National Bully Prevention Month: Books to Grow Kids Empathy, Understanding and Resilience
Books are an excellent tool for preventing bias among children. In honor of National Bully Prevention Month, this selection of books helps kids see and understand various ways of being. It reminds us all of each other's humanity, and the importance of celebrating people for their uniqueness.
When kids deepen their understanding of others’ lived experiences and see their own selves represented, they’re more likely to move through the world with kindness and confidence.
Check out some of our favorite books to address bullying and bias with children. You can find them all on our Bookshop page.
Big
Author/ Illustrator: Vashti Harrison | Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child’s journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal. With spare text and exquisite illustrations, this emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small is a tender portrayal of how you can stand out and feel invisible at the same time.
Big Bob, Little Bob
Author: James Howe | Illustrator: Laura Ellen Anderson| Publisher: Candlewick
Despite the fact that they share a name, Big Bob and Little Bob are different. Big Bob likes trucks and throwing balls and being loud. Little Bob likes dolls and jingling bracelets and being quiet. No matter what they do, they do not do it the same. Could they possibly be friends despite these differences? With humor and tenderness, James Howe and Laura Ellen Anderson beautifully depict the struggles and rewards that come when friendships are forged between different kinds of people.
A Sled for Gabo
Author: Emily Otheguy | Illustrator: Ana Ramirez Gonzalez | Publisher: Candlewick
The Snowy Day meets Last Stop on Market Street in this heartwarming classic in the making about a young boy who is in a new town and doesn’t have much, but with the help of a loving community discovers the joys of his first snowy day.
On the day it snows, Gabo sees kids tugging sleds up the hill, then coasting down, whooping all the while. Gabo wishes he could join them, but his hat is too small, and he doesn’t have boots or a sled.
But he does have warm and welcoming neighbors in his new town who help him solve the problem in the sweetest way possible!
What Happened to You?
Author: James Catchpole | Illustrator: Karen George | Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
What happened to you? Was it a shark? A burglar? A lion? Did it fall off? A boy named Joe is trying to play pirates at the playground, but he keeps being asked what happened to his leg. Bombarded with questions and silly suggestions, Joe becomes more and more fed up...until the kids finally understand they don't need to know what happened. And that they’re wasting valuable playtime!
Based on the author’s real childhood experiences, this honest, funny, and authentic picture book is an empowering read for anyone with a disability, and for young readers learning how best to address differences.
That's Not My Name!
Author/Illustrator: Anoosha Syed | Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Mirha is so excited for her first day of school! She can't wait to learn, play, and make new friends. But when her classmates mispronounce her name, she goes home wondering if she should find a new one. Maybe then she'd be able to find a monogrammed keychain at the gas station or order a hot chocolate at the cafe more easily.
Mama helps Mirha to see how special her name is, and she returns to school the next day determined to help her classmates say it correctly--even if it takes a hundred tries.
The Fairest in the Land
Author: Leslea Newman | Illustrator: Joshua Heinsz | Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
When it comes to playing dress-up, best friends Annabelle and Benjamin both want to be the bride, the ballerina, and the princess. Can they both be the fairest in the land?
In this spirited and inclusive story about expressing our true selves with pride, two friends ultimately realize that they can both be their authentic selves—and that having two princesses means twice the fun.
Sulwe
Author: Lupita Nyong'o | Illustrator: Vashti Harrison | Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.
