As our nation — along with our global community — struggles with the complicated issues of crisis migration and immigration policy, great fiction can play an essential role in helping families understand the human story behind the headlines.
Mindfulness & Gratitude Chapter Books
A Growing List of Chapter Books To Teach Active Citizenship
Books for Your Family Philosophy Club
Chapter Books About Bullies, Bystanders, and Being Kind
Empower your tween or teen to be an "upstander."
This growing collection of resources provides the perfect starting place for a conversation about challenging social conflicts. Pick a book that interests your family. Read it together. Then, use the discussion questions to take the concepts further.
Also, check out our collection of picture books about bullying.
Talk about the issue.
What are some other ways the main character could have dealt with the main challenge? How would you have acted differently than the character in the story?
What do you think is the difference between bullying and teasing?
Do you ever feel lonely or left out? What do you do to feel better? What else can you do?
Do you ever see other kids at your school being bullied? How does it make you feel?
How do you think you could help a friend who is being bullied?
Let's make a list of great qualities about each of us. Why do you think it is important to think positive thoughts about yourself?
Check out this popular edition of the DGT™ Newsletter on "Raising Upstanders" for more strategies to prevent bullying.
Featured Titles
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
Looking for a great read-aloud chapter book? Wishtree - by the same award-winning author who brought us The One and Only Ivan - is a thought-provoking story told from the perspective of an ancient oak tree. The tree is horrified when a bully abuses the long-time tradition of attaching wishes to the tree, instead of spreading hateful messages to Samar, a recent Muslim refugee. Who will step and stand up to the bully? The heart-warming conclusion is fantastic!
Posted by John David Anderson
The charming cast of misfits at the heart of this story is sure to draw middle school readers in quickly. In a school where cell phones have been banned, post-it notes become the preferred, and highly ironic, method of communication. It’s all in good fun until the notes take a turn for the nasty.
Additional DGT Favorites
Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
Empathy isn’t always easy, especially when school bullies and everyday conflicts are involved. This simple story of a big-hearted fifth-grade teacher and the students he tries to connect with gives readers a chance to step into the lives of others.
Blubber by Judy Blume
This classic gives readers a clear picture of both the pain bullying can cause and the speed with which teasing can transform into bullying.
The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams
This delightful, laugh-out-loud story elegantly teaches older readers lessons in kindness and tolerance. Twelve-year-old Dennis is learning to cope with a stressful home life by finding his own passions and making his own choices, however unorthodox they may be.
Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet by Catherine DePino
This is a simple chapter book, perfect for younger readers. Steve is determined to stand up to his bully. He turns to his parents to help him formulate a plan, but will it work?
Confessions of a Former Bully by Trudy Ludwig
Trudy Ludwig is an expert storyteller on the subject of bullying, and this sweet book is no exception. By giving readers the perspective of an engaging bully, Ludwig's book gives readers much to discuss, along with an excellent story.
Drita My Homegirl by Jenny Lombard
Ten-year-old Drita and her family have fled war-torn Kosovo to find safety in America. When Maxie is assigned to show Drita around the new school, the two struggle to find common ground. Sometimes friendship blossoms when you least expect it. And when you need it most.
El Deafo by Cece Bell
This amazing book is sure to be a favorite. The inspiring, autobiographical story of one young girl’s superpowered and super-relatable effort to make a place for herself at school lends itself to conversations about different abilities, inclusivity, and friendship.
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
Sudden tragedy during the great depression forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California and settle in a camp for Mexican farmworkers. Esperanza isn’t ready for the hard labor, financial struggles, or lack of acceptance and bullying she now faces. When their new life is threatened, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances. It’s a powerful, award-winning, and much-loved story.
Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson
Readers will instantly love Frannie. This 11-year-old strives to be good, to "be the one" who stands up for others, in spite of facing many challenges herself. Some days the whole world seems to bully us, but if we learn to stand up and have hope, we can turn things around.
Fish in a Tree by Linda Mullaly Hunt
This is the perfect book for everyone struggling with the sense that they don't fit in. “Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.”
Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
Two boys, a tough guy with a learning disability and genius in leg braces, forge a friendship and overcome a bully.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
Ghost is on his way to becoming a track star, but can he run fast enough to put his past behind. This book is full of complicated characters, difficult decisions, and opportunities to ask, "What is the right thing to do when you're being bullied?"
Hate List by Jennifer Brown
Teens will be fascinated by the unique situation explored in this eloquent book. When Valerie and her boyfriend Nick created the list of everyone and everything they hate, she had no idea he intended to open fire on their school. Though Valerie is wounded in the attack while attempting to protect another student, she is also implicated in the shootings when the hate list is discovered. Bullying, guilt, regret, and overcoming hard mistakes are just some of the issues that arise in this poignant story.
The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Looking for one more thing to love about this enchanting series? Emerging research demonstrates that Rowling’s work is an incredible tool for teaching empathy and tolerance. Harry is the subject of significant bullying and badgering at the hands of his nemesis Draco Malfoy. Explore this series together and discuss the many-faceted issues of justice, bullying, and courage found in each of the books.
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
Wanda is teased by her classmates for wearing the same tattered dress to school each day. They don't believe her when she tells them of her collection of one hundred beautiful dresses at home. The bullying escalates until Wanda is pulled out of school, and one girl realizes she missed her chance to stand up for Wanda.
If You Believe in Mermaids…. Don’t Tell by A.A. Philips
Especially if you're a boy, Todd Winslow knows there are some things you just can’t do, say, or be in front of others. He tries so hard to fit in at summer camp. He tries so hard to hide his love of mermaids and dressing up. Will he find the courage to overcome expectations and be himself?
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
This stunning story is drawn from the author's own experience as a refugee. Told through poetic verse, this novel is known for its illumination of the immigrant experience, but watch for heart-wrenching lessons in the importance of treating people well even when they speak, look, and act differently.
Jake Drake Bully Buster by Andrew Clements
This edition of the popular Jake Drake series reminds us that sometimes even bullies need a little kindness and understanding.
The Liberation of Gabriel King by K. L. Going
Gabe needs liberation from his fears, fears of spiders, corpses, cows, and fifth grade. Gabe's new friend Frita makes it her mission to rid him - and incidentally herself - of fear. This exceptional story covers a lot of ground, including race relations, bullying, politics, and integrity.
Loser by Jerry Spinelli
Newbery-winning author Spinelli gives readers a beautifully written reminder that sometimes being different is exactly what it takes to be spectacular.
The Loser List (series) by H. N. Kowitt
Watch the trailer then read the book to discover how quickly one kid can move from being bullied to being one of the bullies and back again.
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
Winner of the Newbery Award in 1990, this is a modern myth featuring a homeless boy struggling with a sense of belonging. When Jeffrey Lionel “Maniac” Magee begins running, his myth really begins. Big conversations about racism, bullying, and homelessness are sure to come out of this amazing story.
The Misfits by James Howe
Discover what happens when a group of bullied misfits decides to speak out, stand up, and be themselves.
My Secret Bully by Trudy Ludwig
Bullying hurts most when it comes from a former friend. This book depicts an all-too-common scenario and offers discussion ideas at the end.
Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger
This newly updated edition illuminates the transgender experience, and the pain the comes with being shamed for your very identity.
Playground: The Mostly True Story of a Former Bully by 50 Cent
How does a kid become a bully? And what really happened on the playground that day that landed one student in the hospital and another in therapy? This story is sure to get teen readers talking.
The Saturday Boy by David Flemming
Engaging and funny, this story captures the spirit of life as a 10-year-old boy, when the right thing to do or say is never very clear.
A Smart Girl's Guide: Drama, Rumors & Secrets: Staying True to Yourself in Changing Times by Nancy Holyoke
Full of quotes, tips, quizzes, and great advice, this straightforward manual is a great book tohave on hand before bullying is a problem.
Smile by Raina Telgemeir
When Raina trips and smashes her two front teeth, she embarks on a long, embarrassing journey of dental treatments. Fitting in sixth grade is hard enough, but this sweet, funny book will encourage kids to believe they can get through troubled times.
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo.
From the moment he is born Despereaux is distrusted for being different. Who's ever heard of a mouse who doesn't scamper, who reads books, and who falls in love with a human princess? This Newbery winner is a great read-aloud book, and an essential to any big-hearted book collection!
Twerp by Mark Goldblatt
This vivid, often-funny, coming-of-age story shows us how hard it is to know and do the right thing. Can this sixth-grader come to terms with his unmentionable act of bullying?
Wonder and Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories by R. J. Palacio
The story of Auggie Pullman captured the attention of the world when it was first published in 2012. Auggie's unusual face and charming personality inspire an entire community to discuss what compassion, empathy, and kindness mean in practice. Auggie & Me tells the same story from three other perspectives, including that of Julian, the bully who lets his fear of Auggie's difference rule his behavior. These books are essential reading material for all who practice kindness.
Back to Read Together for more book lists.
Haven't found what you're looking for?
Visit our Complete Resource List.
Or check out these projects to start big-hearted conversations with your family.
Disclaimer: Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.
Chapter Books for Animal Lovers
Chapter Books about Death & Grief
Understand grief through great stories.
Stepping into a fictional world can have profound effects on our ability to understand and articulate our own emotions, fears, and hopes. The titles below will help your family approach the issue of death and grief with greater understanding.
You may also want to explore our collection of Picture Books about Death & Grief. This growing list is full of compassionate books that speak to people of every age.
Wondering how to approach a conversation about death and grief?
Visit the Child Development Institute's thoughtful article "How to Talk to Kids About Death." Along with a brief assessment of the developmental stages of understanding death, the guidelines in this article are helpful for anyone approaching the topic from a theoretical perspective.
If you are reaching out to a child who has experienced the loss of a loved one, look for insight at the Dougy Center: The National Center for Grieving Children and Families, especially in this article: "How to Help a Grieving Child."
As always, while reading any of the books below, make time to ask:
How do you think the character is feeling (in various parts of the book)?
How do you think you would feel if you were in that situation?
What did you think of this book?
What questions do you have?
More titles coming soon!
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
This Newbery Medal-winning classic is filled with imagination as well as the untimely loss of a best friend. This exceptional story has guided readers through this painful experience of loss, grief, and acceptance for generations.
Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
Here's another long-standing classic. Charlotte teaches Wilber, and us, so much about friendship, hope, persistence, and ultimately, life and death.
The Five Lives of My Cat Zook by Joanne Rocklin
This deceptively light-heated book features Oona, her brother Fred, and their ailing cat Zook. Oona and Fred are grieving for their father, who passed away a year before the action opens in the story. Laugh and cry with them on their journey to come to terms with the tumultuous cycles of life and death.
Hachiko Waits by Leslea Newman
The sweet, sad, yet hopeful story of a loyal dog and the many lessons in loyalty, friendship, hope, patience, and responsibility that he teaches the people around him.
Maybe a Fox by Kathi Appelt and Aliso McGhee
This fantastical, epic story will captivate your whole family. The story is told in alternate voices, one of Jules who is coming to terms with the loss of her sister, the other the shadow fox in the shadow land who is fast, just like Jules' sister.
Missing May by Cynthia Rylant
Rylant's book is a must-read gem, beautifully and painfully exploring the pain of missing someone. You'll join Summer and her Uncle Ob shortly after Aunt May has died. When Ob becomes obsessed with the idea that May's spirit is coming back to him, Summer and her oddball classmate Cletus go on a spiritual mission that changes all of them.
Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Conor tries to cope with his mother's approaching death in this deeply emotional story. Deeply imaginative, readers will enjoy the stories within stories in compelling, page-turner of a book.
The Thing about Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
Join eleven-year-old Suzy in the uncomfortable awkwardness of middle school as she tries to understand why her estranged best-friend died last summer. The ethereal world of jellyfish will captivate readers of every age.
Please share your recommendations in the comments below.
We realize the topics of death and grief are deeply entwined with personal spiritual beliefs, so feel free to share whatever speaks to you and your family. There are likely many others just like you who will be grateful for an additional resource.
Back to Read Together for more book lists...
Haven't found what you're looking for?
Visit our Complete Resource List.
Or check out these projects to provide comfort.
Disclaimer: Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.
Chapter Books to Fuel a Movement
Explore history and get motivated to champion equality. These fiction and nonfiction books will raise awareness about the history of the United States and the movements that are pushing us closer to equality. Scroll through our extensive list to find books on Civil Rights, Disability Rights, the LGBTQ Movement, Women's Rights, and the Native People's Movement.
Chapter Books to Inspire Young Environmental Advocates
Inspire tweens and teens to try green acts of kindness.
This collection is full of practical tools for young environmental advocates. Featuring both fiction and nonfiction titles, your family is sure to find inspiration for environmental action.
Talk about the issue.
Engage your children in problem solving: What good things are we already doing in our day to help the earth? What simple changes can our family make to take even better care of our planet?
Ask questions that prompt conversations about environmental ethics: "Why should we walk instead of drive to the park?"
Acknowledge tough choices ("It's hard to know how far to turn down the thermostat in the winter."), and make a point to discuss your environmental values.
Explain that simple decisions can have an impact, like coloring on both sides of the page, turning off the water when you brush your teeth, or turning out lights when you leave a room.
Featured Title
One Earth: People of Color Protecting Our Planet by Anuradha Rao
All readers will be inspired by this extraordinary new collection of stories featuring black, indigenous, and people of color who live and work as environmental defenders.
Ages 12 and up.
Additional DGT Favorites
The New 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth by the EarthWorks Group
Recycle at home, at school, and in your community. This book will tell you how.
Arlene the Rebel Queen by Carol Liu
Arlene and her friends face opposition when she attempts to minimize her school’s carbon footprint. How can she make them see that changes can be for the better?
Basher Science: Climate Change by Simon Basher
Using fun illustrations, this resource from Basher Science is brimming with answers to a wide range of issues related to climate change, from greenhouse gases to weather systems, renewable energy to human action (and inaction).
Dr. Art’s Guide to Planet Earth: For Earthlings Ages 12 to 120 by Art Sussman, Ph.D.
A systems approach to how the earth works that is compelling, well-organized and understandable. There are also recommendations for what young people can do to help save the planet.
Down To Earth Guide To Global Warming by Laurie David and Cambria Gordon
An introduction to global warming for kids, this book provides suggestions on how kids can help combat the problem.
Flush by Carl Hiaasen
The second book in Hiaasen’s series of environmental novels and the follow-up to Hoot, Flush is the story of two children who work together to expose the illegal dumping of raw sewage from a casino ship.
Generation Green: The Ultimate Teen Guide to Living an Eco-Friendly Life by Linda Sivertsen
Generation Green offers dozens of tips on how teens can do their part to help save the earth.
The Green Teen: The Eco-Friendly Teen’s Guide to Saving the Planet by Jenn Savedge
Get teenagers interested in living green(er) by promoting this book which is filled with ideas and stories to inspire them.
Green Careers: Choosing Work for a Sustainable Future by Jim Cassio and Alice Rush (New Society Publishers, 2009). Ever wondered about having a green job? This book will tell you about the skills, education, and expertise you’ll need, as well as what jobs are available to someone that is looking for an environmentally friendly career.
Heroes of the Environment: True Stories of People Who Are Helping to Protect Our Planet by Harriet Rohmer
Bring the complicated challenges facing our planet down to the personal level with this collection of true stories of 12 people from across North America who have stepped up to make a difference.
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
The award-winning story of 13-year-old Brian Robeson’s struggle to survive after a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness. A classic.
Hoot by Carl Hiassen
An ecological mystery for the middle school set in which Roy, a new kid at school, sets out to save some burrowing owls from developers.
How Monkeys Make Chocolate: Foods and Medicines from the Rainforest by Adrian Forsyth
Get lots of information about the plants, animals, and people of the rainforest and their intricate web of interdependence.
An Inconvenient Truth: The Crisis of Global Warming by Al Gore
A version of the best-selling book for younger readers, An Inconvenient Truth explains how our planet is being threatened by rising carbon dioxide levels and what we can do about climate change.
It’s Getting Hot in Here by Bridget Heos
With an eye to past, present, and future generations, Heos explains climate change to teenagers and emphasizes the importance of taking immediate action.
Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
A young Eskimo girl gets lost in the Alaska tundra after running away to find her San Francisco pen pal and is taken in by a pack of Arctic wolves. This Newberry Medal winner is a tale of survival and much more.
This exciting novel draws readers into a world where animals are slowly fading into extinction, 12-year-old Kester Jaynes feels as if he hardly exists either. He’s been locked away in a home for troubled children and is unable to speak a word. Then one night, a flock of talking pigeons and a bossy cockroach come to help him escape, and he discovers that he can speak — to them. And the animals need him. Only Kester, with the aid of a stubborn, curious girl named Polly, can help them survive. The animals saved Kester. But can he save them?
True Green Kids: 100 Things You Can Do To Save The Planet by Kim McKay
Published by National Geographic, this guide to conservation and environmental change lists several easy things kids can do at home, school, and in the community to help save the planet.
Waste Disposal (Earth SOS) by Sally Morgan
Find out where waste (nuclear, dirty water, garbage, toxic) goes and how it affects the environment. Also learn about recycling metals, glass and paper, and discover what kids can do to help deal with waste.
Wild Wings by Gill Lewis
Young readers will love this gripping story about a boy from Scotland and a girl from West Africa who join together to save a migrating Osprey share wonderful adventures along the way.
Back to Read Together for more book lists...
Haven't found what you're looking for?
Visit our Complete Resource List.
Or check out these projects to heal the earth.
Disclaimer: Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.