How Can I Use Books to Address Bullying Among Young Children?

Early Childhood Question Corner

Children’s literature can be an effective tool for addressing the growing concerns about physical, verbal, and relational bullying in schools. Though bullying has been traditionally dismissed by some as “just a part of growing up,” most educators today understand that it is a pervasive problem with harmful and damaging effects on all members of the school community. The use of literature to address bullying can benefit students of all ages by improving their ability to understand and cope with problems, helping them to develop personal and social judgment and increasing social sensitivity, empathy, and respect for others.

The discussion guide for the children’s book, The Name Jar, provides an example of using children’s literature to increase empathy and help students to respond constructively to bullying that they observe or experience in their communities. This discussion guide is part of ADL's multi-grade curriculum unit Words That Heal: Using Children's Literature to Address Bullying.

Here are a few other picture books that address bullying; all come with discussion guides.

• Each Kindness
• The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade
• I Walk with Vanessa
• Lunch Every Day

For additional recommendations for children’s books that address name-calling, bullying and other anti-bias themes, visit ADL’s Books Matter.