10 Books That Build Empathy And Combat Bullying

Bullying is a serious issue and prevalent amongst school age children.

It is estimated that 1 in 6 children between the ages of 7 and 17 have reported being bullied on a weekly basis. There are higher rates of bullying being reported in primary school than high school, although it is highly likely that younger children are more likely to report bullying than adolescent children, who fear the possible social repercussions of "dobbing" someone in.

Children who bully often do not understand the impact of their actions, or seem to be immune to the suffering of others. Bullying is an abuse of power over the vulnerable. It can be based on gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or simply a social status.

Bullying behaviours can include:

• agression

• intentionally hurtful comments, including rumours, gossip, distribution of messages and images

• exclusion

• abuse of power

• and most importantly the repetition of the above behaviours.

Bullying behaviour often takes place face to face with younger children but cyber bullying via social media, messaging and websites is common place as children age.

Adolescents are becoming so attached to their devices that they would prefer to be grounded then have their device taken away. That is, they would prefer to disconnect from the real world than the cyber world.

We have all heard the term "keyboard warrior" used to describe people, who are seeming able to be far more aggressive online than they would be in a face to face situation. They seem to be able to detach themselves from the human element when collaborating or interacting online. Anderson Cooper conducted a 12 month study in the online activity of 13 year old children and found that many "squeaky clean" teenages when incredibly venomous towards others online. Because they were online they found it difficult to connect with the real person they were victimising.

Empathy is often suggested as a positive way to combat bullying behaviour.

Empathy is the ability to identify and understand another person’s feelings. It is being able to put yourself in someone else’s situation and then extending kindness based on that understanding. Empathy is understanding that everyone is unique and that differences are positive, as they bring diversity and a range of experiences to our lives.

Developing empathy in should start when children are young. Parents and caregiver need to model empathy and promote inclusion. This can be enhance thought the use of literature that explores empathy, inclusion and diversity.

Below are 10 books, for various ages of children to promote discussion about empathy and increase understanding of diversity.

1 - Chrysanthemum

By Kevin Henkes Grades: Preschool-3

Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share with young children.

Chrysanthemum loves her name but on the first day of school she is teased by the other children.

Henkes masters an important issue is a sympathetic and easy to understand way. This book has sold over a million copies since it was first published in 1991.

2 - Bluebird by Bob Staake

Grades - Kindergarten to 4

This beautiful illustrated book contains no text but it's message is very clear.

Staake explores the universal themes of loneliness, bullying, and the importance of friendship.

Readers will be captivated as they follow the journey of a bluebird as he develops a friendship with a young boy and ultimately risks his life to save the boy from harm. Both simple and evocative, this timeless and profound story will resonate with readers young and old.

3 - The Hundred Dresses By Eleanor Estes

Grades: 1-4

This book has constantly been in print since it was first published in 1944 and won the Newberry Honour in 1945.

Wanda, a Polish girl living in Connecticut, is teased by girls at her school for wearing the same faded blue dress everyday. When Wanda claims she has 100 dresses at home the bullying is merciless.

Addressing the issues of bullies, bystanders and victims this beautifully illustrated book has stood the test of time.

4 - The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

This picture book introduces us to Brian, the invisible boy, who nobody seems to notice. Nobody ever thinks to include him in their group, game, or birthday party ... until, Justine, the new kid comes to class. Brian welcomes Justine and when they team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine. This gentle story shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. Any parent or teacher, looking for material that sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children will find The Invisible Boy a valuable and important resource.

5 - Bully On The Bus by Kathryn Apel

Leroy is taunted by the bully on the bus, who silences him with threats of "worse the come". Leroy does not know how to make it stop.

To distract him, his teacher introduces him to the adventures in The Big Bad Book of Fairytales. Hidden throughout are the clues that Leroy needs to overcome the bullying taunts once and for all.

This book is beautifully written in rhymes. It teaches children that anyone can be a bully tamer if they are brave enough to ask for help.

6 - The Two Bullies by Junko Morimoto

These two enormous bullies are big on brawn but low on bravery--and brains!

The short accessible text makes this folktale perfect for younger children. With hilarious illustrations by an award-winning Japanese artist and the silly antics of two goofy bullies, this story proves that bigger isn't necessarily better.

7- I am Jack by Susanne Gervay

Age - 9+

Endorsed by Life Education Australia, the best-selling book addresses bullying in schools, while remaining accessible and entertaining for younger readers. It has been adapted for stage and performed to sell-out audiences in Australia and the US.

Jack likes going to school. He enjoys learning new things. George calls Jack 'Bum Head'. All the kids at school call Jack 'Bum Head'. Jack's in Big trouble ... school is getting dangerous. Nobody seems to want to listen. Until one day ...

8 - Have You Filled A Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud

This easy to understand concept that we all carry a bucket and that there are bucket filler and bucket dippers.

Bucket filling and dipping are effective metaphors for understanding the effects of our actions and words on the well being of others and ourselves.

An easy way to help very young children understand the importance of being kind and understanding how our action effect others.

9 - Wonder by P.J. Palacio

Age - 9+

August is ten years old but has never attended school. Frequent hospitalisations led his mum to homeschool him. Auggie doesn’t look like other kids. He has facial abnormalities. Auggie says of his face, “I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.”

When Auggie turns ten, his parents decide to send him to school. Wonder is an account, told from multiple points of view, of that year.

Many events in the story feel true to life, sometimes uncomfortably so. Although adults do their best to set Auggie and his peers up for success, cruel behaviour still happens and sometimes spins out of control.

10 - The Running Man by Michael Gerard Bauer

“Tom Leyton, a reclusive Vietnam veteran, has been the subject of gossip and rumour for thirty years. When Joseph Davidson, his young neighbour and a talented artist, is asked to draw a portrait of him, an uneasy relationship begins to unfold, one that will force each of them to confront his darkest secrets.

This is a story about how we perceive others, the judgements we make about them, how we cope with tragedy, and the nature of miracles.

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