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Books matching: bullying challenges

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1
    Dragondrums
    Book 3 in the series:Harper Hall

    Dragondrums - Harper Hall by Anne McCaffrey
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    A fun, fast-paced read and a satisfying end to the Harper Hall trilogy - though a shift in focus to Piemur might not win everyone over, Pern fans and adventure lovers should still enjoy the ride.

    'Dragondrums' is the third installment in the Harper Hall trilogy by Anne McCaffrey. It shifts the focus from Menolly to Piemur, a young apprentice at Harper Hall whose clear treble voice changes at puberty, leading him to face uncertainties about his future. Piemur is sent to the drum heights to learn drum language and becomes a spy for the Masterharper, embarking on adventures throughout Pern, dealing with jealous peers and navigating through challenges while discovering his place in the world.

    'Dragondrums' explores themes of coming of age, self-discovery, and resilience as Piemur transitions to a new phase in his life. delves into the intricacies of life at Harper Hall, the dynamics between the characters, and the adventures Piemur undertakes, including Impressing a coveted fire lizard and earning journeyman status among the Harpers.

    The rumble-thud-boom of the big drums answering a message from the east roused Piemur. In his five Turns at the Harper Craft Hall, he had never become accustomed to that bone-throbbing noise. Perhaps,...
    1979
    246 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Harper Hall )

  2. #2

    Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade - Elsie Edwards by Barthe DeClements
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    A heartfelt, realistic look at fifth grade that tackles big issues without sugarcoating, making it both memorable and impactful - warts and all.

    'Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade' by Barthe DeClements is a heartwarming coming-of-age tale that follows Elsie Edwards, a fifth grader facing challenges at home and at school. The book explores themes of friendship, bullying, and prejudice, as Elsie navigates through difficult situations with the support of her friends. Readers praised the way the author depicted the life of a kid, blending moments of laughter and sadness to create a compelling and engaging story. The narrative unfolds to reveal a mix of emotions, from boredom at the beginning to mystery and intrigue in the middle, keeping readers hooked till the end.

    The book delves into the struggles faced by Elsie, a character who comes from a broken home and copes with abandonment and abuse. Despite the dated cultural references, the book's message about not judging a person based on appearances and understanding their life situation resonates with readers. Through Elsie's journey of self-discovery and friendship, the story tackles issues like bullying, overweight, and family dynamics, offering valuable lessons about empathy and acceptance. Overall, 'Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade' is a poignant and relatable read that continues to captivate readers across generations.

    Mrs. Hanson, our fifth grade teacher, was sitting at her desk grading papers. We were all sitting at our desks. We were supposed to be writing paragraphs with one main sentence and three supporting se...
    1981
    147 pages

  3. A sweet, fun, and diverse royal diary for middle grade readers - with plenty of heart and personality. Perfect for Princess Diaries fans or anyone dreaming of discovering they're secretly royalty!

    Olivia Grace Clarisse Harrison, a 12-year-old biracial girl living in New Jersey, discovers she is a princess when her long-lost sister, Princess Mia of Genovia, reveals their connection. The story follows Olivia as she navigates her newfound royal status, mean girl shenanigans, and family dynamics, all while maintaining her upbeat and happy attitude. Through Olivia's perspective, readers get a glimpse into her life as she adjusts to being a princess and learns about love, family, and self-identity.

    The book, written in a breezy and engaging style, offers a fun and cute narrative appropriate for middle-grade readers. With relatable characters, including a personable and likable protagonist, Olivia, the story touches on themes of family, friendship, bullying, and self-discovery. Through Olivia's journal entries and illustrations, the readers are taken on a journey filled with excitement, optimism, and charming storytelling reminiscent of the original Princess Diaries series.

    But we certainly aren’t enemies. We’ve been to each other’s houses, since my step-uncle works with Annabelle’s dad. Whenever I go to Annabelle’s, she shows me all the awards she’s won for gymnastics,...
    May 2015
    192 pages

  4. #4
    New Kid
    Book 1 in the series:New Kid

    New Kid - New Kid by Jerry Craft
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    A funny, thought-provoking, and refreshingly honest read about growing up, fitting in, and deciding who you want to be - a must-read for middle schoolers and graphic novel fans alike!

    'New Kid' by Jerry Craft follows the story of Jordan Banks, a young boy of color who starts attending a prestigious private school instead of the art school he dreamed of. Throughout the school year, Jordan faces challenges such as racism, microaggressions, and struggles to fit in as one of the few students of color at the school. Using his passion for drawing, Jordan navigates through social conflicts, bullies, and the complexities of being the new kid, all while dealing with issues of diversity and racism in his daily life. is a graphic novel that delves into serious topics like implicit bias and classism, with a mix of gentle humor that adds depth to the narrative.

    2019
    256 pages

  5. #5
    Wonder
    Book 1 in the series:Wonder

    Wonder - Wonder by R.J. Palacio
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    A tender, thought-provoking novel that inspires kindness and empathy - "Wonder" earns its reputation as a modern classic for readers of all ages, despite a few plot and structure quirks.

    "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio tells the story of Auggie Pullman, a 10-year-old boy with a facial deformity who enters public school for the first time. The book follows Auggie as he navigates the challenges of middle school, dealing with bullying, making friends, and finding acceptance. Through different perspectives and narrators, including Auggie, his sister Via, and his classmates, the book explores themes of resilience, kindness, and the impact of appearance on social interactions. The writing style incorporates varying fonts and voices to bring out the personalities of the characters and provide a deeper insight into their emotions and experiences.

    I KNOW I’M not an ordinary ten-year-old kid. I mean, sure, I do ordinary things. I eat ice cream. I ride my bike. I play ball. I have an XBox. Stuff like that makes me ordinary. I guess. And I feel or...
    2001
    393 pages

  6. #6

    Schooled by Gordon Korman
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    A laugh-out-loud, heartwarming look at being different, standing up to bullies, and the value of kindness - perfect for middle schoolers and anyone who remembers the pain and hilarity of those awkward years.

    "Schooled" by Gordon Korman follows the story of Capricorn Cap Anderson, a boy raised on a hippie commune by his grandmother. When his grandmother is hospitalized, Cap is forced to move in with a school counselor and attend a local middle school. The book explores Cap's transition from a sheltered life to the complexities of public school, where he faces challenges, bullies, and ultimately makes an impact on his classmates by staying true to himself and his values. The story is narrated from multiple perspectives, providing a well-rounded view of Cap's experiences and the changes he brings about in his new environment.

    The plot of "Schooled" unfolds as Cap navigates the unfamiliar territory of public school, facing teasing, bullying, and misunderstandings due to his unique upbringing. Despite the initial challenges, Cap gradually wins over his classmates and even becomes the 8th grade class president, surprising everyone with his unconventional approach to leadership. The writing style captures the humor, heartwarming moments, and growth of the characters, making the book an engaging read that highlights themes of acceptance, resilience, and the power of staying true to oneself.

    I was thirteen the first time I saw a police officer up close. He was arresting me for driving without a license. At the time, I didn’t even know what a license was. I wasn’t too clear on what being a...
    2000
    225 pages

  7. #7

    Falling into Place by Amy Zhang
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    A beautifully written and cleverly structured YA debut that hits hard with emotion and insight - perfect for readers who crave raw, real stories, but may not be for everyone due to its style and challenging subject matter.

    Falling into Place by Amy Zhang is a novel that delves into the life of Liz Emerson, a mean girl and bully who struggles with her own problems. The story is narrated in a creative, non-linear fashion, exploring the aftermath of Liz's failed suicide attempt and the impact it has on her family, friends, and those around her. The book weaves a complex web of cause and effect, showcasing the profound influence one person can have on the lives of others.

    As she lies on the grass with the shattered window tangled in her hair, her blood all around her, she looks up and sees the sky again. She begins to cry, because it’s so blue, the sky. So, so blue. It...
    September 2014
    320 pages

  8. #8

    Loser by Jerry Spinelli
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    A heartfelt coming-of-age tale celebrating individuality and empathy, "Loser" is perfect for anyone needing reassurance that it’s okay to be different – as long as you stay true to yourself.

    "Loser" by Jerry Spinelli follows the story of Donald Zinkoff, a young boy who is different from his peers and often gets bullied. Despite facing challenges and being labeled as a loser, Donald maintains his optimism and kind-hearted nature. explores Donald's journey from kindergarten to sixth grade, highlighting his experiences, interactions with classmates, and his unwavering spirit throughout his school years. Through various mishaps and misadventures, Donald learns about himself, grows up, and navigates the complexities of the outside world, all while staying true to his unique self.

    Here is the surprise: Every day is like the first day to Zinkoff. Things keep happening that rekindle the excitement of the first day. Learning to read his first two-syllable word. Making a shoe-box s...
    2002
    234 pages

  9. #9
    Girls Under Pressure
    Book 2 in the series:Girls

    Girls Under Pressure - Girls by Jacqueline Wilson
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    A moving and relatable read about the pressures of teenage life, packed with emotional truth and friendship drama - ideal for young teens, though some may prefer to wait until they’re a bit older for the heavier topics.

    'Girls Under Pressure' by Jacqueline Wilson is a captivating story that revolves around the life of a teenage girl named Ellie who struggles with body image issues and the pressure to fit in. The book delves into themes of friendship, self-acceptance, and the challenges faced by teenagers in today's society. Through the eyes of Ellie and her friends, the author skillfully navigates the complexities of adolescence, touching on topics like anorexia, friendship dynamics, and family relationships. Jacqueline Wilson's writing style shines through as she creates relatable characters and weaves a narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.

    The plot of 'Girls Under Pressure' unfolds with a perfect blend of drama, emotion, and realism, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The story addresses sensitive issues such as body image struggles, eating disorders, and the importance of self-love. Wilson's portrayal of the teenage experience is raw and authentic, making the characters and their challenges feel genuine and relatable. Overall, 'Girls Under Pressure' is a thought-provoking and insightful read that offers a glimpse into the world of teenage girls navigating the pressures of growing up.

    We’ve always had this silly tradition in my family. I’d think of a theme and then make everyone a present based on it. There was the year of the stripy hand-knitted scarves, the wobbly vases the year...
    1998
    221 pages

    (Also, see 56 recommendations for the series Girls )

  10. #10

    When Sinners Play - Sinners of Hawthorne University by Eva Ashwood
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    Bold, steamy, fast-paced, and great if you’re into gritty, angsty, reverse harem college drama with real emotional ups and downs. It’s a binge-worthy ride - just check those content warnings first!

    "When Sinners Play" by Eva Ashwood follows the story of Sophie, a tough and resilient protagonist who faces bullying and challenges at a prestigious university. The plot unfolds with a mix of suspense, romance, and steamy scenes, keeping readers engaged from the very beginning. The author's writing style is described as evocative, with vivid imagery that captures the emotions and experiences of the characters, particularly Sophie's journey of self-discovery and strength amidst adversity.

    I find myself on unholy grounds now. The Medical Examiner’s Office is an unassuming brick building that stands calm and quiet, as if that might somehow soften the realities of what lies inside. I wond...
    April 2020
    318 pages

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