Bully
Author: Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Illustrator: Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Publisher: A Neal Porter Book/Roaring Brook Press
Recommended Age Range: 4 to 7
Awards: NCSS-CBC: Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People; ALA Notable Children’s Books; Capitol Choices Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens; CCBC Choice (Univ. of WI); Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
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One
Author: Kathryn Otoshi
Illustrator: Kathryn Otoshi
Publisher: KO Books for Kids
Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8
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Using numbers and colors, this brilliant story comes with a powerful message about the importance of standing up to a bully. Truly, “One” of-a-kind.
Awards: E.B. White Read Aloud Honor; Teacher’s Choice Award; Young Voices Foundation Award; Moonbeam Children’s Book Medalist; Mom’s Choice Award; Nautilus Gold Winner; IPPY Book Award; Hicklebee’s Book of the Year; NCIBA Best Illustrated Award
Swimmy
Author: Leo Lionni
Illustrator: Leo Lionni
Publisher: Random House Children’s Books
Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8
In this classic tale of a small fish and a big bully, a large tuna swallows an entire school of red fish; only Swimmy survives. Alone, Swimmy discovers not only the amazing sea, and all of its creatures, but newfound friends. While small in size, these friends are big in number and, working together, they learn that even the tiniest fish can make a big impact, especially for one very hungry tuna.
Awards: Caldecott Honor Book, 1963; ALA Notable Children’s Books, 1963; New York Times Best Illustrated Books of the Year, 1963; Scholastic Parent & Child 100 Greatest Books for Kids, 2012
The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade
Author: Justin Roberts
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, an Imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group
Recommended Age Range: 3 to 6
Sometimes, it is those we don’t notice who notice everything. In this terrific book, it is little Sally McCabe who sees and hears classmates hurt each other. One day, enough is enough and Sally speaks up. Told through simple illustrations, and wonderful rhyme, we learn just how big a difference one person can make, even when quiet and small.
Awards: Horace Mann Upstanders Book Award Winner, 2015