Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev (ages 5-7)
After a little boy and his tiny elephant are barred from the Pet Club, they befriend other children with unusual pets. In this sunny, smart, tongue-in-cheek tale, friendships are born out of mutual respect for the idiosyncratic choices of others. The first odd couple we meet consists of the story’s young narrator and the baby […]
Think for Myself at School by Kristy Hammill (ages 4 to 6)
We can’t always be there to protect our kids from peer pressure, but we can arm them with the power to think for themselves! Kale sets a great example when it comes to making independent decisions in this straightforward kids book. He likes animals and super capes and it doesn’t matter that his friends prefer […]
One by Kathryn Otoshi (ages 4-6)
Blue is a quiet color. Red’s a hothead who likes to pick on Blue. Yellow, Orange, Green, and Purple don’t like what they see, but what can they do? When no one speaks up, things get out of hand — until One comes along and shows all the colors how to stand up, stand together, […]
Say Something by Peggy Moss (ages 5-8)
The girl in this story sees it happening, but she would never do these mean things herself. Then one day something happens that shows her that being a silent bystander isn’t enough. Will she take some steps on her own to help another kid? Could it be as simple as sitting on the bus with […]
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson (ages 5-8)
In this funny yet endearing story, one little boy learns an effective recipes for turning your best enemy into your best friend. Accompanied by charming illustrations, Enemy Pie serves up a sweet lesson in the difficulties and ultimate rewards of making new friends.
The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill (ages 5-8)
A fresh and original twist on the common issue of bullying. Kids will relate, and parents and teachers will appreciate the story’s deft handling of conflict resolution, which happens without adult intervention.
Cliques, Phonies, & Other Baloney (ages 8-13)
Blends humor with practical advice as it tackles a serious subject. Trevor Romain starts by explaining what cliques are and why they exist: because everyone wants to have friends. He reveals why some cliques are so annoying—and often full of phonies. And he shares the secret to being popular: just be yourself!
Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham (ages 8 to 12)
A terrific graphic memoir about how hard it is to find your real friends―and why it’s worth the journey. Real Friends tackles bullying, childhood anxiety, and growing pains in a heartfelt way but also shows us the incredible kindness and solidarity that girls can and do display.
Friends: Making Them and Keeping Them by Patti Kelley Criswell (ages 9 to 12)
Part of the American Girl Smart Girl’s Guide series, this book is written by a social worker and does a great job at teaching self-respect, confidence, and respect for others. Perfect for boys too.
Drama, Rumors and Secrets by Nancy Holyoke (ages 9 to 12)
Part of the very well-done American Girl Smart Girl’s Guide Series, this book offers insight into drama, from jealousy to gossip to cyberbullying, and how to deal with it. Kids (yes, boys too!) can learn why drama exists, how it starts, what keeps it going, and how to cool it down.