Pink Shirt Day 2015 - Canadian Children's Book Centre

February 25, 2015 is Pink Shirt Day. Based on the initiative of two Nova Scotia students, Pink Shirt Day encourages all of us to stand up to bullies. By collectively refusing to tolerate bullying and developing the skills to prevent it, children and adults can help to make the world a better place for themselves and others. To learn more about Pink Shirt Day visit pinkshirtday.ca.

Celebrate Pink Shirt Day in your classroom of library with Canadian kids’ books.

Picture Books
Bird Child Written by Nan Forler Illustrated by François Thisdale Tundra Books, 2009 ISBN 978-0-88776-894-1 IL: Ages 5-8 RL: Grades 2-3 Bullying and the ability to rise above it are at the heart of this strikingly beautiful picture book. Eliza’s mother has given her “wings to fly” and the ability to see all the possibilities that lie before her. When new student Lainey is bullied, Eliza wants to help, and she does, by finding a way to show Lainey all that she can be. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Bully 101 Written and illustrated by Doretta Groenendyk The Acorn Press, 2012 ISBN 978-1-894838-84-9 IL: Ages 6-12 RL: Grade 3 This book explores both the temptations of bullying and the remarkable possibilities of kindness. It identifies ways in which bullying occurs (cyber, playground, bus), the feelings that can result for both the bully and the victim and the simple notion that anyone can chose kindness instead. It can be used as a conversation starter on why we bully, or watch it happen, and presents the idea that bullying is a choice. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress Written by Christine Baldacchino Illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant Groundwood Books, 2014 ISBN 978-1-55498-347-6 IL: Ages 3-8 RL: Grades 2-3 Morris loves using his imagination and he dreams about having space adventures. His favourite place in his classroom is the dress-up centre — because he loves wearing the tangerine dress! But the children in Morris’s class don’t understand. Dresses are for girls, astronauts don’t wear dresses! Warm, dreamy illustrations perfectly capture Morris’s vulnerability and the vibrancy of his imagination. This is a sweetly told story about the courage and creativity it takes to be different. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Willow Finds a Way Written by Lana Button Illustrated by Tania Howells Kids Can Press, 2013 ISBN 978-1-55453-842-3 IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-3 Willow is thrilled when the whole class, including her, is invited to classmate Kristabelle’s fantastic birthday party. But the bossy birthday girl starts crossing guests off the list when they dare to cross her. Willow finds a quiet but convincing way to let Kristabelle know her behaviour is not acceptable. This is the companion to Willow’s Whispers. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
You’re Mean, Lily Jean Written by Frieda Wishinsky Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton Scholastic Canada, 2009 ISBN: 978-1-4431-0788-4 IL: Ages 3-8 RL: Grades 1-2 Carly always played with her older sister, Sandy. Then Lily Jean moved in next door. The sisters are happy to have a new friend to join their games. But Lily Jean starts taking over. Tired of being bossed around, Carly thinks up a creative way to teach Lily Jean a lesson. With Sandy’s assistance, can she transform a bully into a friend? Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Early Chapter Books
Morgan Gets Cracking (First Novels) Written by Ted Staunton Illustrated by Bill Slavin Formac Publishing, 2012 ISBN 978-1-4595-0074-7 IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 2-3 Curtis is the new kid at school, and Morgan doesn’t like him. He can juggle and play guitar and he gets away with teasing Aldeen, the Queen of Mean — who isn’t even mean back. When Curtis and his family get invited to a neighbourhood party, Morgan comes up with a plan to see if Aldeen actually likes Curtis. But as usual, things don’t go quite according to Morgan’s plan. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Justine McKeen vs. the Queen of Mean (Orca Echoes) Written by Sigmund Brouwer Illustrated by Dave Whamond Orca Book Publishers, 2014 ISBN 978-1-4598-0397-8 IL: Ages 7-9 RL: Grades 2-3 Justine McKeen needs her classmates to help count flower buds, frogs, spiders and ants in their local ecosystem for an Earth Day project. But first she’ll have to convince Savannah Blue — the Queen of Mean — who says being green a waste of time. Can Justine persuade Savannah to go green? Includes green project ideas for the classroom. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
The Lost Locket: 20th Anniversary Edition Written by Carol Matas Illustrated by Susan Gardos Scholastic Canada, 2014 ISBN 978-1-4431-2865-0 IL: Ages 6-9 RL: Grades 2-3 Despite her mother’s warning, Sarah Rose takes her great-grandmother’s locket to show her friends at school. But then it disappears from her desk, and it looks like Curtis, the class bully, might have taken it. If he did, can Sarah find the courage to confront him and get her locket back without her parents finding out? Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Junior & Intermediate Fiction
Attitude (Orca Limelights) Written by Robin Stevenson Orca Book Publishers, 2013 ISBN 978-1-4598-0382-4 IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grades 6-7 When Cassie comes to Vancouver for an intensive summer program at a prestigious ballet school, she encounters a nasty clique of girls. They’ve been at the school a long time and don’t want the newcomers to get attention. Cassie tries to get along, but when she realizes some visiting students are being bullied she finally speaks out. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Better Than Weird Written by Anna Kerz Orca Book Publishers, 2011 ISBN 978-1-55469-362-7 IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-6 In this stand-alone sequel to The Mealworm Diaries, Aaron has made a couple of friends and at least one enemy. Anxiously awaiting the arrival of his father, whom he hasn’t seen in many years, Aaron is trying to cope with bullying at school, his grandmother’s illness and his father’s pregnant new wife. Aaron worries his father will think he’s too weird and leave again and wonders how he can make his dad proud. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Blob (Orca Currents) Written by Frieda Wishinsky Orca Book Publishers, 2010 ISBN 978-1-55469-181-4 IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grade 4 Eve is starting a new high school and things couldn’t be worse. She has gained weight over the summer, lost her best friend and become the target of a cruel girl’s bullying. When she joins a mentoring program called Girls Helping Girls, she learns to accept herself, make new friends and help others. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	The Hidden Agenda of Sigrid Sugden Written by Jill MacLean Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2013 ISBN 978-1-55455-279-5 IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grades 5-7 Sigrid Sugden is a Shrike, a member of the toughest group of girls in school. But one day, the Shrikes go too far. Sigrid realizes that their favourite victim, Prinny Murphy, is in real danger and she makes a decision to save her. Sigrid wants to change her bad-girl image, but it is not going to be easy as no one trusts her, no one likes her, and she’s now become a target of her own gang. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Jane, the Fox & Me Written by Fanny Britt Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault Translated by Christelle Morelli and Susan Ouriou Groundwood Books, 2013 ISBN 978-1-55498-360-5 IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grades 5-6 Hélène has been inexplicably ostracized by the girls who were once her friends. Her school life is full of whispers and lies. Her loving mother is too tired to be any help. Fortunately, Hélène has Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre and on a trip to nature camp she makes a friend. This title is also available in French as Jane, le renard & moi. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	The Last Superhero Written by Kristin Butcher Napoleon & Company/Dundurn, 2010 ISBN 978-1-926607-01-6 IL: Ages 8-12 RL: Grade 4 Jas is putting all his energy into an adventure comic he hopes will be his ticket into an elite summer art program. But when he meets up with Wren, an eccentric, crusading classmate, his efforts are derailed. Wren is avenging the victims of school bullies and keeps drawing Jas in until there’s no going back. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
The Odds Get Even Written by Natale Ghent HarperCollins Canada, 2009 ISBN 978-1-55468-412-0 IL: Ages 8-11 RL: Grades 3-5 Best friends Boney, Itchy and Squeak are the Odd Fellows and hang out in Boney’s tree house to escape being bullied by Larry. When the Odd Fellows decide to get even, they have to avoid getting tangled up in their own schemes! Readers will also enjoy Ghent’s sequel, Against All Odds. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	The Power of Harmony Written by Jan L. Coates Red Deer Press, 2013 ISBN 978-0-88995-495-3 IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 5-6 Living in Springhill, Nova Scotia, during the 1960s, Jennifer becomes a target for bullying when her best friend moves away. When a new girl named Melody joins the class, she becomes the new victim. Jennifer must overcome racial prejudices as she becomes friends with Melody through their shared love of reading, books and music. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen Written by Susin Nielsen Tundra Books, 2012 ISBN 978-1-77049-372-8 IL: Ages 13 and up RL: Grades 6-7 Thirteen-year-old Henry’s happy, ordinary life comes to an abrupt halt when his older brother, Jesse, picks up their father’s hunting rifle and leaves the house one morning. What follows shatters Henry’s family; they are forced to resume their lives in a new city where no one knows their past. At school and in his apartment building, Henry eventually befriends a group of oddball characters who help him adapt to his new life. Readers will also enjoy Nielsen’s Word Nerd. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Rocket Man Written by Jan L. Coates Red Deer Press, 2014 ISBN 978-0-88995-494-6 IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grades 4-5 If only Bob could go back to being Mr. Invisible, back to when he wasn’t always being compared to his basketball-god brother and perfect little sister. Back to when he wasn’t bullied. Back to when his dad wasn’t so sick with cancer. Bob channels his worries and grief into his basketball training and finds a way to bring hope to those living with cancer. His courage and determination, both on the basketball court and off, help him grow into his new nickname: Rocket Man. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Words That Start with B Written by Vikki VanSickle Scholastic Canada, 2010 ISBN 978-1-4431-0235-3 IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-5 Grade Seven was going to be Clarissa’s year. That was until her favourite teacher went on sabbatical and her best friend, Benji, was targeted by bullies. Now Clarissa’s mom needs medical treatments just when Clarissa needs her the most. How is a 12-year-old girl supposed to survive it all? Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Young Adult Fiction
Born Ugly Written by Beth Goobie Red Deer Press, 2011 ISBN 978-0-88995-457-1 IL: Ages 14 and up RL: Grades 6-7 Shir is unpopular at school and an outcast in her own family; the only places where she can escape are at her part-time job and in her secret retreat by the river. When her job becomes a world of uncertainty and someone invades her river haven, Shir hopes the alcohol will help her cope. Eventually, Shir must stop being a victim and assert herself or there could be deadly consequences. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Creeps written by Darren Hynes Razorbill, 2013 ISBN 978-0-14-318714-1 IL: Ages 15 and up RL: Grades 10-11 Relentlessly-bullied Wayne Pumphrey wishes he were courageous enough to actually send the letters he writes to friends and family. When Wayne is rescued by Marjorie one morning, an unlikely friendship develops. But the bully now has plans for both of them… and nothing will ever be the same again. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Egghead Written by Caroline Pignat Red Deer Press, 2008 ISBN 978-0-88995-399-4 IL: Ages 12-14 RL: Grade 6 Gawky ninth grader Will Reid is a nerd who finds himself bullied by Shane. Katie has been Will’s friend since elementary school, but maintaining that friendship has proven difficult in high school, especially now that they’ve been rumoured to be romantically involved. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Home Truths Written by Jill MacLean Dancing Cat Books, 2010 ISBN 978-1-897151-96-9 Ages 13 and up RL: Grade 6 Brick’s dad has an uncontrollable temper and his mom is self-absorbed, which leaves Brick to care for his little sister, Cassie. Every now and then Brick feels the need to release a little anger, and bullying seems the right way to do it. This summer Brick is going to earn enough money to escape and never look back. But who will Brick’s dad take his anger out on when Brick’s not around? Readers will also want to read MacLean’s Nix Minus One and the Prinny Murphy books. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Jamie’s Got a Gun: A Graphic Novel Written by Gail Sidonie Sobat Illustrated by Spyder Yardley-Jones Great Plains Teen Fiction, 2014 ISBN 978-1-926531-88-5 IL: Ages 14 and up RL: Grade 9 Jamie Kidding finds a semi-automatic handgun in an inner city dumpster. An aspiring artist, Jamie initially resorts to his notebook to record the details of his complicated life. Gradually, the weapon takes over Jamie’s life and his imagination, tantalizing him with deadly solutions to his personal troubles. A hybrid of novel, film noir and comic/graphic novel. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Jeremy Stone Written by Lesley Choyce Red Deer Press, 2013 ISBN 978-0-88995-504-2 IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 6-7 After moving to a new school in a new community, Jeremy, a First Nations teenage boy, is plagued by bullying and struggling to find his place in the world. When he meets Caitlin, who tells him about her boyfriend who committed suicide, Jeremy is plunged into a convergence of the real world and the spirit world. Determining which is which becomes less important than finding out what is right and true. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Living with the Hawk written by Robert Currie Thistledown Press, 2013 ISBN 978-1-927068-39-7 IL: Ages 13 and up RL: Grade 8 Blake Russell always looked out for his younger brother, Blair, until they reached high school and began playing football. Blake, a senior and a quarterback, moved in different circles with friends who partied, bullied younger players and abused the girls they dated. As the differences between the two brothers become more pronounced, a body is discovered in a field north of town, severing the brotherly bond and dividing the Russell family forever. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	My Side (Orca Soundings) Written by Norah McClintock Orca Book Publishers, 2013 ISBN 978-1-4598-0511-8 IL: Ages 12-16 RL: Grades 4-5 When quiet, shy Addie is lured into the woods, she is convinced she’s going to die. She quickly finds out that there are worse things than terror — things like betrayal by her best friend and public humiliation in front of the entire school. But there are two sides to every story. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Odd Ball Written by Arthur John Stewart Thistledown Press, 2011 ISBN 978-1-897235-88-1 IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 5-6 Four middle-school students attempt to change the culture of their school. Kevin refuses to accept the “geek” label; Paula is having trouble at home and has become the target for bullying girls; Jobbi, a Latvian immigrant, is the catalyst for change; and Stephanie realizes that school life is deteriorating and decides she must do something to stop it. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Rat (Orca Sounding) Written by Lesley Choyce Orca Book Publishers, 2012 ISBN 978-1-4598-0300-8 IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 4-5 Colin tries to protect an elderly gentleman from two school bullies who then decide to make Colin their target. When they post an unflattering photo of him online, Colin discovers he’s not their only victim. Tired of the code of silence at school, Colin decides to fight back and finds that standing up for what you believe in can be empowering. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Scab (SideStreets) Written by Robert Rayner James Lorimer, 2010 ISBN 978-1-55277-482-3 IL: Ages 13 and up RL: Grades 3-5 Life was never easy for Julian. At 17 he’s now a gifted photographer and on the verge of escaping a life of neglect and bullying. But one fateful night he is forced to make a choice — get the shot that will launch his career or save the only person who’s ever cared about him. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Stickboy Stickboy Written by Shane L. Koyczan Illustrated by John Rummen House of Parlance Media Inc., 2008 ISBN 978-0-9738131-6-6 Ages 15 and up RL: Grade 10 This story is narrated by a guy who, after enduring years of bullying from classmates, snaps and becomes a bully himself. The title of this story, written in free verse, refers to the “sticks and stones” proverb and the narrator’s feeling of being made of dynamite sticks waiting to explode. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Non-Fiction & Poetry
Bullying: Deal With It Before Push Comes to Shove (Deal With It) Written by Elaine Slavens Illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan James Lorimer, 2014 ISBN 978-1-4594-0653-7 IL: Ages 9-11 RL: Grade 6 Kids deal with bullying in its many forms on a daily basis. This newly revised and updated title includes resources, checklists, quizzes, and comics to give kids the know-how to deal with bullying — as targets, witnesses, or even bullies themselves, An engaging approach a complex and all-too-common problem. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Cyber Bullying (Take a Stand Against Bullying) Written by Rachel Stuckey Crabtree Publishing, 2013 ISBN 978-0-7787-7918-6 IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grades 5-6 Cyber bullying can include acts like posting rumours, threats or other hurtful comments on social networking sites or circulating inappropriate pictures of a person on the Internet. This book provides a revealing look at cyber bullying and explains how it is different from other forms of bullying. Other topics include the potential legal issues related to electronic harassment, responsible digital citizenship, online security and how to take a stand against cyber bullying. Amazon \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Social Bullying (Take a Stand Against Bullying) Written by Margaret Webb Crabtree Publishing, 2013 ISBN 978-0-7787-7920-9 IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grades 5-6 Social bullying involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships. Also called relational bullying, it includes acts such as social exclusion, spreading rumours and embarrassing a person in public. It also includes nonverbal acts such as staring, pointing and making gestures. This title examines why social bullying occurs and provides strategies to confront it. Amazon \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	To This Day: For the Bullied and Beautiful Written by Shane Koyczan Illustrated by various artists Annick Press, 2014 ISBN 978-1-55451-639-1 IL: Ages 11 and up RL: Grades 5-7 Spoken-word artist Shane Koyczan electrified the world with his passionate anti-bullying poem which went viral on YouTube. Now his poem has been adapted into a powerful and visually arresting book with illustrations by 30 international artists. Each page is a vibrant collage of images, colors and words that will resonate with anyone who has experienced bullying, whether as a victim, observer, or participant. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
We Want You to Know: Kids Talk About Bullying Written by Deborah Ellis Coteau Books, 2010 ISBN 978-1-55050-417-0 Ages 11 and up RL: Grades 6-7 In this thoughtful and candid book, Ellis asks students aged nine to 19 to talk about their experiences with bullying. The kids raise questions about the way parents, teachers and school administrators cope with bullies, as well as which methods have helped them and which have not. Some students reveal how they have overcome their fear to become advocates for the rights of others. A teacher’s guide is available online at www.coteaubooks.com. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Professional Resource for Teachers
The Bully-Go-Round: Literacy and Arts Strategies for Promoting Bully Awareness in the Classroom Written by Larry Swartz Pembroke Publishers, 2013 ISBN 978-1-55138-285-2 IL: Adult This book advocates the use of various literacy and arts strategies to promote bullying awareness and aid teachers and students alike in reaching a better understanding of the issues that surround bullying. This handy flipbook includes more than 35 class activities, along with resource lists and discussion prompts. It has been written for teachers of Grades 4 to 12. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers

Picture Books
Bird Child Written by Nan Forler Illustrated by François Thisdale Tundra Books, 2009 ISBN 978-0-88776-894-1 IL: Ages 5-8 RL: Grades 2-3 Bullying and the ability to rise above it are at the heart of this strikingly beautiful picture book. Eliza’s mother has given her “wings to fly” and the ability to see all the possibilities that lie before her. When new student Lainey is bullied, Eliza wants to help, and she does, by finding a way to show Lainey all that she can be. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Bully 101 Written and illustrated by Doretta Groenendyk The Acorn Press, 2012 ISBN 978-1-894838-84-9 IL: Ages 6-12 RL: Grade 3 This book explores both the temptations of bullying and the remarkable possibilities of kindness. It identifies ways in which bullying occurs (cyber, playground, bus), the feelings that can result for both the bully and the victim and the simple notion that anyone can chose kindness instead. It can be used as a conversation starter on why we bully, or watch it happen, and presents the idea that bullying is a choice. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress Written by Christine Baldacchino Illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant Groundwood Books, 2014 ISBN 978-1-55498-347-6 IL: Ages 3-8 RL: Grades 2-3 Morris loves using his imagination and he dreams about having space adventures. His favourite place in his classroom is the dress-up centre — because he loves wearing the tangerine dress! But the children in Morris’s class don’t understand. Dresses are for girls, astronauts don’t wear dresses! Warm, dreamy illustrations perfectly capture Morris’s vulnerability and the vibrancy of his imagination. This is a sweetly told story about the courage and creativity it takes to be different. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Willow Finds a Way Written by Lana Button Illustrated by Tania Howells Kids Can Press, 2013 ISBN 978-1-55453-842-3 IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-3 Willow is thrilled when the whole class, including her, is invited to classmate Kristabelle’s fantastic birthday party. But the bossy birthday girl starts crossing guests off the list when they dare to cross her. Willow finds a quiet but convincing way to let Kristabelle know her behaviour is not acceptable. This is the companion to Willow’s Whispers. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
You’re Mean, Lily Jean Written by Frieda Wishinsky Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton Scholastic Canada, 2009 ISBN: 978-1-4431-0788-4 IL: Ages 3-8 RL: Grades 1-2 Carly always played with her older sister, Sandy. Then Lily Jean moved in next door. The sisters are happy to have a new friend to join their games. But Lily Jean starts taking over. Tired of being bossed around, Carly thinks up a creative way to teach Lily Jean a lesson. With Sandy’s assistance, can she transform a bully into a friend? Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Early Chapter Books
Morgan Gets Cracking (First Novels) Written by Ted Staunton Illustrated by Bill Slavin Formac Publishing, 2012 ISBN 978-1-4595-0074-7 IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 2-3 Curtis is the new kid at school, and Morgan doesn’t like him. He can juggle and play guitar and he gets away with teasing Aldeen, the Queen of Mean — who isn’t even mean back. When Curtis and his family get invited to a neighbourhood party, Morgan comes up with a plan to see if Aldeen actually likes Curtis. But as usual, things don’t go quite according to Morgan’s plan. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Justine McKeen vs. the Queen of Mean (Orca Echoes) Written by Sigmund Brouwer Illustrated by Dave Whamond Orca Book Publishers, 2014 ISBN 978-1-4598-0397-8 IL: Ages 7-9 RL: Grades 2-3 Justine McKeen needs her classmates to help count flower buds, frogs, spiders and ants in their local ecosystem for an Earth Day project. But first she’ll have to convince Savannah Blue — the Queen of Mean — who says being green a waste of time. Can Justine persuade Savannah to go green? Includes green project ideas for the classroom. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
The Lost Locket: 20th Anniversary Edition Written by Carol Matas Illustrated by Susan Gardos Scholastic Canada, 2014 ISBN 978-1-4431-2865-0 IL: Ages 6-9 RL: Grades 2-3 Despite her mother’s warning, Sarah Rose takes her great-grandmother’s locket to show her friends at school. But then it disappears from her desk, and it looks like Curtis, the class bully, might have taken it. If he did, can Sarah find the courage to confront him and get her locket back without her parents finding out? Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Junior & Intermediate Fiction
Attitude (Orca Limelights) Written by Robin Stevenson Orca Book Publishers, 2013 ISBN 978-1-4598-0382-4 IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grades 6-7 When Cassie comes to Vancouver for an intensive summer program at a prestigious ballet school, she encounters a nasty clique of girls. They’ve been at the school a long time and don’t want the newcomers to get attention. Cassie tries to get along, but when she realizes some visiting students are being bullied she finally speaks out. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Better Than Weird Written by Anna Kerz Orca Book Publishers, 2011 ISBN 978-1-55469-362-7 IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-6 In this stand-alone sequel to The Mealworm Diaries, Aaron has made a couple of friends and at least one enemy. Anxiously awaiting the arrival of his father, whom he hasn’t seen in many years, Aaron is trying to cope with bullying at school, his grandmother’s illness and his father’s pregnant new wife. Aaron worries his father will think he’s too weird and leave again and wonders how he can make his dad proud. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Blob (Orca Currents) Written by Frieda Wishinsky Orca Book Publishers, 2010 ISBN 978-1-55469-181-4 IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grade 4 Eve is starting a new high school and things couldn’t be worse. She has gained weight over the summer, lost her best friend and become the target of a cruel girl’s bullying. When she joins a mentoring program called Girls Helping Girls, she learns to accept herself, make new friends and help others. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	The Hidden Agenda of Sigrid Sugden Written by Jill MacLean Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2013 ISBN 978-1-55455-279-5 IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grades 5-7 Sigrid Sugden is a Shrike, a member of the toughest group of girls in school. But one day, the Shrikes go too far. Sigrid realizes that their favourite victim, Prinny Murphy, is in real danger and she makes a decision to save her. Sigrid wants to change her bad-girl image, but it is not going to be easy as no one trusts her, no one likes her, and she’s now become a target of her own gang. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Jane, the Fox & Me Written by Fanny Britt Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault Translated by Christelle Morelli and Susan Ouriou Groundwood Books, 2013 ISBN 978-1-55498-360-5 IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grades 5-6 Hélène has been inexplicably ostracized by the girls who were once her friends. Her school life is full of whispers and lies. Her loving mother is too tired to be any help. Fortunately, Hélène has Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre and on a trip to nature camp she makes a friend. This title is also available in French as Jane, le renard & moi. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	The Last Superhero Written by Kristin Butcher Napoleon & Company/Dundurn, 2010 ISBN 978-1-926607-01-6 IL: Ages 8-12 RL: Grade 4 Jas is putting all his energy into an adventure comic he hopes will be his ticket into an elite summer art program. But when he meets up with Wren, an eccentric, crusading classmate, his efforts are derailed. Wren is avenging the victims of school bullies and keeps drawing Jas in until there’s no going back. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
The Odds Get Even Written by Natale Ghent HarperCollins Canada, 2009 ISBN 978-1-55468-412-0 IL: Ages 8-11 RL: Grades 3-5 Best friends Boney, Itchy and Squeak are the Odd Fellows and hang out in Boney’s tree house to escape being bullied by Larry. When the Odd Fellows decide to get even, they have to avoid getting tangled up in their own schemes! Readers will also enjoy Ghent’s sequel, Against All Odds. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	The Power of Harmony Written by Jan L. Coates Red Deer Press, 2013 ISBN 978-0-88995-495-3 IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 5-6 Living in Springhill, Nova Scotia, during the 1960s, Jennifer becomes a target for bullying when her best friend moves away. When a new girl named Melody joins the class, she becomes the new victim. Jennifer must overcome racial prejudices as she becomes friends with Melody through their shared love of reading, books and music. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen Written by Susin Nielsen Tundra Books, 2012 ISBN 978-1-77049-372-8 IL: Ages 13 and up RL: Grades 6-7 Thirteen-year-old Henry’s happy, ordinary life comes to an abrupt halt when his older brother, Jesse, picks up their father’s hunting rifle and leaves the house one morning. What follows shatters Henry’s family; they are forced to resume their lives in a new city where no one knows their past. At school and in his apartment building, Henry eventually befriends a group of oddball characters who help him adapt to his new life. Readers will also enjoy Nielsen’s Word Nerd. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Rocket Man Written by Jan L. Coates Red Deer Press, 2014 ISBN 978-0-88995-494-6 IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grades 4-5 If only Bob could go back to being Mr. Invisible, back to when he wasn’t always being compared to his basketball-god brother and perfect little sister. Back to when he wasn’t bullied. Back to when his dad wasn’t so sick with cancer. Bob channels his worries and grief into his basketball training and finds a way to bring hope to those living with cancer. His courage and determination, both on the basketball court and off, help him grow into his new nickname: Rocket Man. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Words That Start with B Written by Vikki VanSickle Scholastic Canada, 2010 ISBN 978-1-4431-0235-3 IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-5 Grade Seven was going to be Clarissa’s year. That was until her favourite teacher went on sabbatical and her best friend, Benji, was targeted by bullies. Now Clarissa’s mom needs medical treatments just when Clarissa needs her the most. How is a 12-year-old girl supposed to survive it all? Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Young Adult Fiction
Born Ugly Written by Beth Goobie Red Deer Press, 2011 ISBN 978-0-88995-457-1 IL: Ages 14 and up RL: Grades 6-7 Shir is unpopular at school and an outcast in her own family; the only places where she can escape are at her part-time job and in her secret retreat by the river. When her job becomes a world of uncertainty and someone invades her river haven, Shir hopes the alcohol will help her cope. Eventually, Shir must stop being a victim and assert herself or there could be deadly consequences. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Creeps written by Darren Hynes Razorbill, 2013 ISBN 978-0-14-318714-1 IL: Ages 15 and up RL: Grades 10-11 Relentlessly-bullied Wayne Pumphrey wishes he were courageous enough to actually send the letters he writes to friends and family. When Wayne is rescued by Marjorie one morning, an unlikely friendship develops. But the bully now has plans for both of them… and nothing will ever be the same again. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Egghead Written by Caroline Pignat Red Deer Press, 2008 ISBN 978-0-88995-399-4 IL: Ages 12-14 RL: Grade 6 Gawky ninth grader Will Reid is a nerd who finds himself bullied by Shane. Katie has been Will’s friend since elementary school, but maintaining that friendship has proven difficult in high school, especially now that they’ve been rumoured to be romantically involved. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Home Truths Written by Jill MacLean Dancing Cat Books, 2010 ISBN 978-1-897151-96-9 Ages 13 and up RL: Grade 6 Brick’s dad has an uncontrollable temper and his mom is self-absorbed, which leaves Brick to care for his little sister, Cassie. Every now and then Brick feels the need to release a little anger, and bullying seems the right way to do it. This summer Brick is going to earn enough money to escape and never look back. But who will Brick’s dad take his anger out on when Brick’s not around? Readers will also want to read MacLean’s Nix Minus One and the Prinny Murphy books. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Jamie’s Got a Gun: A Graphic Novel Written by Gail Sidonie Sobat Illustrated by Spyder Yardley-Jones Great Plains Teen Fiction, 2014 ISBN 978-1-926531-88-5 IL: Ages 14 and up RL: Grade 9 Jamie Kidding finds a semi-automatic handgun in an inner city dumpster. An aspiring artist, Jamie initially resorts to his notebook to record the details of his complicated life. Gradually, the weapon takes over Jamie’s life and his imagination, tantalizing him with deadly solutions to his personal troubles. A hybrid of novel, film noir and comic/graphic novel. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Jeremy Stone Written by Lesley Choyce Red Deer Press, 2013 ISBN 978-0-88995-504-2 IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 6-7 After moving to a new school in a new community, Jeremy, a First Nations teenage boy, is plagued by bullying and struggling to find his place in the world. When he meets Caitlin, who tells him about her boyfriend who committed suicide, Jeremy is plunged into a convergence of the real world and the spirit world. Determining which is which becomes less important than finding out what is right and true. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Living with the Hawk written by Robert Currie Thistledown Press, 2013 ISBN 978-1-927068-39-7 IL: Ages 13 and up RL: Grade 8 Blake Russell always looked out for his younger brother, Blair, until they reached high school and began playing football. Blake, a senior and a quarterback, moved in different circles with friends who partied, bullied younger players and abused the girls they dated. As the differences between the two brothers become more pronounced, a body is discovered in a field north of town, severing the brotherly bond and dividing the Russell family forever. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	My Side (Orca Soundings) Written by Norah McClintock Orca Book Publishers, 2013 ISBN 978-1-4598-0511-8 IL: Ages 12-16 RL: Grades 4-5 When quiet, shy Addie is lured into the woods, she is convinced she’s going to die. She quickly finds out that there are worse things than terror — things like betrayal by her best friend and public humiliation in front of the entire school. But there are two sides to every story. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Odd Ball Written by Arthur John Stewart Thistledown Press, 2011 ISBN 978-1-897235-88-1 IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 5-6 Four middle-school students attempt to change the culture of their school. Kevin refuses to accept the “geek” label; Paula is having trouble at home and has become the target for bullying girls; Jobbi, a Latvian immigrant, is the catalyst for change; and Stephanie realizes that school life is deteriorating and decides she must do something to stop it. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Rat (Orca Sounding) Written by Lesley Choyce Orca Book Publishers, 2012 ISBN 978-1-4598-0300-8 IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 4-5 Colin tries to protect an elderly gentleman from two school bullies who then decide to make Colin their target. When they post an unflattering photo of him online, Colin discovers he’s not their only victim. Tired of the code of silence at school, Colin decides to fight back and finds that standing up for what you believe in can be empowering. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Scab (SideStreets) Written by Robert Rayner James Lorimer, 2010 ISBN 978-1-55277-482-3 IL: Ages 13 and up RL: Grades 3-5 Life was never easy for Julian. At 17 he’s now a gifted photographer and on the verge of escaping a life of neglect and bullying. But one fateful night he is forced to make a choice — get the shot that will launch his career or save the only person who’s ever cared about him. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Stickboy Stickboy Written by Shane L. Koyczan Illustrated by John Rummen House of Parlance Media Inc., 2008 ISBN 978-0-9738131-6-6 Ages 15 and up RL: Grade 10 This story is narrated by a guy who, after enduring years of bullying from classmates, snaps and becomes a bully himself. The title of this story, written in free verse, refers to the “sticks and stones” proverb and the narrator’s feeling of being made of dynamite sticks waiting to explode. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Non-Fiction & Poetry
Bullying: Deal With It Before Push Comes to Shove (Deal With It) Written by Elaine Slavens Illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan James Lorimer, 2014 ISBN 978-1-4594-0653-7 IL: Ages 9-11 RL: Grade 6 Kids deal with bullying in its many forms on a daily basis. This newly revised and updated title includes resources, checklists, quizzes, and comics to give kids the know-how to deal with bullying — as targets, witnesses, or even bullies themselves, An engaging approach a complex and all-too-common problem. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	Cyber Bullying (Take a Stand Against Bullying) Written by Rachel Stuckey Crabtree Publishing, 2013 ISBN 978-0-7787-7918-6 IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grades 5-6 Cyber bullying can include acts like posting rumours, threats or other hurtful comments on social networking sites or circulating inappropriate pictures of a person on the Internet. This book provides a revealing look at cyber bullying and explains how it is different from other forms of bullying. Other topics include the potential legal issues related to electronic harassment, responsible digital citizenship, online security and how to take a stand against cyber bullying. Amazon \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Social Bullying (Take a Stand Against Bullying) Written by Margaret Webb Crabtree Publishing, 2013 ISBN 978-0-7787-7920-9 IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grades 5-6 Social bullying involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships. Also called relational bullying, it includes acts such as social exclusion, spreading rumours and embarrassing a person in public. It also includes nonverbal acts such as staring, pointing and making gestures. This title examines why social bullying occurs and provides strategies to confront it. Amazon \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers	To This Day: For the Bullied and Beautiful Written by Shane Koyczan Illustrated by various artists Annick Press, 2014 ISBN 978-1-55451-639-1 IL: Ages 11 and up RL: Grades 5-7 Spoken-word artist Shane Koyczan electrified the world with his passionate anti-bullying poem which went viral on YouTube. Now his poem has been adapted into a powerful and visually arresting book with illustrations by 30 international artists. Each page is a vibrant collage of images, colors and words that will resonate with anyone who has experienced bullying, whether as a victim, observer, or participant. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
We Want You to Know: Kids Talk About Bullying Written by Deborah Ellis Coteau Books, 2010 ISBN 978-1-55050-417-0 Ages 11 and up RL: Grades 6-7 In this thoughtful and candid book, Ellis asks students aged nine to 19 to talk about their experiences with bullying. The kids raise questions about the way parents, teachers and school administrators cope with bullies, as well as which methods have helped them and which have not. Some students reveal how they have overcome their fear to become advocates for the rights of others. A teacher’s guide is available online at www.coteaubooks.com. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers
Professional Resource for Teachers
The Bully-Go-Round: Literacy and Arts Strategies for Promoting Bully Awareness in the Classroom Written by Larry Swartz Pembroke Publishers, 2013 ISBN 978-1-55138-285-2 IL: Adult This book advocates the use of various literacy and arts strategies to promote bullying awareness and aid teachers and students alike in reaching a better understanding of the issues that surround bullying. This handy flipbook includes more than 35 class activities, along with resource lists and discussion prompts. It has been written for teachers of Grades 4 to 12. Amazon \| Indigo \| Canadian Bookstores \| Wholesalers

Picture Books

Early Chapter Books

Junior & Intermediate Fiction

Young Adult Fiction

Non-Fiction & Poetry

Professional Resource for Teachers