Six Books to help cope with Bullying

Families Education Six books to help kids cope with bullying Georgina Atwell

Sadly, many children experience bullying at school at some point. It can be incredibly worrying for parents but help is at hand. There are lots of brilliant books out there which can help children open up about bullying and cope with the emotions or anxiety they may be feeling. For Anti-Bullying Week in November, Families asked children’s book expert, Georgina Atwell, to recommend six great books to help.

ELMER AND THE BIG BIRD by David McKee

One day, Elmer notices that there are no birds around. How strange! Soon he finds them hiding from the nasty bully bird in a nearby cave. The bully bird is mean and likes to frighten the little birds. Elmer comes up with a plan for the animals to work together to frighten off the bully - and they succeed!

A beautifully illustrated book about community, this is ideal for younger children ages 5 to 6.

HOW TO BE A LION

by Ed Vere You don't have to ROAR to be heard! Meet Leonard, a lion like no other. Leonard's best friend is Marianne, a duck. But lions chomp ducks, don't they? What will the pair do when their way of life is threatened?

From the New York Timesbestselling author of Max the Brave comes a powerful story celebrating daydreamers, individuality, and the quiet courage to be yourself. A witty picture book that can be enjoyed by children ages 2 to 7 (and adults everywhere!).

THE MISADVENTURES OF MAX CRUMBLY 1: THE LOCKER HERO

by Rachel Renee Russell Max is about to face the scariest place he's ever been: South Ridge Middle School! He’s been begging his parents to let him attend a real school after being home-schooled by his grandmother. He's starting to question that choice, though, with the Doug (aka Thug) Thurston Problem. Thug keeps stuffing Max in his locker.

If only Max could be like the hero in all the comics he likes to read and magically escape the locker and defeat Thug..From the number one New York Times bestselling author of Dork Diaries comes a delightful new series introducing Max Crumbly, the new Dork on the block! Perfect for older children ages 8 to 11.

CLOUD BUSTING

by Malorie Blackman Despite his mum's insistence, Sam doesn't want to be friends with Davey; he thinks Davey is a first class, grade A, top-of-the-dung-heap moron. But one day Davey saves Sam's life and a bond is formed between them. Sam is still embarrassed to be seen with Davey but little by little he must admit, when it's just the two of them, Davey is a lot of fun. But then something terrible happens to Davey... Told in verse, in first person, this is the touching story of an extraordinary friendship that changes two boys’ lives for ever. An uplifting tale that truly sings out. Perfect for ages 8 to 9.

WONDER by R. J. Palacio Born with a terrible facial abnormality, Auggie has been home-schooled by his parents his whole life. Now, for the first time, he's being sent to a real school - and he's dreading it. All he wants is to be accepted but can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, underneath it all?

Wonder is also an Oscar-nominated film starring Julia Roberts, Owen

Wilson and Jacob Tremblay. It is funny, frank and astonishingly moving, your kids will remember it long after the final page. GLOVES OFF by Louisa Reid Lily is mercilessly bullied at school so one day her Dad introduces her to boxing. Through it, she finds her own worth. It is a challenge that helps her face her fears and fight back against the bullies. This is a page-turning story of hope and resilience. It is about breaking through even the most difficult situations. This awardnominated book is perfect for early teen readers.