A parent might reach for this book when their child is experiencing or witnessing bullying and needs clear, empowering language to understand and navigate it. This nonfiction guide directly defines what bullying is (and is not), explores the different roles people play (target, bully, and bystander), and offers concrete, age-appropriate strategies for what to do. It tackles themes of resilience, self-confidence, and empathy with a straightforward, reassuring tone. Perfect for children ages 7 to 10, this book serves as an invaluable tool for opening up a safe conversation, normalizing difficult feelings, and equipping children with the skills to respond constructively and seek help from trusted adults.
The book deals directly with the sensitive topic of bullying. The approach is secular, psychological, and educational. It addresses emotional pain, fear, and social exclusion in a straightforward manner. The resolution presented is consistently hopeful and empowering, focusing on the child's agency to change their situation by speaking up and using smart strategies. It is realistic in acknowledging that bullying is hurtful but optimistic that positive action can lead to resolution.
Ideal Reader
An 8 or 9-year-old who has either been the target of bullying and feels confused and powerless, or one who has witnessed bullying and feels conflicted about how to intervene. It is also excellent for a child who may have been told their own behavior is hurtful and needs to understand the impact of their actions from a non-judgmental perspective.
Parent Prep
This book is best read with a child. Parents should be prepared to pause and discuss the concept of a "trusted adult," and perhaps help their child identify specific people in their life. Previewing the section on cyberbullying might be useful for parents of older children (9-10) to prepare for specific questions about online behavior. The key parental role is to listen and reinforce the book's core message: it's not your fault, and telling someone is a brave and powerful first step. A parent hears their child say, "No one will play with me at recess," or "Sam keeps knocking my books down on purpose." Another trigger is a child admitting, "I saw kids being mean to Alex, but I was scared to do anything." This book is the first step in giving that experience a name and a plan.
Age Experience
A 7-year-old will connect with the clear definitions and the simple, direct advice like "walk away" and "tell an adult." An older child, around 10, will better grasp the nuanced discussions about social dynamics, the power of a bystander (or "upstander"), and the complexities of cyberbullying. They can more deeply analyze the motivations behind bullying behavior.
What Makes It Special
Unlike narrative stories that embed lessons about bullying, this book is a practical, nonfiction handbook. Its primary differentiator is its clear, structured format that explicitly defines terms and provides a menu of actionable strategies. It gives significant attention to the role of the bystander, framing it as a position of potential power, which is a uniquely empowering approach. It serves less as a story and more as an essential reference guide for a child's social-emotional toolkit.
Read plot summary
This is a nonfiction guide structured into clear, digestible chapters. It begins by defining bullying, carefully distinguishing it from simple conflict or teasing by highlighting the key elements: intentionality, repetition, and a power imbalance. Subsequent chapters explore the different types of bullying (physical, verbal, social, cyber), the motivations and feelings of those who bully, and the crucial role of the bystander. The core of the book is dedicated to providing actionable, safe strategies for kids who are being targeted and for those who witness bullying, emphasizing the importance of telling a trusted adult. The book uses simple illustrations and real-world scenarios to make the concepts accessible.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The book explains that bullying has three parts: it's intentional, it's repeated, and there is a power imbalance. Can you think of a time when someone was mean just once, and how that's different from bullying?
2
Chapter 4 talks about being an 'upstander' instead of a bystander. Which of the upstander ideas, like telling the person to stop or supporting the target afterward, feels like something you could do safely?
3
The book suggests telling a trusted adult is a very brave and important step. Let’s make a list together of the trusted adults in your life at home, at school, and in our family.
4
The author talks about why someone might bully others, such as feeling insecure or wanting to seem powerful. Why is it important to remember this, even when someone's behavior is very hurtful?
