By Grace Fuentes
I’ve recently experienced my friend getting bullied. It really hurt seeing her being humiliated like that. I spoke up and told my mother because that was the right thing to do. Then I thought that nobody should be treated like that. I approached my guidance counselor at school and told her I wanted to write an article about it. Together we came up with a list of good books about friendship and bullying. These books are about how to handle bullies and friendship problems. I hope that by reading these books it will help give you all the courage to speak up if you, your friend or autistic brother or sister are ever bullied. Because everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect!
Trouble Talk, by Trudy Ludwig
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.
Just Kidding, by Trudy Ludwig
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.
My Secret Bully, by Trudy Ludwig
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.
The Secret Olivia Told Me, by N. Joy
Olivia has a big secret. It’s a secret that she tells only to her very best friend. And her friend promises she won’t say a word. But the secret is really big and juicy. What happens after the secret gets out?
How to Handle Bullies, Teasers, and Other Meanies, by Kate Cohen-Posey
How to Handle Bullies, Teasers and Other Meanies “takes the nuisance out of name calling and other nonsense.” The book opens with a discussion of what makes bullies and teasers tick, giving tweens important insight into why their bullies may be acting the way they do.
