The best 10 Bullying books

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What's Everybody Sees the Ants about?

Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of family, bullying, and the power of imagination. It tells the story of a teenage boy named Lucky who escapes his troubled reality by dreaming of a world where he can confront his tormentor. Through vivid storytelling and compelling characters, the book explores themes of resilience and the search for inner strength.

Who should read Everybody Sees the Ants?

  • Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with themes of resilience and self-discovery

  • Individuals who are interested in exploring the impact of trauma and bullying on mental health

  • Those who appreciate unique narrative styles and unconventional storytelling techniques


2
Bullying Books: Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead

Goodbye Stranger

Rebecca Stead

What's Goodbye Stranger about?

Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of friendship, identity, and growing up. It follows the lives of three seventh-grade girls as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and the choices they make that will ultimately test the strength of their bond. With beautifully written prose and relatable characters, this book explores themes of self-discovery and the power of forgiveness.

Who should read Goodbye Stranger?

  • Teenagers navigating the complexities of friendship and growing up

  • Readers who enjoy stories with multiple perspectives and non-linear narratives

  • Those interested in exploring themes of identity, self-discovery, and the impact of choices


3
Bullying Books: Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Nineteen Minutes

Jodi Picoult

What's Nineteen Minutes about?

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult is a gripping novel that delves into the aftermath of a school shooting. Set in a small town, the book explores the complexities of friendship, bullying, and the impact of such a tragic event on the lives of those involved. With thought-provoking themes and compelling characters, it challenges the reader to question their own beliefs about justice and empathy.

Who should read Nineteen Minutes?

  • Readers who enjoy thought-provoking and emotionally charged stories

  • Those interested in exploring the complexities of human nature and the impact of traumatic events

  • Individuals who appreciate a narrative that delves into the perspectives of multiple characters


4
Bullying Books: Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

Some Girls Are

Courtney Summers

What's Some Girls Are about?

Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers is a gripping and intense novel that delves into the dark side of high school cliques and bullying. It follows the story of Regina Afton, a girl who finds herself on the receiving end of vicious rumors and brutal bullying after a traumatic event. The book explores themes of power, betrayal, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Who should read Some Girls Are?

  • Teenagers navigating the complexities of high school social dynamics

  • Readers interested in exploring themes of bullying, betrayal, and redemption

  • Those who enjoy compelling and thought-provoking young adult fiction


5
Bullying Books: Thornhill by Pam Smy

Thornhill

Pam Smy

What's Thornhill about?

Thornhill by Pam Smy is a haunting and beautifully illustrated novel that tells the story of two girls, Mary and Ella, whose lives become intertwined through the dark secrets of an abandoned orphanage. As Mary documents her lonely and terrifying experiences at Thornhill in her diary, Ella uncovers the truth behind the mysterious girl she sees from her bedroom window. This gripping tale explores themes of friendship, loneliness, and the power of empathy.

Who should read Thornhill?

  • Readers who enjoy atmospheric and haunting stories

  • Those who appreciate a blend of narrative and visual storytelling

  • People who are interested in exploring themes of loneliness, friendship, and resilience


What's Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass about?

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina is a powerful novel that explores the effects of bullying on a teenage girl. When Piddy Sanchez learns that a girl named Yaqui Delgado wants to beat her up, she is forced to confront her own identity and find the strength to stand up for herself. This thought-provoking book delves into themes of friendship, family, and the impact of violence, making it a must-read for young adults.

Who should read Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass?

  • Teenagers who are navigating the complexities of high school social dynamics

  • Parents and educators looking to understand and support adolescents facing bullying

  • Readers interested in exploring themes of identity, resilience, and empowerment


7
Bullying Books: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Before I Fall

Lauren Oliver

What's Before I Fall about?

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver follows the story of a high school senior named Samantha Kingston who relives the last day of her life over and over again. As she uncovers the truth about her friends, family, and herself, she learns valuable lessons about love, friendship, and the power of choices.

Who should read Before I Fall?

  • Teenagers and young adults
  • Readers interested in stories about personal growth and self-discovery
  • Those who enjoy novels with a thought-provoking exploration of life and death

What's Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock about?

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the mind of a troubled teenager named Leonard Peacock. On his 18th birthday, Leonard plans to shoot his former best friend and then himself. The book takes us through Leonard's day as he says his goodbyes and reflects on the events that led him to this decision. It explores themes of friendship, mental illness, and the impact of our actions on others.

Who should read Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock?

  • Readers who enjoy thought-provoking and emotionally charged stories
  • Those interested in exploring topics such as mental health, friendship, and forgiveness
  • Individuals who appreciate well-developed and complex characters

9
Bullying Books: Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Hate List

Jennifer Brown

What's Hate List about?

Hate List (2009) by Jennifer Brown is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the aftermath of a school shooting. When high school student Valerie is implicated in a tragedy that she never intended to happen, she grapples with grief, guilt, and the complexities of her relationship with the shooter. As she navigates the repercussions of the event, Valerie learns about forgiveness, healing, and the power of empathy.

Who should read Hate List?

  • Readers interested in exploring the complex issues of school violence and its aftermath
  • Those who appreciate thought-provoking and emotionally impactful stories
  • Individuals who want to gain empathy and understanding for the experiences of others

10
Bullying Books: Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

Wolf Hollow

Lauren Wolk

What's Wolf Hollow about?

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk is a powerful and haunting novel set in rural Pennsylvania during World War II. It tells the story of a young girl named Annabelle who must confront the cruelty and injustice in her community when a new girl named Betty arrives and starts causing trouble. With beautiful prose and a gripping plot, the book explores themes of friendship, courage, and the complexities of human nature.

Who should read Wolf Hollow?

  • Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with strong, resilient protagonists
  • Those interested in exploring themes of empathy, kindness, and standing up against injustice
  • People who appreciate well-crafted, lyrical prose and vivid descriptions of rural landscapes

Related Topics

Bullying Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Bullying book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard Everybody Sees the Ants as the ultimate read on Bullying.

What are the Top 10 Bullying books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King
  • Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead
  • Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
  • Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers
  • Thornhill by Pam Smy
  • Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina
  • Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
  • Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
  • Hate List by Jennifer Brown
  • Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

Who are the top Bullying book authors?

When it comes to Bullying, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • A.S. King
  • Rebecca Stead
  • Jodi Picoult
  • Courtney Summers
  • Pam Smy