Bullying

A sensitive, empowering and sophisticated anti-bullying pack addressing bullying in all its forms. Includes: the impact of emotional bullying; anti-bullying strategies; exclusion amongst friendship groups; the perspectives of both bullies and the bullied. 5 Books Members Price £38.00 **Suitable substitutions will be made if any title becomes unavailable**

A sensitive, empowering and sophisticated anti-bullying pack addressing bullying in all its forms. Includes: the impact of emotional bullying; anti-bullying strategies; exclusion amongst friendship groups; the perspectives of both bullies and the bullied. 5 Books Members Price £33.00 **Suitable substitutions will be made if any title becomes unavailable**

A sensitive, empowering and sophisticated anti-bullying pack addressing bullying in all its forms. Includes: the impact of emotional bullying; anti-bullying strategies; exclusion amongst friendship groups; the perspectives of both bullies and the bullied. 10 Books Members Price £70.00 **Suitable substitutions will be made if any title becomes unavailable**

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2018 A deft urban thriller set on a Nottingham estate and starring Callum, an aspiring scriptwriter from a single parent (Dad) family, who doubts that a boy from his background ever gets a break. When a series of local thefts occur at the same time that Callum's Dad 'moves in' his Polish girlfriend and her son, Callum turns investigator.... but his own prejudices soon start to falter and, just as quickly, old kinships are broken and new friendships formed. A gripping and soulful story of self-discovery which packs in plenty of thoughtful content and has more than a touch of Ken Loach's Kes (1969) about it. Beautifully drawn, credible, characters include Sergei, a Polish boy who is wonderfully self-empowered and challenges anti-immigrant prejudice head-on; Amelia, a politically aware Black girl, who lives an 'unconventional' life on a narrow boat; self-hating Linford, a victim of domestic violence and a perpetrator of violence himself ...until he is a witness to injustice writ large. These young voices really ring true. Age 10-15, Paperback 318pp

Stonewall Honor Book Nate Foster is a child who dreams of stardom on a New York stage. When he hears that ET-The Musical is casting, he can't resist breaking free of his small town and making it alone to the big city...and to the auditions! A delightful journey of self-discovery ensues, one ultimately full of optimism: "A kid who might have found someplace where he doesn't have to change anything about himself, to fit in. A better Nate than ever". Fantastic characters, including a protagonist full of soul and heart, a cheerleading best friend who blazes with wit and sassiness (Libby) and a sardonic, seen-it-all, downbeat Auntie Heidi. Bouncing with humour, this is also a wonderful exploration of homophobic bullying and what it means to not fit in. Most of all it provides a nuanced, subtle and spot-on representation of a young person who is not quite ready to but is also on the brink of discovering their sexuality...whatever that might be. In the words of one of our reviewers, 'My 11 year old self would have loved this book. There is a real joy here as a boy learns to accept his own identity...will have a special appeal to Glee fans of all genders; its breathless pace, humour and suspense will appeal to many more' (Mark Jennett, Equalities Trainer/Consultant). Age 11+, Paperback 274pp Special Price expires September 18th 2015 £4 (usually £6.99)

Krish has been tasked with giving a speech in class. But, the challenge feels mountainous. Not just because of his stammer but because he has been paired up with Ishaan the Big Bully. From an South-Indian-based publisher, Duckbill, set up by Anushka Ravishankar and Sayoni Basu. Short accessible chapters this also comes with a nifty, large, thumb-sized hole punched in to the top right corner, perfect for a young reader to grab on to and claim as their own. 'Children will empathise with this story of bullying and Krish who stammers, This would be a good story to start a discussion in class' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, LL reviewer). Age 7-10, Paperback 65pp

"I'm going to tell you what you need to know about bullying". A unique take, from a bully's point of view, offering facts, tips and fantastically empowering advice. Age 8-11, American Import Paperback 43pp

A wonderfully thoughtful story about bullying, friendship and the freedom of forgiveness, based on a real episode from Archbishop Tutu's childhood. Set in South Africa. Dreamy illustrations. Age 6-9, Hardback 29pp Themes: Black History / Bullying

New girl, Maya, looks different in her ragged hand-me-downs and she's always left playing on her own. A wise, thoughtful, everyday story about exclusion & kindness. An award-winning team and one of the most moving picture books we have seen. Age 5-8, American Import Hardback 30pp

Carly is being isolated by the girls who were once her friends. But with the help of a stray puppy, art classes and a new friend she slowly rediscovers her fizz. Age 7-11, Paperback 53pp

Francis calls Charlie mean names on the football pitch- which make him feel sick and very sad until, finally, it makes him want to give up football altogether. But a chat with his friend and then his football coach means the bullying is tackled early on. A useful, positive book about verbal bullying. The story is accompanied by little factual notes running along the bottom of the pages; there is also a teacher note and a glossary. Age 5-8, Paperback 21pp

"We called ourselves the Bad Lads, but it was just a joke". The Bad Lads: pesky little mischief makers or bullies in the making? With the arrival of German refugee, Klaus, in post-war Newcastle, some of the lads start to question their gang leader's ideas of entertainment- especially when it comes to tormenting the local 'conchie'. 'Interesting interweaving of conscientious objection, bullying and gang mentality' (Cariad, Theatre Lecturer, LL reviewer). Reading Age 7 Interest 9-14, Paperback 55pp

2021 Blue Peter Book Awards Shortlist; 2020 Blackwells Children's Books of the Year; 2021 Brandford Boase Award Longlist; 2021 Carnegie Nominee "My Grandpa always said, people like me in the past might not have been the most sociable. Or the chattiest. But while everyone else was around the fireplace gossiping, we were out finding electricity. That's what my autism is. It's a kind of spark." Barely in need of an introduction after taking multiple social media platforms by storm! A smart debut (by a neurodivergent author), A Kind of Spark tells the story of Addie, the unique world she shares with sister Keedie and the bold and affirmative place she take up in the neurotypical wider world, making her mark as she takes on the bullies in her midst (her peers, but also her teacher) and restores the lost voices of the women tortured and killed during the Scottish witch trials. A brilliant challenge to assumptions about autism and a joyful coming-of-age narrative which delivers a young activist for our times. Age 9-13, Paperback 186pp

How wonderful to have an in-depth, pre-teen read which takes on, eloquently and honestly, young people's own struggles with depression and suicide. Fantastic storytelling weaves together the experiences of four young teens who have all been excluded in different ways and made to feel 'different': Francis, a fashion-loving boy; Andi, a girl who refuses conventional ideas about 'femininity'; Robert, an obese computer geek and, of course, Jessica, the ghost of a suicide victim determined to bring joy back into the lives of her new friends. Fantastic characterisations, warm hearted and ultimately hopeful. A wonderful tribute to friendship. 'Jessica's Ghost is both a hymn to the joys of "being different" and an earnest exploration of the serious traumas suffered by teenagers who are lucky enough, and unlucky enough, to be unconventional' (Josh Lacey, The Guardian, May 2015). Age 9-12, Paperback 247pp Themes: Mental Health, Bullying, Gender Equality

In this affirming story, Thuy finds the might she needs to rise above her peers' prejudices by stomping out a snowy path, her two Mums foot-printing close beside her. An affirming tale of bullying overcome. 'I love this book, the writing is very poetic and the story is charming with an independent heroine...the continuing ideas of footsteps is one that small children can relate to' (Deborah, Lecturer in EY Education, LL reviewer). (Asian-American and Vietnamese-Polish author and illustrator). Age 4-7, Paperback 26pp

A much needed look at emotional bullying between girls and a 'very true depiction of the affect it has on a girl when a "friend" changes' (School Librarian, Letterbox reviewer). A huge success in the US, this is a must for the UK classroom. Age 6-10, American Import Paperback 29pp Themes: Bullying

YA BOOK AWARD WINNER 2017 Winner of the 2017 Waterstones Children's Book Prize (for Older Fiction) "I should have rubbed her fingers to keep the last warmth. I should have stroked the hair back over her shoulder. Life can't jump away from someone that quick, can it? Not so you can't reach it." The girl of his every dream, a hot summer's day, a busy fairground- for a short while, the world seems perfect to Marlon. And then, just as quickly, the skies turn cold, everything turns hazy and what seemed to be truths become suddenly uncertain. A teen thriller with a perfect pace- spilling and looping and relentlessly picking up speed into a quite dizzying ending. A fantastic ensemble of voices from quick-thinking Tish to the menacing D-Ice to the soulful, warm-hearted and uncertain Marlon. The characters are bold, warm blooded and walk right in to your living room. The East End of London is thoroughly authentic, down to Westfield Shopping Centre (right across the road from us) which hosts one of the many gripping chase sequences. Pitched superbly and respectfully to its teenage audience without a hint of self-consciousness or awkwardness. There is some wonderfully thoughtful insights into peer pressure, gang culture and family loyalty. Perhaps, most of all, the novel explores whether it is possible to sustain your moral core in the midst of chaos brewed by violence and revenge. This really is addictive reading. And, shhh....: who is Mr Orange? (Includes a character with a brain injury). Age 14+ Paperback 431pp

'"Don't go digging up troubles," his mam called as he set off. "You and your da, you're the one pair. Digging up troubles like bad old potatoes"'. So begins this well-researched coming-of age narrative about Jim, a young traveller boy recently arrived in Dundray and the challenges he faces starting at the local 'Buffer' (non-Traveller) secondary school- including the challenge of not being able to read. Along the way, he forms a relationship with Kit who has her own painful struggles both at home and school. A wonderful, ultimately uplifting story about empathy and friendship triumphing over cruelty and prejudice. Dowd's 2004 short story is revived and recast with Shoard's atmospheric ink-and-wash illustrations which blend colours together in smudges cut across by sharp lines. 'A strongly truthful account of the conflict that arises from the deeply held prejudices within our society- in this case between 'travelling' and the 'house-based' population' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, LL rviewer). 'It's lovely to see The Pavee and the Buffer Girl make a reappearance, especially in these febrile times when we could all do with reminding to look for humanity in others instead of shutting them out' (The Book Bag 2018). Longlisted for the 2018 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal. By an award-winning author firmly rooted in an ethos of human rights and empathy who also had friendship circles within Traveller communities. Age 11+, Paperback 101pp

Pearl has had to move house because her mum has been promoted to 'The Boss'. Pearl's new big school works out fine until she encounters Sebastian, a little boy who is keen to suggest that Pearl goes about everything 'like a girl'. A book about a brave little girl who challenges sexist stereotyping head on. Ages 4-7 , Paperback 34pp

Winner Little Rebels Award 2018 The rowdy, scatty, upbeat voice of 9-year-old Omar introduces the reader to his life in a new school which comes complete with a resident racist bully, a situation which only shifts once the two share an unexpected adventure through the London Underground chased by (probably...) a Zombie. A zany, cleverly challenging, warm-hearted book which is scattered with Omar's own, comic-tinged guide to Muslim life in the UK. A speedy plot carried by a hugely loveable protagonist who embraces a joyful Muslim identity for himself. The first in a new series! Age 7-10, Paperback 211pp **A new edition of the Winner of the Little Rebels Award 2018, 'The Muslims'**

"The first day of wearing hijab is important, Mama had said. It means being strong". It's the "first-day hijab" for Asiya. Little sister, Faizah, is very excited for her and approves of her choice of an ocean-coloured, sunny-skied blue. To Faizah's bafflement, some school children point, ask questions and throw insults. But, with great pride and love, she witnesses Asiya rises above the stares and words, with the echo of her mother's supportive voice buoying her up. (Co-) Written by an American-Muslim Olympic medallist fencer, the text is flushed through with (Egyptian-born Canadian) illustrator, Aly's luxurious, brightly coloured, ink washes. 'I had a smile on my face throughout the reading of this wonderful book. Fab storytelling, illustrations, relationships and imagery. Yes, yes, yes!!!' (Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, LL reviewer). A wonderful book about hijab and family. Age 4 to 7, Paperback 33pp

Mean Jean rules with a push and a lollapaloosh...until the teeny but exuberant Katie Sue crosses her path. Hugely attractive and positive. 'YES, YES- loved this! Great vocabulary, strong illustrations and a good story!' (Primary Strategy Consultant, LL reviewer). Great for reading aloud. Age 4-7, American Import Hardback 29pp Themes: Bullying, Making Friends

A useful account of different types of bullying, from name calling to cyberbullying as well as explanations of what is -and what isn't bullying- and what to do if you are being bullied. 'Good definitions of bullying throughout, the impact of it, why people may bully and what to do' (Rosalind, Workforce Development Officer, LL reviewer). 'The rhetorical questions are great as it helps children to know what to do in a similar situation' (Hannah, Social Worker, LL reviewer). Includes parent/teacher notes, ideas for classroom/group activities and further sources of information. Age 4-7, Paperback 30pp

Scarlet comes from an 'itchy feet' family so moving to Norway is no big deal... but she hadn't reckoned with her new school being home to Greta the Cruel, a mean menacing giant of a child. After tearfully spilling out her woes to her Grandma (helped along by a few marshmallows) Scarlet is sent back out into the world wearing a treasured family heirloom: a scarlet hoodie. The hoodie doesn't just hug her with happiness and hope, it time-travels her off to an ancient world of Vikings. Here, Scarlet discovers hidden reserves of strength which equip her back in the present. A highly original, fun and, insightful adventure of bullying overcome with a heart-warming resolution. (Graphic novel perfect for reluctant readers.) Age 6-10, Paperback 52pp

"There are these people. They've got something on me. In turn, I've got something on one of the refugee boys. Hassan is new, so he doesn't have anything on anybody. He just wants to fit in". The Blokes are a group of boys at Jack's school, united in their fight to bully and ostracise the refugee, Black and Asian children. Jack befriends Hassan, a Syrian refugee who has just recently arrived- but now, the Blokes have given him orders to take Hassan down or else..." Will Hassan survive and will Jack finally learn to do the right thing? A timely story about racism, anti-immigrant prejudice, bullying and the power of friendship to triumph over hate. Reading Age 7+ Interest 10-14, Paperback 57pp

Little Billy's parents say he is too old to have a mobile phone, but he finds the farmer's one and runs off with it! Before long, him and Cyril are taking selfies and making anonymous call. And then, Little Billy gets his best idea of all: '"I bet Troll's got an ugly mug - let's take a photograph! We'll post it on the Internet: The Foulest Face You'll See!" A very modern take on the Three Billy Goats Gruff with an eminently child-friendly, cautionary message about bullying through new technologies. 'Good book about cyber bullying, great pictures, good message for kids' (Isak, aged 8, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 23pp

Omar's family have finally found refuge- a tower block in the UK. But local boy Sam keeps pushing Omar around. A brilliantly observed, witty and snappy narrative which challenges preconceptions about asylum seekers. Reading Age 8+ Interest 8-12, Paperback 52pp Themes: Bullying, Refugees and Migration

How will Olly the bull help our hero defeat the bully Darren bishop? A great story about doing your best. Reading Age: 8+. Interest Age: 8+, 61pp Paperback