Bullying: A Reference Handbook

Gr 9 Up–In this comprehensive guide, Klein, who founded the empathy-based program Creating Compassionate Communities, asserts that school bullying is an international health crisis. She lays out a wealth of information focused on creating empathy, trust, and connections among young people affected by this issue. Beginning with a discussion on what constitutes bullying and a look at the reasons behind it, Klein makes it a point not to use the labels “bullies” or “victims”; instead, she refers to these individuals as “youths who bully” (which puts the emphasis on their actions and not on their character). Essays by experts, teachers, parents, and young people describe the impact of bullying and various prevention techniques. In addition, readers will appreciate profiles of individuals (filmmaker Lee Hirsch, singer Lady Gaga), organizations (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, StopBullying.gov), and programs (Rachel’s Challenge, Peace in Schools) making inroads toward eliminating bullying. Supplemental content includes a glossary, an index, a chronology, and additional documents. Though the information is clearly presented and organized, the number of resources cited is immense, with peer-reviewed journal articles, popular writings, books, and films.