Selected Bibliography About Teasing and Bullying for Grades K-8: Revised and Expanded Edition

By Nancy Mullin-Rindler
The Project on Teasing and Bullying
Wellesley Center for Research on Women

Review by Tracey L. Hurd, Ph.D.
Lifespan Faith Development, UUA
Boston, MA

How can we help a child who is being bullied? What resources can we provide for parents of a child that explains that teasing others is hurtful? This comprehensive bibliography is a source for all of us. It lists and explains books, films, websites, and activities that address problems of bullying both directly and indirectly.

Bullying and teasing are community problems. Research shows that negative behaviors directed towards creating “power over” others impacts more than just the victim and perpetrator. The purpose of this bibliography from the renowned “Project on Teasing and Bullying,” is to provide literature options and teaching tools that can be used to reduce and prevent teasing and bullying among elementary and middle school children. This is an excellent resource for anyone working with children and youth. Materials included in the collection meet several criteria, including: offering positive non-violent approaches, portraying multiple points of view, depicting active bystanders (allies against bullying), providing alternative views on courage, carrying positive messages about diversity, including positive gender-related images, and not reinforcing harmful stereotypes and misinformation.

Each resource is annotated with a coding scheme that addresses appropriate grade level and thematic codes. The themes highlighted across materials include: Barriers, Boundaries, Courage, Differences/Discrimination, Feelings, Friendship, Gender Issues, Making Amends, Peer Pressure, Perspective-Taking, Problem Solving, Rules, Self-Esteem, Sexual Harassment and Hazing, and Violence. The bibliography also includes tips for using the materials and for screening materials that may not be included in this reference compilation. The annotated sources are listed in five sections including:

• Selected Books for Students
• Audio visuals, Games, and Other Teaching Tools
• Classroom Curriculum Resources
• References for Teachers, Counselors, and Parents
• Internet Resources

In addition there is an Index of Titles, which is arranged by primary audiences: Kindergarten – Grade Three, Fourth – Six Grades, Middle School, and Parents/ Teachers. Tips for using the materials are included in the annotation. For example an annotation of one video resource notes, “It might be preferable to view the film in segments and use segments as a role-play tool with students.” About one children’s book, aimed at third through fourth grade the annotation states, “Though this book does not qualify as good literature, it is humorous and might be an appealing option to leave on the bookshelf for free reading.” The direct style of these annotations makes this resource truly useful.

I recommend this comprehensive resource for adults working with children, youth, and parents. It will be helpful to parents who often seek guidance in supporting their children and to teachers and religious education professionals who are planning programming. Exploring bullying and teasing within a faith community environment can be empowering for children and adults alike. This resource makes it easy to find the right book, video, or game to start or further that discussion. It is available for $15 through the Wellesley Center for Research on Women (www.wcwonline.org or 781-283-2500). The report is ID# RL102.