The sad fact is that bullying is a typical part of many children's days. Some children are bullied, others are bullies. Parents, teachers, and counselors need to take action to help children with this common social concern. With open discussion and an understand heart, adults may help give children the strategies they need to cope with bullying.
Bibliotherapy with Children
Darla Farris Miller explains that bibliotherapy helps "children think about, understand, and work through social and emotional concerns." [Positive Child Guidance, Thomson Learning, 2000]. She goes on to say that more than simply stimulating discussion, bibliotherapy can often prevent and resolve certain issues with children. With that in mind, these children's book titles are a wonderful starting point to stimulate discussion on the topic.
Nobody Knew What to Do: A Story about Bullying
Becky Ray McCain creates a story that not only helps children who are being bullied, but children who witness other children being bullied. It provides effective advice on how children can work together to stop bullies and how to approach and adult to explain what is happening. The touching story, Nobody Knew What to Do [Albert Whitman & Company, 2001], is complimented with wonderful illustrations.
Stop Picking on Me
Pat Thomas and Lesley Harker partnered to write this simple book perfect for young children through early grade school. Stop Picking on Me [Barron's Educational Series, 2000] uses simple language to convey the feelings and emotions of both children who are bullied and the child doing the bullying. It is a great tool to be used with both groups of children, and offers advice on how to stop the problem.
Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain
Trevor Romain targets an older children's audience with his book, Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain [Free Spirit Publishing, 1997[. Nine to 12 year old children will appreciate the infusion of humor into this cartoon-like picture book. This book will help empower children who are victims of bullies and can be a tool to start conversation on the subject.
Thank You, Mr. Falker
In her familiar way, Patricia Polacco draws upon her own past experiences to create Thank You, Mr. Falker [Philomel, 1998]. Readers will learn about young Tricia, who was severely teased due to a reading disability. Her compelling tale will help children understand how painful teasing can be and how hurtful it is to isolate others based on their differences. Though the story does not specifically discuss bullying, it can be a springboard into discussion on the topic.
The Hundred Dresses
Though originally published in 1944, this Caldecott Medal and Newberry Honor book still provides adults with a wonderful opportunity to discuss bullying issues with older elementary students. Eleanor Estes' story, The Hundred Dresses [Harcourt Paperbacks, 2004], creates a timeless tale that brings to the surface the issues of peer pressure and discrimination. The story will touch both the victim and the bully and enable adults to get to the heart of the social problem of bullying.
Bullying is a serious social issue that must be discussed. These bibliotherapy books are a wonderful resource to reach children and get them talking about how bullying affects them and how they can deal with it. These titles will help adults address the emotional turmoil bullying can cause and offer effective strategies for resolving the issue.
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