Children's books about bullying
Being picked on, or watching a friend get picked on, is one of the hardest things a child goes through, and often the hardest to talk about. These picture books and novels give children words for what is happening, show them what standing up (and standing by) looks like, and open the door to a conversation at home.
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Always Anjali
by Sheetal Sheth
Ages 4–7Indian author
Anjali can't find a bike plate with her name on it, and then gets teased at school. She learns to be proud of who she is and where her name comes from.
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Talking of Muskaan
by Himanjali Sankar
Ages 12–15Indian author
When Muskaan disappears from school, four friends piece together why — and confront difficult truths about belonging and acceptance. A groundbreaking Indian YA novel on LGBTQ+ identity, widely praised and taught in progressive schools.
Heads-up: Suicide & self-harm, Homophobic bullying
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The Miracle on Kachhua Beach
by Nandita da Cunha
Ages 6–10Indian author
Bullied and nicknamed 'Oddball Ori,' a boy finds an abandoned, garbage-strewn beach and an unconventional idea that transforms his community — a Neev Award-winning story.
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Bonkers!
Ages 6–8Indian author
Armaan's new dog Bonkers chews his glasses, eats his shoes and lands him in trouble with the school bully — can life with Bonkers get any crazier?
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Sneaker Paati
by Anita Nair
Ages 8–11Indian author
Kittu's Dasara holiday turns upside down when his dad's headstand-doing, Japanese-speaking aunt arrives, and helps him and his friend Bunty stand up to a neighbourhood bully.
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Magic Stitches
Ages 3–7Indian author
A little boy loves to crochet, and the other boys make fun of him. As they watch, his stitches turn into a cape, a river and a maze. Will they join him?
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Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect
Ages 4–10
Teaches children about body ownership, respect, feelings, choices and recognising bullying, with discussion questions for parents and teachers.
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The Recess Queen
by Alexis O'Neill
Ages 4–7
Mean Jean rules the playground — until small new girl Katie Sue isn't the least bit afraid. A lively rhyming story about courage and the most unexpected friendship.
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One
by Kathryn Otoshi
Ages 4–8
Blue is a quiet color, and Red doesn't like it. When the other colors join in the bullying, it takes One to stand up and count everyone in. A bold, simple story about standing up for others.
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Wolf Hollow
by Lauren Wolk
Ages 10–13
In WWII-era rural Pennsylvania, Annabelle must decide whether to stay silent or stand up for a troubled war veteran being falsely blamed by a cruel new classmate.
Heads-up: Violence, Death & grief
