Books by Trudy Ludwig 

 

*The Secret's Out On Bullying* 

A touching, inspirational story targeted for 5- to 11-year-olds, My Secret Bully instantly draws young readers into Monica's world where she is bullied by a friend and learns how to cope and thrive. Relational aggression is an act of emotional bullying hidden among tightly knit networks of friends. Instead of using knives and fists to bully others, emotional bullies employ relationships, words, and gestures as their weapons of attack. Emotional bullying is often dismissed as a normal rite of passage, but research shows it is as harmful as physical aggression, with devastating, long-term effects.

Name-calling, humiliation, exclusion, and manipulation are some bullying tactics Monica's friend Katie employs. Monica learns to face her fears of betrayal and social isolation and reclaims her power from the bully with the help of a supportive adult - her mother. Included in this wonderful resource for children, parents, teachers, and counselors are helpful tips, discussion questions, and additional information. (Grades K-5)  Link to Read aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xFoR2fiv4s&t=35s

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Why Hang Out With Kids Who Make You Feel Inferior?Tyler's neighbor Jake brags about everything. Tyler can't show Jake a basketball move, a school assignment, or a new toy without Jake saying he can do better—and it leaves Tyler feeling like he shouldn't even try. With help from his uncle Kevin, Tyler begins to understand that Jake's bragging has nothing to do with Tyler's own abilities and more to do with Jake. 
Better Than You helps give kids insight into what lies beneath the urge to brag and shows them how bragging can break friendships rather than build them. This wonderful resource also includes an author's note, discussion questions, and additional resources to help parents, teachers, and counselors generate thoughtful conversations about real friendship issues kids face in their everyday world.  (Grades K-5)  Read aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyU7O7VXYRU&t=21s

 

 

Ever Wonder What Goes On In The Mind Of Someone Who Bullies? 

Katie never thought of herself as a bully. So what if she excludes kids from games or says some harsh things to her friends every once and a while? It’s not like she ever hits anyone. What’s the big deal? After Katie gets caught teasing a schoolmate, she faces consequences for her actions. The consequences help Katie realize that bullying has hurt not only the people around her, but her, too.Told from the unusual perspective of the aggressor, Confessions of a Former Bully provides kids with real life tips and tools they can use to help identify and overcome emotional bullying. An informative Author’s Note to Parents & Teachers and recommended resources are included. For older elementary students. (Grades 4-6)

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How Those You Meet In Life Treat You Is Far More Important Than Who They Are

In this true and moving story, Alter Wiener, a teen survivor of five Nazi prison camps during WW II, transports young readers back in time when an unexpected person demonstrated moral courage in repeated acts of kindness toward him. Gifts from the Enemy, written by Trudy Ludwig and illustrated by Craig Orback, shows how acts of social justice and kindness can change lives.     (Grades 2-7)

 

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Have You Ever Felt Invisible When You're Around Other People? 

Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party…until, that is, a new kid comes to class.

When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.

In her book, *The Invisible Boy*, Trudy Ludwig shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. Any parent, teacher, or counselor looking for material that sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children will find this gentle story a valuable and important resource.  (Grades K-5)   Read aloud link: https://youtu.be/cNHc2XCultQ

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When Teasing Is No Laughing Matter

A joke that has a sharp edge to it can cut you to pieces. That’s what D.J. finds out from his encounters with Vince, a smart-aleck classmate whose biting humor is more hurtful than funny. With the help of his dad and teacher, D.J. learns how to stand up to put downs and make healthier friendship choices.

A beautifully illustrated story, Just Kidding captures the truth of harmful teasing when children hide behind the words “just kidding” after treating others in embarrassing, hurtful or mean-spirited ways.  (Grades K-5) Read aloud link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZZAGQcffV

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Say Sorry And Mean It: Apologizing From The Heart

Jack's friend, Charlie, knows how to get away with just about everything: “If you get caught, just say you're sorry.” But does an apology count if you don't really mean it? And what happens when the person you've hurt knows you don't mean it? Jack's about to find out there's a whole lot more to a real apology than a simple “sorry!”

Trudy Ludwig's book captures the importance of making a sincere apology and models for children how to take ownership of hurtful behavior and make amends.  (Grades K-5)  Read aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKZkNTJ4SzI

 

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Maisie thinks Kayla is perfect. She’s pretty and thin, has cool clothes, gets good grades, and she’s a star on the soccer field. But is Kayla happy? The more Maisie gets to know Kayla, the more she begins to question whether being perfect is really so wonderful after all. Too Perfect is a unique picture book that addresses the growing problem of perfectionism among young children and the freedom and relief that comes from simply accepting one’s self. This book will raise meaningful discussions on working to your potential, not to perfection. An afterword by renowned expert Dr. Thomas S. Greenspon, an author’s note, discussion questions, and recommended readings are also included.  (Grades K-5)

 

 

 

 

 

Maya’s new friend Bailey loves to talk, and everything—including everyone—is fair game. But when Bailey gives hurtful advice, shares others’ information, and spreads harmful rumors, Maya realizes that Bailey is not the kind of friend she needs. And Bailey learns that, in her efforts to establish connection and gain attention, “trouble talk” doesn’t win her lasting friendships.

With engaging illustrations that poignantly capture the emotions of the characters, *Trouble Talk®helps young readers understand how to fit in, whom to trust, and how to make friends. Included in this picture book are discussion questions, tips for turning trouble talk into healthy talk and additional resources for adults and children. (Grades K-5) Read aloud:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFp5TNev0FU 

 

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Books by Julia Cook  

 

 

When One-of-a-Kind is laughed at by Purple for being weird and Green playfully calls One a klutz after tripping on the stairs, is the Tease Monster to blame?

This book contains helpful, real-world advice for dealing with teasing, as well as identifying when teasing has crossed the line into bullying. It also includes advice on what to do in situations where bullying takes place.  

(Grades PK-2) Read aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlxuwlzddt8

 

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Josh the Tattler doesn’t have any friends. He tattles on his classmates, on his brother, and even on his dog! He tattles so much that he wakes up one night to find that his tongue is yellow, unusually long, and covered in bright purple spots! Will a bad case of Tattle Tongue teach him a lesson?

*A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue* gives teachers and counselors a humorous, cleverly creative way to address the time-consuming tattling-related issues that often sap classroom energy and thwart teaching opportunities. 

(Grades PK-2)

 

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*Additional books by Julia Cook (not in my personal library but available in the School #5 library): 

(Grades Pre-K-2)

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Peer Pressure Gauge- teaches kids to listen to their inner voice with respect to peer pressure

Making Friends is an Art-teaches how to be a friend and get along with others

That Rule Doesn’t Apply to Me- teaches the importance of rules in any setting

But It’s Not My Fault-teaches importance of accepting responsibility

Baditude-helps children identify the benefits of gratitude

Personal Space Camp-explains boundaries/teaches personal space skills

Bully BEANS-addresses bully behaviors

A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue-teaches the difference between tattling and sharing important information

My Mouth is a Volcano-addresses interrupting

How to be Comfortable in Your Own Feathers-addresses body acceptance/uniqueness

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Miscellaneous Authors

 

 

When Sophie Gets Angry---Really, Really Angry- Everybody gets angry sometimes. For children, anger can be very upsetting. Parents, teachers, and children can talk about it. People do lots of different things when they get angry. In this Caldecott Honor book, kids will see what Sophie does when she gets angry. What do you do? (Grades PK-K)

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The Story of Ferdinand- Ferdinand is the world's most peaceful--and--beloved little bull. While all of the other bulls snort, leap, and butt their heads, Ferdinand is content to just sit and smell the flowers under his favorite cork tree. This story teaches children important lessons: to be themselves and to not make judgments based upon outward appearances.  

(Grades PK-2)

 

 

 

 

 

Be Nice to Spiders- Helen, Billy's fly catching and web spinning pet spider, keeps the zoo animals happy. This charming vintage story helps children understand that all creatures are important and that we should respect the balance of nature.  

(Grades pK-2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Words and Your Heart* (from Dana Martinotti’s library)- Simple, direct, and emotive, Words and Your Heart’s message is that words have extraordinary power–to harm and to heal; to create and to destroy; and to spread love.  

(Grades Pre-K-2)  Read aloud link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEunhQVPS8Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These three books tell the story of an ongoing case of bullying from three third graders’ perspectives. Kids will easily relate to Luisa, Jayla, and Sam as each girl has her own unique experience, eventually learning how to face her challenges with the help of friends, peers, and caring adults. The books may be read separately or as a set; readers will enjoy tracking small details that carry over from one book to another. Each book concludes with “activity club” pages for kids, as well as leadership guidance for adults. (Grades K-4)  Link to lessons for this series: https://theweirdseries.com/leaders-guide

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An award-winning, shareable, cozy hug of a picture book featuring Ishi, an optimistic little rock who reminds readers to choose and share happiness! The ISHI book features a simple rock character which appeals to a wide audience, with valuable lessons in compassion for the self and for others. (a book for all ages)

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When the world feels chaotic, find peace within through an accessible mindfulness practice. (a book for all ages)

Read aloud link featuring the author : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXA3837uv3w&list=PLZCeSb0OKmKz7M9pTfMv6rubw2-w9tv5C&index=5&t=0s

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An eagle soaring among the clouds or a star twinkling in the night sky . . . a camel in the desert or a boat sailing across the sea—yoga has the power of transformation. Not only does it strengthen bodies and calm minds, but with a little imagination, it can show us that anything is possible.  (a book for all ages)  

Read aloud link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSEN5Mj4kUY​   (See if you can copy all the poses!

 

 

 

Along with Esperanza, your child can learn the importance of being a friend to ourselves! This beautiful book also touches on the universal themes of friendship, empathy and kindness. Includes mindfulness and self-compassion activities. (Grades PK-3)  Read aloud link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxsw5GgkQSI

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This engaging and interactive book guides children through the practice of naming their feelings and the sensations that accompany them. Engages children in easy, kid-friendly mindfulness activities. 

(Grades PK-3)   Read aloud link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B6Rik-TA-Q&list=PLf3yUwf4mbmBGaxFd6XBftI1mA_G-R2ZS&index=2&t=0s

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