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Toni Buzzio's Adventure Annie Goet to Kindergarten, illustrations by Amy Wummer is 
a perfect book for Pre-K-Kinder for self confidence. This character exudes self 
confidence, as well as restraint when needed.
Colette
 
Colette D. Eason, Librarian
Marsalis ES
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Dallas, TX 75241
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Dallas ISD
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>>> Barb Langridge <barb.langridge@HCLIBRARY.ORG> 9/1/2010 6:49 AM >>>
Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for the great suggestions.  STAND TALL MOLLY LOU MELON was an 
overwhelming recommendation for the self confidence issue.

Respect and Responsibility were tougher for all of us.  

Here are the wonderful recommendations from the Great Brain:

Brave Irene
Teammates (by P. Golenbock)
Amazing Grace

David Gets In Trouble, by Davis Shannon, where David finally admits his errors and 
apologizes, maybe Knuffle Bunny, where the parents make great efforts to find the 
missing bunny.

Regina's Big Mistake 


The Kindness Quilt


Girls Can, Too!: A Tolerance Story (Main Street School Set 2)

There's a Skunk in My Bunk: Helping Children Learn Tolerance (Let's Talk)

Ryan Respects (The Way I Act Books)


Koala Kan Learns About Respect

Show Some Respect (Main Street School) 

Respect and Take Care of Things (Learning To Get Along)

The Fearful Fairy

Accept and Value Each Person (Learning to Get Along)


Be Polite and Kind (Learning To Get Along) 

O Neill, A   The Recess Queen
Otoshi,K.   One

Horton Hears a Who

Sheila Ray the Brave and Chester's Way, both by Kevin Henkes.

Wish Again, Big Bear


Barbara Braxton in Australia sent a link to her work on values:  
http://www.curriculum.edu.au/values/ 

For self confidence, I love Violet the Pilot (Steve Breen), and Stand
Tall Molly Lou Mellon (Patty Lovell), Willow (Denise Brennan-Nelson) or
even Clever Beatrice (Margaret Willey). An opposing viewpoint can be
offered by Scaredy Squirel (Melanie Watts).

Amazing Grace, Ron's Big Mission, or Going Someplace Special?



Lisa Ligo sent an annotated bibliography on bullying that had some great 
suggestions.  Here's her list:

Early Learners

Alexander, C. (2008). Lucy and the Bully. Morton Grove, Illinois: Albert Whitman & 
Co.
A mean classmate ruins Lucy’s artwork and evokes emotions of sadness, fear and 
withdrawal which are often experienced by someone being bullied at this age level.  
The story has a positive ending when the bully stops being jealous and becomes her 
friend.  The story suggests parent/teacher involvement to resolve the problem.  
Simple pictures and large text are good for small children and early learners. 
(PreK- 1)

Emberley, E. (2007) Bye Bye Big Bad Bullybug.  New York: Little & Brown Co.
In similar die cut fashion as the author’s popular Go Away Green Monster!, a big 
bully bug arrives in his space ship to try to scare the itty bitty baby bugs but is 
taken care of by one big shoe.  Short simple story with good alliteration, no real 
message is conveyed. (PreK-1)

Henkes, K (1991) Chrysanthemum. New York: Harper Collins Publishing
A light hearted story follows one of Henke’s mouse characters to school where she 
encounters teasing about her name.  Supportive parents and a warm perceptive 
teacher allow her to recognize self acceptance and individuality.  This timeless 
classic is good as an introduction to common teasing that starts at an early age. 
(PreK- 1).

Keats, E.J (1969) Goggles.   New York: MacMillan Group
Peter and Archie find a pair of cool motorcycle goggles in the trash, with the help 
of their dog Willie they outwit a gang of neighborhood bullies who want to take 
them. A short, simple story written and illustrated in, award winning author, Ezra 
Keats style.  Although the message in this story is “hide to survive” it is a 
realistic technique for a small child.  (Pre K- 1)

Lester, H. (1999). Howay  for Wodney Wat.  Illus. Lynn Musinger. New York: Houghton 
Mifflin Co. 
Rodney is teased by his classmates because he cannot pronounce his “r’s” It 
is his speech impediment that shows how he single handedly chases away the new 
class bully and becomes the hero of the class.  Although, Rodney regains his 
confidence and has hero status in the class, the story may send a mixed message of 
becoming aggressive to resolve a problem. (K-2)

Lovell, P (2001) Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon. Illus. David Catrow. New York: GP 
Putnam & Sons 
When a bully at her new school makes fun of Molly Lou she remembers the lessons her 
grandma taught her to laugh and love herself for who she is!  An endearing, 
beautifully illustrated picture books that conveys a great message for inner 
confidence to “walk proud, smile big and sing loud”. (PreK-1).

Mayer, G & M (1999)  Just a Bully.  New York: Golden Books
When a brother and sister are picked on in school by a bully they decide to take 
action and fight him.  The class cheers as he walks away.  Illustrated in typical 
“Mayer style”, this is a simplistic story easy for small children to relate to. 
Although it encourages youngsters to stand up for themselves it may also encourage 
the use of violence to resolve problems.  (K-2)

O’Neill, A. (2002) The Recess Queen. illus. Laura Huliska Beitn New York: 
Scholastic Press
Mean Jean rules the playground until a new student stands up to her and also asks 
her to be her friend.  Mean Jean drops her bossy ways to play.  Illustrations are 
bright and colorful and the story has great alliteration and rhyme.  Message about 
being confident and sometimes making friends with bullies can change people.  
(PreK-1)

Otoshi, K. (2008) One. San Rafael CA: KO Kids Books
Red is hot! Blue is not!!  Red picks on blue and it finally takes the power of 
“1” to prove that everyone counts. Winner of the Mom’s Choice Award symbolism 
resonates in this book illustrated in simplistic paint drops.  Younger children may 
not understand the message the book is trying to convey but is a clever way of 
conveying an anti-bully message in older elementary school grades. (K-4)



Rosenberg, L (1993). Monster Mama. Illus. Stephen Gammell. New York: Philomel Books.
The unique splatter ink artwork lends to the uniqueness of this story about Patrick 
Edward’s Mama and how she raises him to be fearless when confronted with a group 
of bullies.  Rosenberg conveys a symbolic message to adult readers for raising 
independent children.  Interesting story, however vivid imagery may be frightening 
for very young children. (K-2)

Elementary School Level Reading

Blume, J (1974)  Blubber. New York:  Yearling
Fifth grader Linda is an overweight and unpopular student who is continuously 
harassed by Wendy, the ring leader. Wendy uses her power to create a gang like 
mentality in the classroom.  When another student stands up for Linda the story 
takes a different twist and she now becomes the target.  The story is somewhat 
dated and doesn’t really have a solid conclusion however accurately depicts the 
“power play” of social relationships common among this age group.  (Grades 4-6)

Clements, A (2007) Jake Drake: Bully Buster.  Illus. Janet Pedersen  New York: 
Aladdin 
Jake has been a bully magnet since preschool but in 2nd grade he meets certified, 
grade A, super bully, Link Baxter, who has generally made his life miserable.  The 
boys are paired up for a class project and when Jake lends a helping hand they end 
the story with mutual respect.  Jake realizes “Behind every bully’s face. There 
is another face, a real face.”  A good chapter book geared for transitional 
readers, engaging characters make it a good read for elementary students (Grades 
2-4)

Golus, C (2009) Take A Stand. Minneapolis:  Lerner Publishing
Part of a health zone series, this book defines bullying and provides bully stopper 
tips for children.  The text is easy to read and colorfully illustrated.  Provides 
a clear awareness of bullying and may answer questions for younger student who are 
experiencing bullying for the first time.  (Grades 2-5)


Cooper, I. (2002). The Annoying Team.  illus. By Colin Paine. New York: Golden Books
Nine year old Tim starts the “Annoying Team” at school to seek revenge on the 
third grade bully.  He takes matters into his own hands and rallies the class to 
take on the philosophy “you bug us, we bug you back” But things get out of hand 
as the group’s activities expand and he learns that he has now become the one 
with the power. An appealing chapter book with good message about group dynamics 
and use of power.  (Grades 3-5)

McGraw, J (2008).  Life Strategies for Dealing with Bullies.  New York: Aladdin
A self help book for pre-adolescents that describes realistic stories and 
strategies to combat the intimidation brought on by bullies.  This book focuses on 
present day bullying with much attention to internet (e-bullying).  A comprehensive 
book chock full of details which may lose the central theme for some readers.  The 
advice is specifically directed to the “tweener” audience, however would be 
helpful for creating an open discussion for children and adults.  (Grades 4-7)

Romain, T (2004) [DVD]  Bullies are a Pain in the Brain  This twenty minute video 
follows Jack and his friend Skye through his school day and routine encounters with 
bullying. The author/illustrator Trevor Romain provides solid advice along the way. 
  Based on his 1997, award winning book series, this light hearted approach of a 
serious problem offers positive solutions for creating self confidence and handling 
daily bullying situations.  DVD provides a quick visual lesson.  (Grades 3-6) 

Spinnelli, J  (1997)  Crash. New York: Dell Yearling
This story is the look through the eyes of bully “Crash” Coogan who 
consistently picks on a neighborhood boy. A life changing moment transforms the 
bully to an empathetic person with troubles of his own.  The reflective nature of 
this story is inspiring.  Short chapters and stylistic humor make it a good read 
aloud. (Grades 4-8)

Spinnelli, J (2003) Loser.  New York: Harper Collins Publishing
With many accolades including Publisher Weekly Best Book, NY Publishers top 100 
titles for Reading and Sharing and Family Fun Magazines Best New Books this story 
follows quirky Donald Zinkoff from Elementary School through Middle School.  Donald 
is awkward, exuberant and outwardly unaffected by the teasing of his peers.   His 
spirited, self confident character wins the hearts of every reader and teaches 
students a valuable lesson to respect people for their individuality.  (Grades 4-8)

Middle School Level Reading

Gardner, O and E & S Buder (2008) Letters to a Bullied Girl: Messages of Hope & 
Healing.  New York: Harper Collins Publishing 
A selection of some of the over 4,000 letters written in response to a letter 
writing campaign two teenagers initiated in reaction to a local teenage girl who 
was being bullied at school and over the internet.  A collection of heartfelt 
responses from people all over the world who were remorseful for having been a 
bully or thoughts of inspiration from those that were bullied. (6 – 9)

Prose, F. (2007). Bullyville.  New York: Harper Teen
After losing his father in 9/11 Bart Rangel is offered a scholarship at a 
prestigious prep school, Bailywell, aka “Bullyville”.  Bart is tortured and 
humiliated by the school bully and in an act of revenge is labeled as a delinquent 
by the administration.   The author tries to make parallels between the terroristic 
threats made by the bully, Tyro, and the terrorists bombing the World Trade Center 
in that “they did it to “hurt people, send a message, and spread fear”.  
Although the reader might envision reconciliation between the bully and victim, the 
story ends in a violent fight between the two.    The main character reflects that 
although horrific he survived a difficult time in his life.  The message that the 
author conveys at the conclusion of the story is far from uplifting and makes 
pointless correlation attempts with 9/11. (Grades 7-10)

Butler, D.H (2008) Truth about Truman School. Morton Grove, Ill.: Albert Whitman & 
Co.  
Unable to write what administrators might deem “sensitive” subjects in her 
Middle School newspaper she and her friend create an online newspaper.  The intent 
is to give students a forum to discuss things that are of true interest however, a 
popular girl becomes the target of slanderous postings and the site becomes a 
malicious gossip website.  This story is written in first person tone rotating 
between the different main characters lending to various view points.  It is a 
great, current day revelation of how exclusion, isolation and anonymity of internet 
postings can create a complicated tangled web of cruel and insensitive verbal 
abuse. Although this type of bullying is more common among girls it is appropriate 
for the middle school age group. (Grades 6-9)

Wilhelm, D (2003)  The Revealers.  New York: Farrar, Straus & Girauy
Three ninth grade students who experience bullying everyday create an underground 
online newspaper to expose the schools culture of bullying. They bring similar 
stories of emotional and physical bullying to the forefront which causes many 
students to rally for the underdog.  This story gives empowerment to the out casts 
and turns the table on a common problem. (Grades 6-9)

Koja, K. (2003)  Buddha Boy. New York: Penguin Group
Voted as an ALA Best Book for young adults this story is seen through the eyes of 
Justin a typical, well liked high school student who befriends outcast Jinson, who 
is dubbed Buddha boy because of his shaved head and beliefs in Buddhism.  The boys 
connect through a similar appreciation for art and Justin learns about Jinsen’s 
strength of character and nonviolent ways. Although the story touches on Buddhism, 
it is not grounded in it; acceptance and tolerance are key themes. (Grades 6-10)


High School/ Young Adult Level Reading

Hosseini, K. (2004) The Kite Runner. New York: Penguin Books
A young boy’s inability to stand up and fight off a group of bullies defiling his 
loyal friend breaks the bond between them and resonates throughout his entire life. 
 The story takes place in Afghanistan weaving the cultural traditions in the story 
of class separation. However, the primary theme of friendship, loyalty and 
redemption could have taken place anywhere.  A New York Times #1 Bestseller has an 
engaging storyline that conveys a solid message through ironic twists of fate.     
(Grades 10-12)



Piccoult, J. (2007) Nineteen Minutes  New York: Washington Square Press
Award winning author, Jodi Piccoult gives a straight forward look at bullying and 
its consequences that end in a violent school shooting.  The story follows twelve 
years of torment experienced by Peter Houghton. A childhood friend who witnesses 
his torment and parents blind to the effects of bullying raises many moral 
questions. Although the lengthiness of the text may dissuade some readers, the 
engrossing plot is poignant.  The raw relevant truth of this story may curb 
enthusiasm of school administrators to add it to their reading lists however; it 
may lead to thought provoking open discussions among teachers and students that are 
necessary. (Grades 10-12)












Best regards and thanks again to all,

Barb

PS Join me on abookandahug.com !



Barb Langridge
Children's Services

Howard County Central Library
10375 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD 21045

410 313-7880
barb.langridge@hclibrary.org 

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