Books in this category address a wide range of historical and current forms of bigotry, prejudice that is both intentional and systemic and prejudice that is unintentional, but just as hurtful. In some books prejudice is the primary focus of the story; in others it is part of the fabric of the book but not its central theme.
This is whichCatvalue: 6
All Books in the Prejudice & Discrimination Category
Belva Lockwood Wins Her Case Drollene P. Brown (Author), James Watling (Illustrator) This book describes the struggles and triumphs of Belva Lockwood, the teacher, suffragette, lawyer, and peace activist who became the first woman to practice law before the Supreme Court and a candidate for president in 1884 and 1888.
[Grade Level: 4 - 6]
The Big Bad Bully Bear Written by Ginnie Hofmann Arthur and his friend, Emmy Bear, invite all the teddy bears in the neighborhood over for cake. They all join together to teach Bully Bear a valuable lesson, and Bully Bear realizes that he would rather have friends than be a bully. [Grade Level: K - 3]
Blubber Written by Judy Blume When overweight Linda gives an oral report on whales, the cruel and power-wielding class leader, Wendy, starts calling her "Blubber." The name-calling escalates into more intense bullying and humiliation. The novel's narrator, Jill, is a full participant from the start. Over time, though, she comes to question everyone's behavior, including her own. Finally, she challenges Wendy's power and learns that there are consequences, as well as rewards, to taking a stand. [Grade Level: 4 - 6]
Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet: How to Deal with Bullies Catherine de Pino (Author), Bonnie Matthews (Illustrator), Charles Beyl (Illustrator) Steve has to do something about Gus. But what? He doesn't know how to make Gus leave him alone. He's afraid to ask for help. And he's afraid things will get even worse if he tells. When his parents find out anyway, Steve is surprised to feel relieved. And when they help him come up with a plan to send Gus on his way, he knows he can do it. The next time Gus tries to bully "Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet," he is in for a big surprise! [Grade Level: 1 - 3]
Blue Jasmine Written by Kashmira Sheth When twelve-year-old Seema and her family move from their small Indian town to Iowa City, Seema feels like an outsider to the language and traditions, and must cope with the unfamiliarity of a new school system and the hostility of an intolerant classmate. As she begins to plant roots in the foreign soil, however, Seema’s confidence starts to bloom, she learns the coping skills necessary to deal with the antagonistic classmate, and discovers that she can build a bridge between two homes. [Grade Level: 4 - 7]
Blue Jay in the Desert Isao Kikuchi (Illustrator), Marlene Shigekawa (Author) This is the story of a Japanese-American boy and his family, who are interned during World War II. The boy doesn't quite understand what the internment is all about, but through his eyes we are able to see how it has affected the adults around him. The book includes a brief historical overview of the Japanese-American internment. [Grade Level: 2 - 4]
Books for Children of the World: The Story of Jella Lepman Sydelle Pearl (Author), Danlyn Iantorno (Illustrator) After World War II, Jella Lepman returned to her home country of Germany and realized that in addition to clothing, shelter and food, the children hungered for books. In order to fulfill her dream of using books as a way to promote peace and hope, Lepman solicited donations from publishers around the world and created an exhibition of children's books that traveled throughout Germany. Lepman went on to estbalish the International Youth Library in Munich, which today contains over 500,000 children's books in 130 langauges. [Grade Level: 3 - 6]
The Bully Blockers Club Teresa Bateman (Author), Jackie Urbanovic (Illustrator) Lotty Raccoon encounters Grant Grizzly, the class bully, who taunts and teases her at every turn. Ignoring him does not work, nor do several other tactics she tries. Finally, she comes up with a solution: a Bully Blockers Club. She recruits other students who have been bullied by Grant. [Grade Level: K - 3]
