Books for feelings and life
Books about bullying, teasing and being left out
Good bully books show the target, the bystander and the bully as people. They give children words to say and a reason to tell an adult.
Picks drawn from long-standing children's-librarian lists, ALSC notable and award records, and Common Sense Media age ratings, with each title and author checked against Open Library, Oct 2026. Checked 2026-10-25. Nobody paid to be here. The buy links are plain search links, not affiliate links, so Peabody earns nothing from them.
Wonder
R. J. Palacio · Ages 8-12
August Pullman, who has a facial difference, starts fifth grade. Told by several voices.
Watch for: Bullying and a family illness.
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Hey, Little Ant
Phillip M. Hoose and Hannah Hoose · Ages 4-8
A boy decides whether to step on an ant who begs him not to. A discussion starter.
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Enemy Pie
Derek Munson · Ages 4-8
A boy's father gives him a recipe to get rid of the neighbor boy he dislikes.
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The Recess Queen
Alexis O'Neill · Ages 4-8
Mean Jean rules the playground until a new girl wins her over.
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Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
Patty Lovell · Ages 4-8
Molly Lou stands her ground when a bully mocks her.
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The Invisible Boy
Trudy Ludwig · Ages 5-8
Being left out and the effect of one act of kindness.
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Chrysanthemum
Kevin Henkes · Ages 4-8
A girl is teased about her unusual name.
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Each Kindness
Jacqueline Woodson · Ages 5-9
A new girl in a worn dress is shunned. The narrator realizes too late what she could have done.
Watch for: Ends without a fix; meant to prompt talk.
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Bully
Patricia Polacco · Ages 7-10
A girl learns that a friend has turned on her in the new school. Social media is part of it.
Watch for: Mean behavior among older elementary kids.
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More lists
Books about kindness, honesty and doing the right thing
Character is taught by example, and these stories supply the examples: small acts of generosity, owning up, and telling the truth when it costs something.
Books about making friends and being a good friend
Friendship has to be learned like reading.
Books about anger for kids
Anger is one of the first big feelings children need words for.
Books about sadness and sad days
Children are often told to cheer up.
Books about fear, the dark and monsters
Fear of the dark, of monsters, and of being left is normal between ages 3 and 7.
Books about worry and anxiety
Worry can show up as stomachaches, clinging or perfectionism.
Books about shyness and quiet kids
Shy and quiet are not problems to fix.
Books about loneliness and finding a friend
Loneliness is different from being alone.