Bullying
No kid wants to talk to a teacher about being bullied, and the bullies don’t want to talk either. The embarrassment and shame both sides feel stand in the way of them speaking with you or fellow educators.
But in order for change to happen these kids need to open up about what is going on.
Not every child is a reader, but for those who are, the easy-to-read books below provide a safe way for you and a student to talk about what is happening.
- Canadian settings and characters
- Realistic fiction
- Relatable challenges
- Diverse characters
- Stories featuring main characters who are bullied and those who are victims of bullying
Titles featuring bullying
Ace and the Misfits
By Eddie Kawooya
$19.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A recently arrived Ugandan immigrant feels isolated and struggles with school and self-worth—until finding friendship with fellow outsiders helps him rebuild his confidence and sense of belonging.
Dogs Don’t Break Hearts
By ’Nathan Burgoine
$16.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A teen recovering from an emotionally manipulative relationship finds healing through volunteering at a pet rescue—where a special dog and a kind new crush help him learn to trust and love again.
Hacking Heartbreak
By Kevin heronJones
$16.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Responsible Decision Making
After hacking the social media accounts of his crush, Baron is in a race against the clock to fix the mess he made and save her from serious consequences.
Half-Court Trap
By Kevin heronJones
$12.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Self-Awareness
A thirteen-year-old basketball player struggling with body image and rivalry plots revenge on a teammate, but an unexpected friendship leads him to empathy and self-acceptance.
Lone Runner
By Dirk McLean
$12.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Self-Awareness
A solitary runner from Scarborough, Michaela overcomes discouragement and rivalry to find confidence, connection, and belonging on her diverse school track team.
Long Bomb
By Eric Howling
$12.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Social Awareness
A shy Calgary teen who doubts his abilities steps onto the football field, finding courage as he stands up to bullying, overcomes self-doubt, and learns the value of teamwork and self-belief.
Luscious Love
By Katerina Bakolias
$16.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Self-Awareness
A teen grapples with body image, low self-worth, and a toxic boss—until she finds the courage to stand up for herself, recognize her worth, and embrace the love she truly deserves.
Not Not Normal
By Peter E. Fenton
$16.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A queer teen battling anxiety and insecurity gains confidence through a new friend and romance, helping him face bullying and embrace his true self.
Not Talking About You
By Kevin heronJones
$14.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Self-Awareness
A thoughtful teen uncertain about his future faces his feelings while stuck beside a flirty frenemy, discovering a deeper self-awareness and identity.
Open Ice
By David Trifunov
$12.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Self-Awareness
A teen girl facing sexism in co-ed hockey must navigate team tensions and sports-based pressures, ultimately learning to stand her ground through teamwork and communication.
Rugby Rivals
By Mike Levitt
$12.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Self-Management
A rugby player has trouble fitting in at his snobby new school, and with his new teammates. After lashing out and hurting a teammate in an unsporting way he struggles to learn valuable lessons about teamwork, and regains his sense of integrity and purpose on the rugby field.
Secret Me
By Angel Jendrick
$14.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A popular, closeted, teen from Charlottetown struggles with her hidden sexuality and guilt over bullying, but a night with a nonbinary classmate helps her embrace her true self and new love.
