10+ Best Books About Bullying for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Navigating the topic of bullying can be tough for young ones, and as a parent or educator, you might be on the lookout for resources to help. That's where "Books About Bullying for 8-Year-Olds" come in. These books are crafted to open up meaningful discussions and provide comfort and solutions to children facing bullying. Keep reading to discover a variety of Books About Bullying for 8-Year-Olds that could make a significant difference in your child's understanding of and response to bullying.

Fun Books About Bullying for 8-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Auggie strives to be treated as an ordinary kid but his classmates struggle to see beyond his appearance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming and uplifting story that promotes understanding and kindness. This book helps children see the importance of accepting and celebrating differences.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are starting new chapters in their lives, like a new school, and need encouragement in embracing diversity and resilience.

• The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes, illustrated by Louis Slobodkin
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This classic tale follows Wanda Petronski, a Polish-American girl in an American town, who is bullied by her classmates for wearing the same faded blue dress every day while claiming to own a hundred dresses at home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about bullying and the impact of our actions on others through a simple yet profound narrative. It encourages empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning about the consequences of bullying and the importance of kindness.

• Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Social Themes
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Chloe and her friends who reject the new girl, Maya, because of her old clothes and quiet ways. Through a lesson on kindness, Chloe realizes the lost opportunities for friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates how each act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a difference. It's a powerful reminder to be kind to everyone.
  • Perfect for: Kids who need to understand the impact of their actions and the value of compassion and empathy in friendships.

• My Secret Bully by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Abigail Marble
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Monica is bullied by her friend Katie in subtle ways that adults don't notice. With help from her mother, Monica learns to stand up for herself and reclaim her confidence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses the less obvious forms of bullying like relational aggression and offers realistic solutions for dealing with bullies.
  • Perfect for: Children experiencing or witnessing subtle forms of bullying and needing guidance on how to cope and respond.

• Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Stick and Stone are lonely until a chance encounter during a bullying incident brings them together. The story explores their burgeoning friendship and how they stand up for each other.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging way to teach kids about friendship and standing up for what is right through delightful rhymes and charming illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about friendship and solidarity, and parents looking for a lighthearted approach to discuss bullying.

Educational Books About Bullying for 8-Year-Olds

• Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This story follows Chrysanthemum, a young mouse who loves her unique name until she starts school and the other children make fun of it. The tale unfolds as she learns to appreciate her uniqueness again.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, empathy, understanding diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to the topics of teasing and self-acceptance, with relatable scenarios for young children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are dealing with or could encounter teasing and need affirmation of their own worth.

• The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Social Themes
  • Synopsis: The story centers on Brian, a boy who feels invisible at school until a new student arrives. Through this new friendship, Brian starts to feel seen and appreciated.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, emotional intelligence, friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the power of friendship and inclusion, and is a great resource for teaching empathy and kindness.
  • Perfect for: Children who feel left out or overlooked and could benefit from seeing their feelings reflected and validated.

• Llama Llama and the Bully Goat by Anna Dewdney
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Llama Llama deals with Gilroy Goat who likes to tease and bully the other kids at school. The story explores how Llama reacts and how the situation is resolved with the help of their teacher.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Conflict resolution, understanding emotions, cooperative play
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a relatable and straightforward narrative that helps children understand bullying behavior and appropriate responses.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergarteners who are learning how to navigate social situations and conflicts.

• One by Kathryn Otoshi
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Conceptual
  • Synopsis: This colorfully illustrated book uses numbers and colors to tell a story about standing up to a bully. The character One shows all the other colors how to stand up and count.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, color recognition, moral courage
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses simple metaphors to teach children about bullying and the importance of standing up for oneself and others.
  • Perfect for: Young children beginning to learn about numbers, colors, and basic social skills.

• The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill, illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Mean Jean is the recess queen and nobody dares to cross her until a new girl named Katie Sue comes along. This story deals with how Katie Sue challenges Mean Jean's behavior in a positive way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social interaction, assertiveness, conflict resolution
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles the issue of playground bullying in a way that is accessible and empowering for young children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are facing or observing bullying during playtime and need encouragement to stand up for themselves and others.

Challenging Books About Bullying for 8-Year-Olds

• Blubber by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book centers around Jill Brenner and her classmates who bully Linda Fischer, nicknamed "Blubber," for her appearance and awkwardness. The dynamics shift when Jill becomes a target herself.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex themes of peer pressure, social hierarchy, and moral dilemmas, presenting them in a way that challenges young readers to think critically about their actions and the consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a realistic and unflinching look at school bullying, encouraging readers to reflect on their behavior and the impact they have on others.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers interested in a deeper, more nuanced exploration of social dynamics and personal responsibility.

• The Juice Box Bully by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy, illustrated by Kim Shaw
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Pete is the new kid at school and starts showing bullying behavior. His classmates decide to stand up to him by showing him how they treat each other with respect.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces the concept of bystander intervention in a bullying situation, which is a sophisticated social concept for young readers to understand and think about.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers children to take action against bullying and promotes a proactive approach to building a supportive community.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are learning about the importance of standing up for others and making positive choices in social situations.

• Confessions of a Former Bully by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Beth Adams
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Self-help
  • Synopsis: Told from the perspective of a girl who used to be a bully, this book provides insights into why people bully and how they can change. It includes practical advice and tips for dealing with bullying.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the subject from the bully's perspective, encouraging readers to empathize with and understand different viewpoints, which can be complex for young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on bullying, promoting self-reflection and change, which is beneficial for personal growth and development.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who are interested in psychology and social behavior, and those who might benefit from understanding multiple sides of the bullying issue.

• The Weird Series by Erin Frankel, illustrated by Paula Heaphy
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Series
  • Synopsis: This series includes three books, each told from a different character's point of view: the bully, the bullied, and the bystander. It explores the roles each character plays in bullying scenarios.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series encourages readers to analyze the same situation from multiple perspectives, a sophisticated cognitive task involving empathy and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances understanding of complex social interactions and encourages a comprehensive understanding of how bullying affects everyone involved.
  • Perfect for: Children who are ready to engage with layered narratives and are interested in developing a deeper understanding of social issues.

• Enemy Pie by Derek Munson, illustrated by Tara Calahan King
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A young boy learns an effective recipe for turning a best enemy into a best friend with the help of his father's secret recipe for "enemy pie."
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses metaphor and a subtle approach to conflict resolution, requiring readers to infer and understand the underlying message about friendship and reconciliation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a creative and heartwarming solution to dealing with enemies, encouraging kindness and open-mindedness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with a moral lesson and those who might be dealing with their own friendship challenges.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Reading books about bullying can be a powerful way for kids to learn about empathy, kindness, and resilience. Here are some engaging exercises that can help 8-year-olds develop good reading habits while exploring books about bullying. These activities are designed to be both fun and educational.

• Create a Character Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that shows different characters and how they are connected.
  • How it helps: Helps understand character relationships and their roles in the story.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols to represent different types of relationships.

• Role-Playing Scenarios
  • What it is: Act out different scenarios from the book with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of characters' feelings and actions.
  • Tips: Switch roles to see the story from different perspectives.

• Story Prediction Board
  • What it is: Before finishing the book, predict what will happen next and discuss.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the story.
  • Tips: Use sticky notes on a board to rearrange or add new predictions as you read more.

• Discussion Circle
  • What it is: Have a group discussion about the book with peers or family.
  • How it helps: Improves verbal expression and understanding of different viewpoints.
  • Tips: Everyone should mention one thing they learned about bullying from the book.

• Illustrate a Scene
  • What it is: Choose a favorite or significant scene to draw or paint.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the story and reinforces memory of the events.
  • Tips: Display the artwork somewhere you can see it to remind you of the story’s lessons.

These exercises are not only fun but are also a stepping stone to building stronger reading habits and a deeper understanding of important social issues. Encourage your child to try these activities as they read, and watch their empathy and awareness grow alongside their love for reading!