Best Books About Bullying for Elementary School Students

Books are powerful tools for teaching children about bullying, empathy, and courage. They provide safe spaces to explore difficult topics, offer relatable characters facing similar challenges, and spark important conversations between children and adults. This curated list features the best anti-bullying books for elementary-age children, organized by age group.

Why Books Matter in Anti-Bullying Education

Reading about bullying helps children:

• Recognize bullying behaviors in themselves and others
• Develop empathy by experiencing situations from multiple perspectives
• Learn coping strategies through characters’ examples
• Feel less alone when facing similar challenges
• Build vocabulary to talk about their experiences
• Start conversations with trusted adults
• Understand consequences of actions and choices

Research shows that bibliotherapy—using books as part of therapeutic intervention—can significantly improve children’s social-emotional skills and reduce bullying behaviors.

Ages 4-6: Building a Foundation of Kindness

1. Outnumbered by Zachary Penan

Perfect for: Ages 4-10 Key themes: Courage, friendship, standing together, overcoming fear

Jack moves to a new school and faces bullying from older boys who take his lunch box and make him feel afraid. When he finally tells his teacher, something amazing happens—his entire class stands up for him. The bullies, suddenly outnumbered, back down, and Jack discovers the power of friendship and unity.

Why we love it: This story shows children that:

• Speaking up to trusted adults makes a difference
• Bystanders can become upstanders
• Unity and friendship are powerful against bullying
• Courage is contagious
• No one has to face bullying alone

Discussion questions:

• “Why was Jack scared to tell anyone at first?”
• “How did Jack’s classmates show they were his friends?”
• “What would you do if you saw someone being bullied?”
• “How did Jack feel when his class stood up for him?”

Use it for: Starting conversations about speaking up, the power of friendship, and how to be an upstander.

2. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

Perfect for: Ages 4-7 Key themes: Name-calling, self-esteem, acceptance

Chrysanthemum loves her name until she starts school and classmates tease her about it. She begins to feel terrible until her music teacher, who also has a flower name, helps her see its beauty again.

Why it works: Shows how teasing affects self-esteem and how positive role models can help children feel proud of what makes them different.

Discussion starters:

• “Have you ever been teased about something that made you feel bad?”
• “How did the teacher help Chrysanthemum feel better?”
• “What makes your name special?“

3. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

Perfect for: Ages 5-8 Key themes: Social exclusion, kindness, inclusion

Brian feels invisible at school—no one ever picks him for teams, invites him to parties, or saves him a seat. When a new student arrives, Brian has a chance to be the friend he wishes someone would be to him.

Why it works: Beautifully illustrates how exclusion feels and how one act of kindness can change everything. The illustrations show Brian in black and white until someone includes him, when he bursts into color.

Discussion starters:

• “Have you ever felt invisible like Brian?”
• “Who at your school might feel left out?”
• “What could you do tomorrow to help someone feel included?“

4. Llama Llama and the Bully Goat by Anna Dewdney

Perfect for: Ages 3-6 Key themes: Teasing, standing up, asking for help

When Gilroy Goat starts pushing and teasing Llama Llama and his friends, Llama Llama doesn’t know what to do. With his teacher’s help, he learns how to stand up to bullying behavior.

Why it works: Simple language and familiar characters help very young children understand basic bullying concepts and know it’s okay to ask adults for help.

Discussion starters:

• “What did Gilroy Goat do that wasn’t kind?”
• “What did Llama Llama do when he needed help?”
• “Who can you tell if someone is being mean to you?“

5. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell

Perfect for: Ages 4-8 Key themes: Self-confidence, resilience, celebrating differences

Molly Lou Melon is tiny, has buck teeth, and a voice like a bullfrog. But her grandmother has taught her to embrace what makes her unique. When a bully tries to make her feel bad, Molly Lou’s confidence inspires others.

Why it works: Focuses on building self-esteem as protection against bullying. Shows that confidence and staying true to yourself can diffuse bullying.

Discussion starters:

• “What made Molly Lou Melon strong against bullying?”
• “What makes you special and unique?”
• “How did Molly Lou’s attitude affect the bully?”

Ages 7-9: Understanding Social Dynamics

6. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

Perfect for: Ages 6-10 Key themes: Regret, missed opportunities, consequences of exclusion

When a new girl named Maya joins the class, Chloe and her friends refuse to play with her. Maya eventually transfers schools, and Chloe realizes she’s missed her chance to show kindness—a lesson that stays with her.

Why it works: Powerful because it shows lasting regret. Children see the lasting impact of their choices not to include someone. It’s one of the few books that doesn’t have a “happy ending,” making it memorable and thought-provoking.

Discussion starters:

• “How do you think Maya felt when no one would play with her?”
• “Why do you think Chloe felt bad later?”
• “Have you ever missed a chance to be kind? What did you learn?”
• “If Chloe could go back, what might she do differently?“

7. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Perfect for: Ages 8-10 (also available as a picture book: “We’re All Wonders”) Key themes: Facial differences, empathy, choosing kindness

Auggie has a facial difference that has kept him out of mainstream school. When he finally attends, he faces stares, whispers, and bullying, but also discovers true friendship.

Why it works: Told from multiple perspectives, helping children understand how everyone experiences the same situation differently. The mantra “Choose Kind” has become an anti-bullying movement.

Discussion starters:

• “Why did some kids treat Auggie poorly at first?”
• “Who showed real friendship to Auggie?”
• “What does ‘choose kind’ mean to you?”
• “Have you ever judged someone before getting to know them?“

8. The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill

Perfect for: Ages 5-9 Key themes: Playground bullying, making friends, changing behavior

Mean Jean is the Recess Queen—biggest, toughest, and no one messes with her. Then tiny Katie Sue arrives and innocently does what no one else has dared: she plays without Jean’s permission. Katie Sue’s fearless friendliness transforms Jean.

Why it works: Shows that bullies can change and that sometimes friendship, not confrontation, is the answer. Demonstrates how lonely being the “tough kid” can be.

Discussion starters:

• “Why do you think Mean Jean acted like the ‘Recess Queen’?”
• “How did Katie Sue’s approach work when fighting back wouldn’t have?”
• “Has there ever been a ‘recess queen or king’ at your school?“

9. Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds

Perfect for: Ages 6-10 Key themes: Using your voice, speaking up, many forms of expression

A powerful book about finding your voice and using it to speak up against injustice. Shows that “saying something” doesn’t always mean speaking words—it can be art, action, or presence.

Why it works: Empowers all children, including introverts and those who struggle with verbal expression, to know they can make a difference in their own way.

Discussion starters:

• “What are different ways you can ‘say something’ besides talking?”
• “When is a time you wish you had spoken up?”
• “How can you use your voice to help others?“

10. Confessions of a Former Bully by Trudy Ludwig

Perfect for: Ages 8-12 Key themes: Perspective of the bully, regret, making amends, changing behavior

Katie is asked to write about her bullying from her own perspective as part of a school intervention. Through her journal entries, readers understand why she bullied and how she works to change.

Why it works: Rare perspective that helps children understand bullies are complex people who can change. Useful for children who have engaged in bullying behavior themselves.

Discussion starters:

• “Why do you think Katie bullied other kids?”
• “What helped Katie change her behavior?”
• “Can people who have bullied others change? How?”

Ages 9-10: Complex Social Situations

11. The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

Perfect for: Ages 8-11 Key themes: Classism, regret, standing up vs. staying silent

Wanda wears the same faded dress daily and claims she has a hundred dresses at home. Maddie and Peggy tease her. When Wanda moves away, Maddie realizes the hurt her silence caused and vows to never stand by quietly again.

Why it works: A classic that addresses economic bullying and the role of bystanders. Shows the difference between actively bullying and passively allowing it to happen.

Discussion starters:

• “Is there a difference between teasing someone and watching others tease them?”
• “Why didn’t Maddie speak up for Wanda?”
• “What did Maddie learn that changed her forever?“

12. The Juice Box Bully by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy

Perfect for: Ages 5-9 Key themes: Whole-class response, creating kind communities

Pete is the new kid who pushes, shoves, and takes other kids’ juice boxes. Instead of fighting back or tattling, the class works together with their teacher to create an anti-bullying promise and include Pete in positive ways.

Why it works: Shows a proactive, community-based approach to bullying. Includes discussion questions and the “Promise to Stand Against Bullying” in the back of the book.

Discussion starters:

• “How did the class work together to solve the problem?”
• “Why might Pete have been acting like a bully?”
• “What promises could your class make about bullying?“

13. Enemy Pie by Derek Munson

Perfect for: Ages 4-8 Key themes: Turning enemies into friends, assumptions, prejudice

The narrator is having a great summer until Jeremy Ross moves in—his worst enemy. When Dad offers to make “Enemy Pie,” there’s a catch: you have to spend the whole day being nice to your enemy. Surprisingly, the day transforms their relationship.

Why it works: Shows how assumptions and rumors create “enemies” and how actually getting to know someone changes everything.

Discussion starters:

• “Have you ever thought someone was mean before you knew them?”
• “What changed the narrator’s mind about Jeremy?”
• “Is there someone you could try getting to know better?“

14. The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts

Perfect for: Ages 5-9 Key themes: Speaking up, observation, making a difference

Tiny Sally McCabe notices everything wrong at her school—bullying, meanness, exclusion—that others overlook. One day, she’s had enough and speaks up, inspiring change.

Why it works: Empowering message that even the smallest person can create big change. Validates the observers and empaths who see injustice.

Discussion starters:

• “What did Sally notice that others ignored?”
• “Why do you think it took time for Sally to speak up?”
• “What changes would you make at your school?“

15. One by Kathryn Otoshi

Perfect for: Ages 5-9 Key themes: Bullying, being an upstander, finding courage

Blue is quiet and likes to be peaceful, but Red picks on Blue constantly. The other colors watch but don’t intervene. Finally, One stands up, showing that it takes just one person to make a difference, inspiring others to join.

Why it works: Brilliant use of colors and numbers makes abstract concepts concrete. Shows the bystander effect and how one upstander can inspire others.

Discussion starters:

• “Why didn’t the other colors help Blue at first?”
• “What gave One the courage to stand up?”
• “How can you be like One at school?”

Books About Cyberbullying

16. Words Are Not for Hurting by Elizabeth Verdick

Perfect for: Ages 4-7 Key themes: Kind language, impact of words, choosing carefully

While not specifically about cyberbullying, this board book teaches very young children that words have power and should be used kindly—a crucial foundation before digital communication begins.

17. My Mouth Is a Volcano! by Julia Cook

Perfect for: Ages 5-9 Key themes: Impulsivity, thinking before speaking, self-control

Louis has a problem: words burst out of his mouth before he thinks about them. This is relevant to online behavior where impulsive comments can hurt others.

Discussion angle for cyberbullying: “Just like Louis needs to think before speaking, we need to think before typing or posting. Once words are online, we can’t take them back.”

How to Use These Books Effectively

Before Reading

Set the stage:

• “This book is about a kid facing a tough situation. Let’s see how they handle it.”
• “I’m curious what you’ll think about the choices the characters make.”
• “This might remind you of things that happen at school.”

During Reading

Pause for reflection:

• “What do you think will happen next?”
• “How is this character feeling right now?”
• “Have you ever felt like this?”
• “What would you do in this situation?”

After Reading

Process together:

• “What was the most important part of the story?”
• “What did the characters learn?”
• “Did anything surprise you?”
• “How can we use this story’s lessons in real life?”

Extended Activities

Deepen understanding:

• Draw pictures of their favorite scenes
• Write letters to characters offering advice
• Act out scenes with different endings
• Create their own anti-bullying story
• Make a poster inspired by the book’s message

Building Your Anti-Bullying Library

Essential Collection (5 books):

1. Outnumbered - The power of unity and speaking up
2. Wonder or We’re All Wonders - Choosing kindness and acceptance
3. The Invisible Boy - Inclusion and noticing others
4. Each Kindness - Consequences and missed opportunities
5. One - Being an upstander and inspiring others

Expanded Collection (Add these 5):

6. Chrysanthemum - Teasing and self-acceptance
7. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon - Building confidence
8. Say Something - Finding your voice
9. The Recess Queen - Bullies can change
10. Confessions of a Former Bully - Understanding the bully’s perspective

Books for Specific Situations

If your child is being excluded:

• The Invisible Boy
• Enemy Pie

If your child is being teased about appearance/differences:

• Wonder/We’re All Wonders
• Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
• Chrysanthemum

If your child has engaged in bullying:

• Confessions of a Former Bully
• The Recess Queen
• Each Kindness

If your child is a bystander:

• One
• Outnumbered
• The Hundred Dresses

If your child is scared to speak up:

• Say Something
• Outnumbered
• The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade

Creating a Book Club or Reading Group

Consider starting an anti-bullying book club:

Format:

• Monthly meetings (parents and kids, or kids only with supervision)
• Read book in advance or take turns reading aloud
• Discussion questions prepared
• Activity or craft related to theme
• Share personal experiences (with appropriate facilitation)

Benefits:

• Community support
• Peer learning
• Safe practice discussing difficult topics
• Adult modeling of healthy conversations

Beyond Books: Extended Learning

Connect to Real Life

After reading, look for opportunities:

• “Remember how Jack told his teacher in ‘Outnumbered’? That was really brave. If you ever need to tell me something hard, I’m here.”
• “I noticed you included that new kid today. That reminds me of how Katie Sue was friendly to Mean Jean.”

Combine with Other Resources

Pair books with:

• Open conversations about bullying
• Role-playing scenarios
• Teaching kids to recognize signs of bullying
• School-based programs

FAQ: Books About Bullying

Q: At what age should I start reading anti-bullying books? A: As early as age 3-4, you can read books about kindness and friendship. More specific bullying content works well from ages 5-6 onward.

Q: What if my child doesn’t want to talk about the book? A: Don’t force it. Simply reading the story plants seeds. Try casual observations: “I noticed the character felt really alone” and leave space for them to respond if they want.

Q: Should I read these books even if my child isn’t being bullied? A: Absolutely! These books build empathy, teach bystander intervention, and prepare children to recognize and respond to bullying. Prevention is as important as intervention.

Q: Can these books make bullying worse by giving kids ideas? A: Research shows the opposite: education about bullying reduces it. These books teach empathy and consequences, not tactics.

Q: What if the book triggers my child’s trauma about bullying? A: Be prepared to stop reading if they’re not ready. Consult with a therapist about whether and when bibliotherapy might help. Sometimes processing through stories helps, but timing matters.

Conclusion: The Power of Stories

Books about bullying do more than educate—they heal, empower, and inspire. When children see characters like Jack in “Outnumbered” find courage to speak up, or watch Molly Lou Melon stand tall despite teasing, they internalize those lessons. They learn they’re not alone, that speaking up matters, and that kindness is powerful.

Building a library of anti-bullying books gives you tools for countless conversations over the years. These stories become reference points: “Remember how Jack’s friends stood up for him? You can do that too.”

Start with one book. Read it together. Talk about it. Then watch as those lessons shape how your child sees themselves and treats others.

The best defense against bullying is a child who knows they matter, who sees others’ humanity, and who believes in the power of speaking up and standing together—lessons every one of these books teaches beautifully.

Want to start your anti-bullying library? Begin with “Outnumbered”—a story that shows children they’re never alone when they have the courage to speak up and friends who stand beside them.