The most recommended bullying books

Who picked these books? Meet our 94 experts.

94 authors created a book list connected to bullying, and here are their favorite bullying books.
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Book cover of Your Name Is a Song

Idris Goodwin Author Of Your House Is Not Just a House

From my list on books to read aloud to children.

Why am I passionate about this?

From my work as a playwright and breakbeat poet, Artistic Director of Seattle Children’s Theatre, and full-time co-parent, I've dedicated my career to crafting engaging narratives that resonate across generations. With over sixty original plays to my name, I've honed a unique approach that intertwines hip-hop rhythms with rich storytelling. My debut picture book is a testament to this approach—inviting children and parents to discover the boundless creativity that can be found in everyday spaces. It’s my hope that this book inspires families to explore their homes with fresh eyes and open hearts, turning reading into an adventure of imagination.

Idris' book list on books to read aloud to children

Idris Goodwin Why did Idris love this book?

Your Name Is A Song is a deeply personal book for anyone who's ever felt their name was misunderstood. This story celebrates the melody and significance of names from various cultures, encouraging children to take pride in their identities.

Having grown up with a unique name myself, I understand the importance of this affirmation. This book is a powerful tool for empowerment and inclusivity, teaching both children and adults to appreciate the diversity and beauty of names and the stories they carry.

By Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Luisa Uribe (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Your Name Is a Song as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class. Your Name is a Song is a celebration to remind all of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names.

Your Name is…


Book cover of Influence Is Your Superpower: The Science of Winning Hearts, Sparking Change, and Making Good Things Happen

Melina Palmer Author Of What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You

From my list on having more influence at work.

Why am I passionate about this?

The more I learn about the brain, the more I want to dig in and discover more. Why do we procrastinate? Why do people buy things? Why do some people naturally seem to have more influence than others? As an applied behavioral economist, I love unlocking these topics weekly on The Brainy Business podcast (where each person on this list has been a guest) and sharing those insights with the world. Three of the most downloaded episodes (in over 300) featured increasing influence (and authors showcased here), a key factor of being more impactful in life and at work. Enjoy your newfound influence!

Melina's book list on having more influence at work

Melina Palmer Why did Melina love this book?

There are countless amazing insights from Influence Is Your Superpower, by Yale’s Zoe Chance.

Three that stick with me the most for applying these insights at work are: 1) Zoe’s Magic Question of “What would it take?” This little question is so powerful in coming up with innovative solutions that increase buy-in from the person you are asking (and Zoe of course explains why in the book). 2) people are more likely to say yes to you than you may think, so simply asking is important to increasing your influence. 3) saying “no” is key to success (and isn’t as hard as it seems).

She encourages a 24-hours of “no” challenge that can help anyone get more comfortable with saying no. 

By Zoe Chance,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Influence Is Your Superpower as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Get what you want without compromising who you are: the new rules of persuasion to influence others for good

We're all nice. In fact, we're told we're too nice and we have to change to succeed: 'Play the game!'; 'Beat them down!'; 'Toughen up!'. Do we have to choose between betraying our own values and being left behind without a voice? Absolutely not. We can naturally be persuasive and successful every day without making enemies of ourselves or other people.

Influence is a science and renowned Yale professor Zoe Chance will help you master it in this fascinating book. Drawing…


Book cover of The Prettiest

Shelly X. Leonn Author Of The Ghost and the Wolf

From my list on girl MCs who are owning life.

Why am I passionate about this?

My novel choices were part of the Afterschool Literacy & Building Modules for an organization called LitShop. It encourages growth in literacy, making, building, and leadership in girls ages 10-15 in St. Louis, Missouri. I’m honored to lead the writing classes. All of the LitShop books feature strong girls who believe they can make and build their way to a better world, and I aim to include similar characters in my stories. Stories can provide us with motivation, inspiration, and companionship, and all of these books have done just that… for the girls of LitShop as well as myself.

Shelly's book list on girl MCs who are owning life

Shelly X. Leonn Why did Shelly love this book?

I remember struggling with body image when I was the age of these characters. (Actually, if we’re being totally honest, I still do.) The main characters in this novel, however, triumph over the physical expectations placed upon young women by finding kinship and support from one another. The characters themselves are diverse, realistic, and smart. It’s difficult not to see yourself or the young people in your life in them.

By Brigit Young,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Prettiest as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

A list appears online, ranking the top fifty prettiest girls in the eighth grade.

Eve Hoffman is disgusted by the grating, anonymous text messages she's been receiving ever since she was ranked number one.

Sophie Kane is sick of the bullying she's endured after being knocked down a peg by the list.

And Nessa Flores-Brady is tired of the outside world trying to define who she is.

Reeling from the rampant sexism and objectification in their school, the three girls attempt to track down the list's creator. But are they prepared for what they might find?


Book cover of Sisters

Tara Lynn Masih Author Of How We Disappear: Novella & Stories

From my list on how we disappear.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I began compiling stories for my collection, I noted the theme of disappearance throughout. I’m not sure why that’s the case. Perhaps because I’ve dealt with disappearance on a personal level. Perhaps almost all stories deal with the theme. I have also always been fascinated by people who disappear (such as Agatha Christie), especially into the wild. As a former book editor, my reading standards are very high. The books I’ve recommended are superb and still resonate with me years after I’ve read them. I hope you explore this list and that the characters in these unique and well-crafted stories linger on, even after you’ve finished the last page.

Tara's book list on how we disappear

Tara Lynn Masih Why did Tara love this book?

Daisy Johnson is a force of her own. I’ve read all three of her books and was the most taken with her more recent novel, Sisters. This has a moody, gothic feel to it. Very well narrated by one of the two sisters, and is the ultimate story about disappearance, and the traumatic effect it can have on a loved one. Brutal, surreal, and with a setting as real as its characters: a crumbling moldy cottage, near the shore, that lives and breathes with the characters. And includes a twist you won’t see coming.

By Daisy Johnson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sisters as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The electrifying novel from the Booker shortlisted author of Everything Under.

'A short sharp explosion of a gothic thriller' Observer

Something unspeakable has happened to sisters July and September.

Desperate for a fresh start, they move across the country to an old family house that has a troubled life of its own. Noises come from behind the walls. Lights flicker of their own accord. Sleep feels impossible, dreams are endless.

In their new, unsettling surroundings, July finds that the fierce bond she's always had with September - forged with a blood promise when they were children - is beginning to…


Book cover of Bully

Lindsey Iler Author Of Glass Heart Savage

From my list on romance with heroes you’ll love to hate.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an author who always finds something redeemable in the most chaotic characters. I not only love to write broken characters, but I search them out while reading. There’s something beautiful in their redemption and their growth. It’s simple to fall in love with the easy heroes, the ones that can do no wrong. The ones that make you stop reading because you don’t think you can take it anymore and cause your heart to race in the middle of the night as you devour their story, those are the heroes that I love. They usually end up being the ones you love to hate.

Lindsey's book list on romance with heroes you’ll love to hate

Lindsey Iler Why did Lindsey love this book?

Jared quickly leaps onto the pages and makes you want to root for him. This has everything to do with Penelope’s undeniable ability to weave a story so beautifully that even when you should hate the hero, you find yourself willing him into the type of character that is worthy of our heroine, Tate. This is an oldie, but a goodie. Personally, this is the original bully romance for me and has set the steppingstones for all the rest.

By Penelope Douglas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bully as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Penelope Douglas delivers an unforgettable romance that toes the fine line between love and hate…. 
 
My name is Tate. He doesn’t call me that, though. He would never refer to me by a friendly nickname. No, he’ll barely even speak to me. But he still won’t leave me alone.

We were best friends once. Then he turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I was humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got worse as time wore on, and I…


Book cover of Lonely Castle in the Mirror

Yakira Goldsberry Author Of Curse of the Midnight King

From Yakira's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Sweets magician Inkdrinker Language nerd Fairy in disguise

Yakira's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Yakira Goldsberry Why did Yakira love this book?

Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a wonderful puzzle of a story that explores mental health in youth and how a gentle hand can help someone grow beyond their fears.

It tells the story of a girl name Kokoro, who is too afraid to go to school due to bullying. Then, she discovers a castle through her bedroom mirror run by a girl in a wolf mask. While in the castle, she and six other students have a chance to search for a key that will grant their wish. But only one can have their wish granted.

A touching story of full of sympathy and warmth, it shows how much one can gain by reaching out to others. 

By Mizuki Tsujimura, Philip Gabriel (translator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Lonely Castle in the Mirror as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

For fans of BEFORE THE COFFEE GETS COLD, fairy tale and magic are weaved together in sparse language that belies a flooring emotional punch.

'Strange and beautiful. Imagine the offspring of The Wind-up Bird Chronicle with The Virgin Suicides' GUARDIAN
'Genuinely affecting. A story of empathy, collaboration and sharing truths' FINANCIAL TIMES

Translated by Philip Gabriel, a translator of Murakami
_______________________________

Would you share your deepest secrets to save a friend?

In a tranquil neighbourhood of Tokyo, seven teenagers wake to find their bedroom mirrors are shining.

At a single touch, they are pulled from their lonely lives to a…


Book cover of Savage Queen

Victoria Evers Author Of Insidious: The Marked Mage Chronicles

From Victoria's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Reader Cinephile Sith lord HIker

Victoria's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Victoria Evers Why did Victoria love this book?

As one of the many people who was bullied in high school, the idea of falling for the person making your life miserable isnt an easy sell for me.

Perhaps Ive just had some unfortunate luck picking out bullyromance books, but the ones I read prior to Savage Queen featured jerky guys and meek heroines who didnt stand up to their tormentors. I pretty much gave up on the sub-genre, and I couldnt be more grateful for this recommendation.

Everything Im usually so frustrated by is nowhere to be found here. Alley Ciz delivers not only angst and romance but were introduced to a heroine who gives as good as she gets.

When the king of the high school sets his sights on Savvy, demanding she submit to his rule, our heroine is ready to…

By Alley Ciz,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Savage Queen as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

I grew up a queen among men.

Proud.
Strong.
Royalty.

I’ll do anything for the ones I love, even if it means allowing myself to be forced from my kingdom.

I may be stuck having to play Samantha St. James inside the gilded halls of my new school, but I’ll always be Savvy King at my core.

Now Jasper Noble and his merry band of douchebags expect me to yield.

That’s funny.

They think they’re tough.
Gods among men.
I know they’re nothing but ordinary bullies.

With threats coming from all sides, my adversaries will come to learn—I don’t bend…


Book cover of One

Trudy Ludwig Author Of The Invisible Boy

From my list on picture books that address bullying.

Why am I passionate about this?

I wrote my first picture book, My Secret Bully, to help kids who have experienced bullying and friendship issues. Over the years, I’ve written numerous award-winning children’s books, including The Invisible Boy, a School Library Journal Best Picture Books Selection and a recommended back-to-school book by USA Today and Scholastic Instructor. I’ve also had the honor of collaborating with leading experts and organizations including Sesame Workshop, International Bullying Prevention Association, Committee for Children, and ConnectSafely.org. My books and presentations focus on promoting social-emotional learning, empathy, kindness, and inclusion in the classroom and beyond.

Trudy's book list on picture books that address bullying

Trudy Ludwig Why did Trudy love this book?

One, by author-illustrator Kathryn Otoshi, is one of my favorite bullying prevention picture books. Why? The story brilliantly shows young readers through color characters and numbers how each of us “counts” when it comes to being an upstander in bullying situations. This is a popular book used by teachers in elementary classrooms.

By Kathryn Otoshi,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked One as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

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, and count. As budding young readers learn about numbers, counting, and primary and secondary colors, they also learn about accepting each other's differences and how it sometimes just takes one voice to make everyone count.


Book cover of Felix Ever After

Diana Day-Admire Author Of The Angels Within

From my list on books featuring diverse cultures.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am fascinated by the process of sharing stories and finding unique ones to experience. A member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I share my unmanageable at times life with others so they can see my life as typical, not abnormal. I believe I was put here on this earth to witness to others and open eyes and hearts to alternate lifestyles. I want to make a difference, and hope my writing may touch readers. No one else could have written my story, and it needs to be told. Mental health issues are difficult to share, but if we all remain silent, it will never get any easier.

Diana's book list on books featuring diverse cultures

Diana Day-Admire Why did Diana love this book?

I listened to this book never knowing what would come next. The life of a college student finding themselves hit home to me. I’ve searched for who I was for years and could identify with Felix in that way. I felt as if I was on a roller coaster, the emotions with such highs and lows that quickly made me root for Felix.

I may have to buy a physical copy so I can highlight some of the passages that spoke to me. In short, this book is about love. Finding love, sharing love, and loving oneself. I know at times, I have a hard time doing any of those things. Felix made me think if he could make it, so could I. This is definitely one for the permanent bookcase. 

By Kacen Callender,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Felix Ever After as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A Stonewall Honor Book * A Time Magazine Best YA Book of All Time

From Stonewall and Lambda Award–winning author Kacen Callender comes a revelatory YA novel about a transgender teen grappling with identity and self-discovery while falling in love for the first time.

Felix Love has never been in love—and, yes, he’s painfully aware of the irony. He desperately wants to know what it’s like and why it seems so easy for everyone but him to find someone. What’s worse is that, even though he is proud of his identity, Felix also secretly fears that he’s one marginalization too…


Book cover of Dungeoneer Adventures 1: Lost in the Mushroom Maze

Claris Lam Author Of Winner Takes All

From Claris' 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Reader Musician Freelance writer Lifelong learner Gamer

Claris' 3 favorite reads in 2024

Claris Lam Why did Claris love this book?

A major part of why I loved this book was the characters.

Coop, the character whose point of view we see the story through, was my favourite. Though he had a loving, supportive family, unlike his friends, he still had his own issues. He struggled to fit in as the only human at the academy, dealt with bullies and a fear of spiders, and struggled to raise his self-esteem because of those ongoing issues. It's only after he grows in confidence in his dungeon navigating skills and faces his fears that he learns to believe in himself and grow his leadership skills.

The rest of his friends also get some great developments, even though they're not the main characters. Ozzie has to deal with strict expectations from his parents, Dazmia has her own issues with negligent parents and self-esteem, and Mindy has a lot of pressure to succeed at her…

By James Parks, Ben Costa,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dungeoneer Adventures 1 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.