the power a person has over others, but of how they empower themselves with that strength.
Walter Finds His Voice: The Story of a Shy Crocodile by Ann Kim Ha
Most crocodiles like to hide below the surface of the water to sneak up on prey, but not Walter. Walter’s just shy. He’s super nervous around the other residents of his swamp, terrified of saying the wrong thing or being laughed at if he speaks up. One day, however, he happens upon the Heron twins bullying Turtle, and he manages to push past his fear to help a friend in need. Walter’s story is simple yet universal, assuring young readers that courage is not the absence of fear or self-doubt but taking action in spite of it — especially if it means doing the right thing and helping a friend who is being bullied.
The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts, Illustrated by Christian Robinson
Hardly anyone notices Sally McCabe. As it turns out, being the smallest kid in the smallest grade at school means that you get overlooked a lot. Sally is observant, however, and uses her ability to go unnoticed to pay extra, super special attention to the world around her. In fact, it seems that she’s the only one who is paying attention when some of her classmates are getting bullied or pushed on the playground or in line. And while Sally may be small, she is not one to let herself be silenced in the face of injustice. This uplifting tale will encourage kids to speak up for others in need, as even the smallest voice can make a big difference.
What Happens Next by Susan Hughes, Illustrated by Carey Sookocheff
At the start of this title, the unnamed protagonist (also portrayed as genderless) lays things out in a matter-of-fact way: “Why I Don’t Want To Go To School Today: Bully B.” Bully B. is a mean girl who teases the protagonist daily, and it seems no one is interested in helping. Every day, it seems to get worse. Finally, the protagonist builds the courage to tell their mother, who responds with support and several options for solutions. A unique bullying story, the abstractness of the narrator allows the reader to slip right into their shoes; the mom sagely gives the protagonist agency over how the bullying is dealt with, and a beautiful visual payoff occurs when a realistically tentative peace is reached by the end.
I Walk with Vanessa: A Picture Book Story About a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoët
In this wordless picture book, the reader is introduced to Vanessa, a new girl at school who is reserved and hesitant around her more boisterous and familiar classmates. While walking home alone, Vanessa is stopped by a bully who taunts her to the point of tears, an exchange that is observed by another child. Disheartened by this incident, the child rallies their friends, and the next morning they join one by one to walk beside Vanessa so that she will never have to face a lonely walk again. The beautiful simplicity of this story will speak to readers of any age and leave a lasting message: hatred and callousness always lose when good people come together to stand against it.
We hope that you and your young readers enjoy these books and that they inspire you to take a stand against bullying in your everyday lives. Together, we can stand up to the forces of hate. Happy reading!
For more of our favorite self-empowerment books for kids, check out this article on Picture Books That Will Inspire Self-Love in Little Bookworms.
To see all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
