Here's What We're Reading...

There are numerous helpful books available for teachers, parents and youth that deal with the subjects of homelessness, poverty and bullying. Here are just a few of the highly recommended ones that will help children build resilience, courage, self-esteem and empathy for others.

For Educators:

Bullying: Identify, Cope, Prevent (available for grades 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8)

Bullying can lead to a significant degree of absenteeism and has the potential to develop into more serious problems. This new and innovative series presents teachers with a conflict-resolution approach to identifying, coping with and preventing this inappropriate behavior.

The Bully Free Classroom: Over 100 Tips and Strategies for Teachers K-8 (Updated Edition)

This solution-filled book shows how to stop bullying in its tracks by creating a peaceful, caring classroom that promotes a sense of belonging in all students. The author provides more than 100 prevention and intervention strategies for classrooms, victims and bullies.

For Parents and Children (ages birth to 7):

Bullyproof Your Child for Life: Protect Your Child from Teasing, Taunting, and Bullying for Good

Delivering a practical, supportive, and step-by-step "bullyproofing prescription" that yields lasting results for both boys and girls, from grade school through high school, this book offers specific action steps to help any child build resilience and confidence, develop compassion and trust, and thrive in school, camp, sports and beyond.

Bye-Bye Big Bad Bully Bug (birth to age 3)

Big Bad Bullybug is big, mean, and scary--and loves to pick on little itty bitty bugs! With the turn of each die-cut page, Bullybug grows bigger, meaner and scarier. But it's the itty bitty bugs who get the last laugh in this exciting, new, frighteningly-fun adventure.

The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up for Others (preschool to 3^rd grade)

Have you ever seen a bully in action and done nothing about it? The kids at Pete's new school get involved, instead of being bystanders. When Pete begins to behave badly, his classmates teach him about "The Promise." Will Pete decide to shed his bullying habits and make "The Promise?"

Those Shoes (kindergarten to 3^rd grade)

All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. But Jeremy’s grandma tells him they don’t have room for "want," just "need," and what Jeremy needs are new boots for winter. When Jeremy’s shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that is much too small.

For Students (ages 7 to 18):

My Secret Bully (2^nd to 5^th grade) and Sorry! (3^rd grade and up)

Trudy Ludwig takes a close look at relational aggression, the use of relationships to manipulate and hurt others, in both these books. My Secret Bully targets girls, while Sorry! is written from a boy’s perspective. Both books include helpful discussion questions and a resource guide for parents and teachers.

Rosie, the Shopping Cart Lady (Age 9 and up)

Give the gift of Rosie to a child. For any parent, grandparent or friend who has tried to explain homelessness to a child, this book will be an invaluable resource. Makes a perfect gift for the child who is beginning to examine the world and ask intelligent questions.

Changing Places: A Kid's View of Shelter Living (Ages 9 to 12)

The voices of eight homeless children, ages 6-13, are captured here with stunning illustrations that give you a poignant look at shelter life. Changing Places acquaints children with the issues of homelessness and poverty. It shows, too, how similar children are in their wants, needs, likes and dislikes, no matter what the circumstances.

A Smart Girl's Guide to the Internet (Age 10 and up)

There's so much to do online that it's hard for girls to know where to start -- and which sites and services are right for them. Readers will hear from other girls about their time online. They'll take quizzes and read tips that will show them how to be smart -- and safe -- Internet users.

Don't Feed the Bully (Ages 10 to 14)

This fictional detective story is aimed at boys, although anyone who can read will love this funny and meaningful story. Hannibal Greatneck III, or Handy to his friends, walks into William B. Travis elementary and finds a cage in the middle of the classroom. The story is a funny one with hilarious and serious undertones, but with great purpose.

Teen Cyberbullying Investigated: Where Do Your Rights End and Consequences Begin? (Age 12 and up)

Judge Tom Jacobs presents a powerful collection of landmark court cases involving teens and charges of cyberbullying, which includes: sending insulting or threatening emails, text or instant messages directly to someone; spreading hateful comments about someone through emails, blogs or chat rooms; stealing passwords and sending out threatening messages using a false identity; and building a website to target specific people.