Blubber

Reach for this book when your child is navigating the messy, often harsh social dynamics of upper elementary school or when you suspect they are following the crowd at the expense of their own values. Blubber provides a raw and unflinchingly honest look at fifth grade bullying from the perspective of Jill, a girl who participates in the taunting of a classmate named Linda. Unlike many stories that offer a neat moral lesson, this book captures the realistic fear of being the next target and the complicated power struggles that define classroom hierarchies. While the story focuses on the cruelty directed at Linda because of her weight, its deeper themes explore peer pressure, personal accountability, and the fragility of social standing. It is highly appropriate for children ages 8 to 12 who are starting to experience more complex social cliques. Parents choose this book because it doesn't sugarcoat the experience of being a bystander or a participant in bullying, providing a perfect opening to discuss empathy and the courage required to stand alone.