Rumor Has It by Julia Cook (ages 5-9)

Whether we’ve been the subject of a rumor or the one spreading a rumor about someone else, most of us have been involved with rumors somehow. But how many people really stop to think about the damaging effects? Cook brings this serious subject to light in an entertaining and funny, but cautionary, tale about the […]

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 […]

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.

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.