This document summarizes several books that can help address the issue of bullying. It provides brief descriptions of each book, including their key messages and discussion questions. The books are aimed at different audiences, including students, teachers, and parents. They address topics like defining bullying, empowering victims, dealing with relational aggression, and changing bullying behaviors. The document also includes statistics on bullying prevalence and references resources on the subject.
2. Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional and that involves an imbalance of power or strength. Typically, it is repeated over time. A child who is being bullied has a hard time defending himself or herself. Bullying can take many forms, such as hitting or punching (physical bullying); teasing or name-calling (verbal bullying); intimidation using gestures or social exclusion (nonverbal bullying or emotional bullying); and sending insulting messages by e-mail (cyberbullying). What is bullying?
3. Studies show that between 15–25 percent of U.S. students are bullied with some frequency (“sometimes or more often”) while 15–20 percent report that they bully others with some frequency (Melton et al., 1998; Nansel et al., 2001). Recent statistics show that although school violence has declined 4 percent during the past several years, the incidence of behaviors such as bullying has increased by 5 percent between 1999 and 2001 (U.S. Dept. of Ed., 2002). Prevalence of Bullying
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5. In surveys of third through eighth graders in 14 Massachusetts schools, nearly half who had been frequently bullied reported that the bullying had lasted six months or longer (Mullin-Rindler, 2003).
6. Research indicates that children with disabilities or special needs may be at a higher risk of being bullied than other children (see Rigby, 2002, for review).(http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/adults/tip-sheets/tip-sheet-09.aspx)
7. Books that can be used with Students Summary and discussion ideas
10. Each "rule" offers specific examples and is illustrated with brightly colored pictures.Discussion starter: What are rules for being a good friend?
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12. Each day Kevin presents himself at the playground, only to be ousted by Sammy's threats (``...he'll dig a hole so deep I'll never get out''); each day Dad mildly points out that Sammy's fierce notions are impractical (``And what would you be doing while Sammy was tying you up? Just sitting there?''), helping Kevin to realize that he's not helpless (``...while Sammy was nailing one door shut, we could walk out the other''). Finally, Kevin gets up his courage and counters Sammy's threats with an imaginative--and logical--verbal exchange. Then, to Sammy's ultimate outlandish threat, Kevin says simply, ``Try it''--and the two settle down to play in the sandbox together. Discussion starter: Who can you turn to for help?
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14. This approachable picture book explores the difficult issue of bullying among children. It helps kids accept the normal fears and worries that accompany bullying, and suggests ways to resolve this upsetting experience.
15. This book's no-nonsense approach is simple and straightforward. It explains exactly what bullying is, why it may happen and what victims can do to protect themselves. The focus here is on feelings, because 'bullies only pick on people they know they can hurt.' A child's best defense is self-esteem that develops naturally when a child feels loved by family and friends. Cartoon-style drawings present uncomplicated scenarios that can be easily understoodDiscussion starter: What can you do if you see someone picking picked on?
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17. This book provides good insight into why someone bullies exhibit specific behaviors.Discussion starter: Is hitting the right way to deal with a bully? What are other ways to deal with a bully?
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19. The spare text allows children to acknowledge their feelings of powerlessness in the presence of a bully, even if they are not the focus of the intimidating behavior. A nameless protagonist serves as a spokesman for all of his classmates who don't know what to do, finally seeking help from his teacher when bullies plan to attack his friend. Discussion Starter: Have you ever stood by while you saw someone being bullying? Is it tattling if you tell an adult about this situation?
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21. Muted colors and crowd scenes to set off the ostracized subject; the boy "chosen last" on the playground becomes a shadowy outline under a basketball hoop as smiling kids crowd the foreground; a kid "slower than the others in my class" peers out of a sea of raised hands.Discussion starter: Have you ever called someone a name? What names have you heard others called?
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23. Mr. Munson artfully points out that enemies (not just childhood enemies) are more likely friends you just don't know yet.
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26. When Molly Lou's family moves, and she encounters the school bully, Ronald Durkin, she remembers her grandmother's advice. When he calls her "SHRIMPO!" she beats him at football and, full of self-confidence, meets his other taunts with an astounding array of talents.
27. I think all of us have been picked on or criticized at some point in our lives, and it is our reaction to that criticism that measures our pride and determines how we are perceived by others. Molly Lou Melon showed her friends that she was very proud of who she was and could do anything she put her mind to.Discussion starter: What are words of advice you could give someone if they are being bullied?
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29. Kids know that schoolyard power games aren't that easily solved, but they'll enjoy seeing the bully as needy, and they will recognize how everything can suddenly shift.
30. Rendered in collage and acrylics in vibrant shades of fuchsia, lime green, and azure blue, the illustrations showcase Mean Jean as an over-the-top cartoon character who is frenetic and effervescent. The text effectively dips, swirls, and slants around the action of the art, further marrying the two.Discussion starter: Why do you think kids did not stand up to Mean Jean? Have you ever been afraid to stand up to someone?
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32. This charming book celebrates an individual's determination and sense of self.
33. This book is important for children to hear because it teaches them they all possess certain characteristics and these are the characteristics that make them individuals. Just because someone else can do something and they can’t doesn’t mean they are less of a person.Discussion starter: What characteristics do you have that make you unique?
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35. This frank and plausible story will help youngsters to distinguish between good-natured teasing and the destructive variety, empowering them by providing options they can use when faced with bullying.
36. The story offers a realistic portrayal of a bully who uses words in hurtful ways but avoids punishment. Discussion starter: What is the difference between teasing and bullying? Is there a difference?
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38. Monica's mother comes up with an excellent solution. She said to confront Katie using mental strategy; instead of stooping to retaliation, Monica might say, "Does it make you feel good to say mean things to me in front of other people?"
39. a book about relational aggressionDiscussion starter: When you say something not nice about someone, how does it make you feel?
42. The book also provides excellent insights into behaviors related to but not always recognized as bullying, such as cliques, hazing, taunting and sexual bullying.
43. “This book truly helped our family understand the entire dynamic, the repercussions of inaction or inappropriate responses and what options are available to all involved in bullying. “ Jennifer Walls
46. The roots of teasing and why some children engage in this behavior
47. How to talk to your child to find out why he or she is being teased
48. The ten strategies for dealing with teasers that really work, including self-talk, ignoring, visualization, reframing the tease, disarming the teaser with a compliment, and using humor to lighten up the situation
49. How you can work with the school and teachers to combat teasing
50. How to help your child form healthy friendships and foster empathy and mutual support
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52. The book's premise is that all young people can and should be taught the skills necessary to face common issues, such as making choices, liking themselves, and solving problems. Exercises guide readers through learning about their own feelings, dreams, and needs--while stressing that they are responsible for their own behavior and happiness.
53. Kids learn how to build relationships, become responsible, manage their anger, grow a “feelings vocabulary,” make good choices, solve problems, set goals, and “store” happiness and pride. Questions from real kids are paired with answers about how to handle specific situations calmly, confidently, and effectively.
54. It’s the ultimate resource for any kid who’s ever been picked on at school, bossed around, blamed for things he or she didn’t do, or treated unfairly—and for any kid who sometimes feels frustrated, angry, powerless, or scared.
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56. Delivering a practical, supportive, and step-by-step "bully proofing prescription" that yields lasting results for both boys and girls, from grade school through high school.
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58. Females fight with what is called "relational aggression": the silent treatment, exclusion, mean looks, rumor spreading, ganging up on a girl, manipulating relationships. In a girl's world, friendship is a weapon.
59. This groundbreaking book illuminates the most pressing social issues facing girls today, including:
66. This book is a useful guide for classroom teachers when dealing with female bullying. These behaviors do not start when they are teenagers, they start when girls are young and cannot develop into more harmful behaviors. This book provides useful strategies and discussion guides. Girls need to be taught specific skills on how to deal with these specific situations and this book helps to teach them those skills.
