Favourite books about difference, acceptance and bullying for teens

The Song from Somewhere Else

Almost everyone gets bullied at some point in their life - so if this is happening to your child, they are not alone.

Here are some books to help teens who may be experiencing bullying or finding it tricky to make friends.

See our list for children aged 8-12

  • Mind Your Head

    Author: Juno Dawson with advice from Dr Olivia Hewitt Illustrator: Gemma Correll

    Interest level: 12-18

    Reading age: 12+

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  • Mind Your Head

    Author: Juno Dawson with advice from Dr Olivia Hewitt Illustrator: Gemma Correll

    Interest level: 12-18

    Reading age: 12+

    In this upfront and accessible book, Juno Dawson tackles all things mental health. Packed with practical advice, guidance from cli…

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  • Fight Back

    Author: A.M. Dassu

    Interest level: 10-14

    Reading age: 10+

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  • Fight Back

    Author: A.M. Dassu

    Interest level: 10-14

    Reading age: 10+

    When a terrorist attack happens at a local concert, Muslim schoolgirl Aaliyah finds herself and her family the target of racist bu…

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  • Lucas

    Author: Kevin Brooks

    Interest level: 14+

    Reading age: 13+

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  • Lucas

    Author: Kevin Brooks

    Interest level: 14+

    Reading age: 13+

    This beautifully written, unusual novel explores the destructive nature of prejudice and mob violence

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  • We Come Apart

    Author: Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan

    Interest level: 12-16

    Reading age: 12+

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  • We Come Apart

    Author: Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan

    Interest level: 12-16

    Reading age: 12+

    Written in free verse, this dual narrative story goes straight to the heart of Jess and Nicu’s friendship, exploring their f…

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  • Boys Don't Cry

    Author: Malorie Blackman

    Interest level: 14+

    Reading age: 11+

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  • Boys Don't Cry

    Author: Malorie Blackman

    Interest level: 14+

    Reading age: 11+

    Dante is waiting for the postman. It's 'A' level results day and he has high hopes, but a knock on the door brings an old girlfrie…

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  • Kill All Enemies

    Author: Melvin Burgess

    Interest level: 13+

    Reading age: 10+

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  • Kill All Enemies

    Author: Melvin Burgess

    Interest level: 13+

    Reading age: 10+

    There are always two sides to every story – who is making the rules, the young people or the adults?

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  • Silence is Goldfish

    Author: Annabel Pitcher

    Interest level: 13+

    Reading age: 13+

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  • Silence is Goldfish

    Author: Annabel Pitcher

    Interest level: 13+

    Reading age: 13+

    Tess starts to question herself and her life when things start to fall apart, although she finds solace in a bright orange goldfis…

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  • The Harder They Fall

    Author: Bali Rai

    Interest level: 12-15

    Reading age: 10+

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  • The Harder They Fall

    Author: Bali Rai

    Interest level: 12-15

    Reading age: 10+

    Bali Rai once again hits home with a current and unfortunately necessary book. As always, the characters are fully fleshed out, th…

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  • Tease

    Author: Amanda Maciel

    Interest level: 13-18

    Reading age: 11+

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  • Tease

    Author: Amanda Maciel

    Interest level: 13-18

    Reading age: 11+

    Provocative and thought-provoking, this book is sure to divide readers but will certainly get them talking.

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  • Don't Pick on Me!

    Author: Rosemary Stones

    Interest level: 9+

    Reading age: 9+

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  • Don't Pick on Me!

    Author: Rosemary Stones

    Interest level: 9+

    Reading age: 9+

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

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  • Kiss

    Author: Jacqueline Wilson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt

    Interest level: 11+

    Reading age: 9+

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  • Kiss

    Author: Jacqueline Wilson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt

    Interest level: 11+

    Reading age: 9+

    Wilson skilfully combines an approachable and involving teenage story with a debate about true friendship, sexual identity and gro…

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  • What's Your Problem

    Author: Bali Rai

    Interest level: 12+

    Reading age: 9+

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  • What's Your Problem

    Author: Bali Rai

    Interest level: 12+

    Reading age: 9+

    Jaspal, born and brought up in Leicester, is 14 when his father moves the family to rural Nottinghamshire for a 'better life'. How…

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  • Hollow Pike

    Author: Juno Dawson

    Interest level: 14+

    Reading age: 10+

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  • Hollow Pike

    Author: Juno Dawson

    Interest level: 14+

    Reading age: 10+

    Lis London had hoped that a move to the country would allow her to escape not only the bullies but also her recurring nightmares

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  • Coram Boy

    Author: Jamila Gavin

    Interest level: 12+

    Reading age: 12+

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  • Coram Boy

    Author: Jamila Gavin

    Interest level: 12+

    Reading age: 12+

    Coram Boy is the story of Toby, saved from an African ship as a child, and Aaron, the illegitimate son of the heir to a great esta…

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  • A Monster Calls

    Author: Patrick Ness (From an idea by Siobhan Dowd) Illustrator: Jim Kay

    Interest level: 11-14

    Reading age: 10+

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  • A Monster Calls

    Author: Patrick Ness (From an idea by Siobhan Dowd) Illustrator: Jim Kay

    Interest level: 11-14

    Reading age: 10+

    Connor's mum has cancer and life is changing. There is the nightmare, then there is school, where people avoid him, or persecute h…

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