yourself first before reading it to a class, but this time I insist that you read it first. This book is powerful and emotional. You want to be prepared for the discussion before you read it aloud. The lesson of this story is that each kindness makes the world a little better. You may miss some opportunities to do the right thing, but that doesn't mean you should miss the next chance.

Chloe misses her chance to show kindness to the new girl, Maya, and when Maya suddenly moves, Chloe realizes her mistake. Unfortunately, it's too late to make it right. Every time I read this story, my class is silent when it's over. They want to know what happened to Maya, but there is not an answer. That can be a really hard conversation with our students, but its necessary.

The unknown is what makes this story such a powerful bullying prevention book. I am always so glad I read this one.

MY SECRET BULLY

by Trudy Ludwig

Illustrated by Abigail Marble

ISBN: 978-0553509403

In this book, Monica and Katie have been friends since kindergarten, but sometimes Katie is mean. Monica loves spending time with Katie when she's kind, but she doesn't understand why Katie isn't always this way. Katie sometimes calls Monica names, and manipulates, embarrasses, and excludes her. Monica's mom helps her learn ways to cope and even THRIVE, as she addresses her fears head on. Monica takes back all of the power from her bully!

Trudy Ludwig highlights relational aggression in this story, to show children that bullying can even come in unexpected forms, like from a "friend." It is one of my favorite books about bullying, because it is a helpful tool for counselors, teachers, and parents, to help teach children about emotional bullying and how to address it.

BULLY BEANS

by Julia Cook

Illustrated by Anita DuFalla

ISBN: 978-1931636490

In Bully Beans, Bobbette, the bully is always threatening students at her school. Finally, one little girl tells her mom about Bobbette. Her mom gives her special "bully beans" to eat to be able to stand up to the bully. The children at school learn that they can be courageous and face bullies. Julia Cook uses an easy acrostic and many examples to teach young children ways to stop bullying.

Many books about bullying target the bully or the person being bullied, but his book highlights the bystander of bullying. It is a great introduction to this hard topic of bullying for young readers.

JUICE BOX BULLY

by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy

Illustrated by Kim Shaw

ISBN: 978-1933916729

In Juice Box Bully, A little boy named Pete goes to a new school and starts to bully others. When the other kids see what he's doing, they decide to get involved instead of being bystanders. Pete's peers teach him about "The Promise". Pete has to decide if he will continue to be a bully or choose to make "The Promise."

Children learn the power in standing up for others, while also giving clear examples of how to approach bullies. The illustrations seen in this book show diversity in the students, and help more children relate to the concept, as they listen or read along.

JUST KIDDING

by Trudy Ludwig

Illustrated by Adam Gustavson

ISBN: 978-1582461632

In this book called Just Kidding, DJ is being teased by another boy named Vince at school. Vince says hurtful comments to DJ but shrugs them off each time by saying "just kidding." DJ is nervous to tell anyone how he feels because he might be viewed as a "tattletale." One day after DJ becomes upset at home, he decides to talk to his dad about the bullying. DJ's dad helps him by teaching him a strategy to use when Vince speaks in this way to him. DJ's teacher also supports him by teaching him the difference between tattling and reporting. She encourages DJ to spend time with classmates who make him feel good, instead of ones who speak negatively to him.

This story highlights bullying between two boys and the emotional effects it can have. Although, the concept can be viewed through a girl’s lens as well. Sometimes boys (girls as well) feel reluctant to speak about their feelings.

The story models how talking to your parents can support you in finding strategies to remedy the situation. Also, in the story it shows how talking with teachers and adults at school can be effective in getting support. This can be a great story to use to understand what tattling is, versus when it is something that is important to speak with an adult about. The pictures and words depicted in this book are strong and help relay the message clearly to young readers.

BULLY

by Patricia Palacco

ISBN: 978-0399257049

Lyla and Jamie become great friends on the first day of sixth grade. Lyla makes the cheer