Books about bullying for 8-12s

Rocket loves visiting her local library every week, but on one visit, she discovers it will be closing. It’s time to speak up and see if she and the local community can save their beloved library.

Shortlisted for the 2004 Nestlé Smarties Book Prize (age 6–8 category), an exploration of an unlikely friendship between two very different boys.

Sam Wu is scared of many things but is determined not to let anyone find out. However, after an unfortunate incident in a space simulator on a school trip, he becomes a target for class bully Ralph, who nicknames him Scaredy-Cat Sam.

The War Next Door turns its focus to Masher, the bully of Storey Street. Part of the Storey Street series, Phil Earle’s book has all the usual wit, pace, fun and silliness – but also gives a nicely rounded perspective on bullies.

This humorous tale sensitively highlights issues such as friendship and bullying.

Bitterly unhappy and fed up with being teased at school, Mandy White is in need of a friend.

Planet Omar has all of the everyday life family drama and silly humour of Tom Gates and Sam Wu, and it’s wonderful to read a funny book for kids featuring a Muslim family.

Lily has a stammer and when a video of her practising a school presentation is posted online, she feels humiliated. She wants to hide away but knows that she must face her fears if she is to find her own voice. This heart-warming novel incorporates themes of friendship, bullying and the environment.

This book explores why some people bully, why others are bullied and what you can do to change things

Emmy lives some of the best bits of her life online and in her own head. A hard-hitting yet empowering story of bullying, friendship and finding the confidence and courage to be yourself.

James is being bullied at school, while dealing with grief and normal Year 6 worries. Can James find the sparkle in his life again? Brilliantly deals with bullying, friendship issues and working out who you are.

Molly is passionate about swimming but is having to deal with a domineering friend and a difficult home life. A sensitive novel that touches on several issues that may concern pre-adolescents, from anxieties about secondary school to pressures around body image.

Twelve-year-old Kofi discovers Rorty Thrutch, a prehistoric human, on a supermarket roundabout. Themes of bullying and friendship run alongside those of science and the possibilities of DNA in this clever debut novel for upper primary or Year 7/8 readers. 

Max is put in a locker by the school bully after everyone has left for the long weekend – and then three thieves break in to the school. Written in journal format and peppered with humorous illustrations, Max’s (mis)adventures are sure to be a hit.

Centred around some typical pre-teen issues, including friendship, loyalty, bullying and sibling relationships, the book also sensitively explores the difficult topics of bereavement and parental separation.

Dane Washington is the quick-tempered local bully, Billy D his new neighbour who has Down Syndrome.

Connor’s mum has cancer and life is changing. There is the nightmare, then there is school, where people avoid him, or persecute him. And then there is the immense, mythic Monster.

Robert is having a tough time at school, being bullied by Nicker; he’s also trying to deal with the break-up of his parents’ marriage.

High-functioning Stewart is happy at Genius Academy but his life is shattered when his Mum dies from cancer. Ashley is obsessed with her social standing at her own school, devastated by her dad moving out because he’s gay. They become unwilling siblings when their parents start a relationship.

Told through the eyes of ten-year-old Jamie, My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece sensitively tackles issues around grief, terrorism, racism and bullying.