Teach your child to be an "upstander."
Give your child the tools to take a stand with this growing collection of books, conversation starters, and links.
You may also want to browse our collection of Chapter Books about Bullies, Bystanders, and Being Kind for your older child or your next family read-aloud title.
Talk about the issue.
What do you think is the difference between bullying and teasing? (Hint: One of these is more intentionally mean, recurring, and involves a difference in power between two or more people.)
Do you ever feel lonely or left out? What do you do to feel better? What else can you do?
Do you ever see other kids at your school being bullied? How does it make you feel to be a bystander to such behavior?
How do you think you could help a friend or classmate who is being bullied? (At DGT™ we proudly call these helpers "Upstanders!")
Let's make a list of great qualities about each of us. Why do you think it is important to think positive thoughts about yourself?
Check out this popular edition of the DGT™ Newsletter on "Raising Upstanders" for more strategies to prevent bullying.
Featured Title
The Big Umbrella by June Bates
This is a beautiful, open-ended book helps kids see that there’s always room to include others. Young readers may enjoying knowing that this book was cowritten by a mother-daughter team that imagined the story on their way to school in the rain.
Additional DGT Favorites
Big Red and The Little Bitty Wolf: A Story About Bullying by Jeanie Franz Ransom
This modern twist on a classic fairy tale is an excellent starting point for any conversation about bullying.
Bully on the Bus by Kathryn Apel
Young readers will be empowered by this story's fun use of fairy tales as inspiration to stand up to a bully. Seven-year-old Leroy sure is!
Bully on the Bus (The Decision is Yours Series) by Carl W. Bosch
Nostalgic fans of choose-your-own-adventure books will love this format. And young readers will be empowered to make meaningful decisions about bullying in this compelling, if somewhat dated book.
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Too often our most unique feature becomes a target for bullies. Chrysanthemum must learn to love her name, and herself, enough to overcome her classmates negativity in this childhood classic.
Crow Boy by Taro Yashima
This classic Caldecott Honor book offers an elegantly told story that will inspire readers of all ages to second-guess their judgments and notice the needs and gifts of those around them.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
Fall in love with the latest picture book from the incomparable Jacqueline Woodson. This book is a beautiful reminder to take pride in our own stories, watch for what we have in common with others, and delight in our fabulous differences.
Desmond and the Very Mean Word by Desmond Tutu and A. G. Ford
What should you do if someone calls you a very mean word? How do you know when to forgive someone? This compassionate story, inspired by Desmond Tutu's childhood in South Africa, is sure to inspire big conversations.
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
This funny, sweet story features the sort of neighborhood conflict all kids experience. The secret recipe the only cure for conflict, enemy pie, may just inspire your kids to make a few new friends of their own.
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
When Chloe and her friends reject new girl Maya, she learns a valuable lesson about accepting people. And the regret of missing an opportunity to share kindness.
The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand up for Others by Rob Sornson and Maria Dismondy
Teach your kids how not to be a bystander with this story. One classroom has pledged to stand up for one another and to earnestly live by the golden rule. When the new kid starts to cause trouble, these classmates challenge one another to stay true to their pledge, ultimately teaching their new classmate what it means to be part of their community.
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McLoud
I know this book pops up on every list. If you are wondering why, then perhaps you haven't read it in a while. The message is so clear and so motivating, even the youngest children will set out at once to fill buckets. Perhaps even more remarkable, even the oldest readers find it inspiring too!
The Invisible Boy by Tracy Ludwig
This charming story will inspire every reader who has ever felt invisible (hint: that's everyone at some time or another!).
The Lunch Thief by Anne Bromley
How would you respond if someone stole your lunch? Join Rafael as he struggles to answer to this question and discovers their may be more to bullies than he had previously thought.
My Secret Bully by Trudy Ludwig
Girls can be mean in particularly fierce but subtle ways. This book is perfect for any family coping with a "mean girl" scenario.
My Name is Bilal by Asma Mobin-Uddin, Ph.D. and Barbara Kiwak
Bilal and his sister Ayeesha are the only two Muslim students in their school. When other students tease Ayeesha about her headscarf, Bilal finds the courage to stand up for her.
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
What's in a name, Shakespeare asked. For a child whose whole world is changing, the continuity of her own name may mean an awful lot. And friends who are willing to take the time to learn her name may mean even more. This is a great book about acceptance, friendship, and change.
Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds
Differences are no reason to treat people poorly, but being different - or feeling different - can make for a pretty lonely life. Readers will empathize with Nerdy Birdy’s as he struggles to find his flock.
One by Kathryn Otoshi
This story may seem sweet and simple, but at it’s core is an important lesson about embracing differences, the power of standing up for others, and empathy.
The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neil
I'm a big fan of this book, because my instinct has always been to turn to humor in tight situations. It's fun, it rhymes, and best of all, this book gives you ample opportunity to discuss how bullying begins and how to shut it down.
Stand in My Shoes: Kids Learning About Empathy by Bob Soronson, Ph.D.
The big idea of empathy is boiled down to the simple act of noticing the lives, experiences, and emotions of others. One part mindfulness, one part social skills lesson, and one part sweet story, this book is a helpful tool for your home library.
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by David Catrow
Teach your children (and remind yourself) to be true to their own idiosyncrasies, in spite of teasing. This book will have your whole family cheering one another on for much-loved quirks.
Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry
This funny story about kindness and friendship is certain to be an on-demand favorite for parents and kids alike.
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
This delightful story of acceptance, friendship, and empathy is sure to become a family favorite. When one young boy’s tiny pet elephant isn’t allowed at the local Pet Club, he gets creative and finds an adorable solution. The overall message is that all are welcome, and it is delivered in the most entertaining, delightful way possible.
Tease Monster by Julia Cook
Discover the difference between laughing at someone and laughing with someone in this silly story.
Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Palacco
Master storyteller Palacco shares her own childhood experience with a learning disability, bullies, the teacher that made a difference.
The Weird Series by Erin Frankel (Weird, Tough, and Dare)
Featuring three books from the perspective of three different third graders, this series is touching, thoughtful, and a certain conversation starter!
Back to Read Together for more book lists!
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The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.