Bullying: 10 Books for Home and School

The term 'bullying' is a bit of a euphemism. Remember the old advertisement for Charles Atlas, where the big guy kicks sand in the little guy's face while the dismayed girl looks on? 'Frail, puny' guys were exhorted to build up their muscles so that they could take on the bully and get the girl. There was a subtle 'might makes right' idea implied here.

Bullying is as much emotional as physical; it is an insidious cancer that eats away at a person. Bullying is sneaky and under-handed. We need to teach kids to recognize bullying. There are many forms of bullying. And bullies come in many sizes and shapes. Girls bully just as boys do. One of the best ways to address bullying is to call it out. Don't ignore it and hope it will go away. Sharing literature is a non-threatening way to address and heal issues, Here is a list of books that deal with bullying in an avant-garde, clever way.

Hooway for Wodney Wat - Helen Lester. Poor little Wodney Wat (Rodney Rat); he can barely 'squeak clearly' to his friends, let alone cope with big mean Camilla Capybara. But when our hero is forced to take on Camilla rodent to rodent, P.S. 182 School for Rodents is never the same.

The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig - Eugene Trivizas. This fractured fairy tale may be the funniest book I have ever read. And there is a lesson to be learned about taking care of yourself. Find out how from three timid but clever little wolves and one destructive big, bad pig who learns to dance.

A Bargain for Francis - Russel and Lillian Hoban. The redoubtable Francis badger outsmarts Thelma, her devious sometime friend in an amazing case of double dealing.

Ira Sleeps Over - Bernard Waber. Ira likes his teddy bear, Ta-Ta. When he is invited to stay the night at Reggie's house, his bullying big sister convinces him that 'Reggie will laugh'. Fortunately, Ira and Ta-Ta have the last laugh on a persnickety big sister.

Mouse Soup - Arnold Lobel. Fox wants to make a soup out of Mouse, but first mouse has some clever stories to tell Fox to help make the soup taste better and hopefully keep Mouse out of the soup pot!

The House on East 88th Street - Bernard Waber. Lyle is the nicest crocodile he knows how to be, but his neighbor's cat Loretta is terrified of Lyle. Read how lovable Lyle makes peace. There are several other adventures with the endearing Lyle, too.

Thomas the Tank Engine - Rev. W. Awdry. Thomas is alternately bullied by the bigger engines and then rudely bullies the smaller engines himself. But this cheeky little train learns his lesson.

Emil and the Detectives - Erich Kastner. Young Emil is bullied by some very fierce men, but this wise little boy takes them on and saves the day.

The Bully of Barkham Street - Mary Stolz. A tender look at how a bully is made.

These books can help your family and classroom explore the problem of bullying and identify some refreshing ways to stop the bully and heal the problem.