Am I a Bully? A Kids Book About Bullying, Kindness, and Learning from Mistakes (The Anti-Bullying Book Series for Kids)...

Bullying is a pervasive issue that affects children in schools, playgrounds, and even online spaces. Am I a Bully?: A Kids Book About Bullying, Kindness, and Learning from Mistakes by Baldwin Book Publishing is a timely and impactful addition to children’s literature, offering a compassionate yet honest exploration of bullying from multiple perspectives.

Unlike many anti-bullying books that solely focus on the victim’s experience, this book takes a unique approach by encouraging self-reflection in young readers—asking them to consider whether their own actions might unintentionally hurt others. It’s a powerful tool for fostering empathy, accountability, and personal growth.

If you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver looking for a meaningful way to discuss bullying with children, this book is an invaluable resource. Let’s dive into why this story stands out in the crowded genre of children’s anti-bullying books.

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Am I a Bully? follows a young protagonist (whose name is intentionally left open for relatability) as they navigate school life, friendships, and social dynamics. The story begins with the child engaging in behaviors that seem harmless—teasing a classmate, excluding someone from a game, or laughing at another’s expense.

However, when a teacher or parent gently points out the impact of these actions, the child is forced to confront a difficult question: Am I a bully? The narrative doesn’t villainize the child but instead guides them (and the reader) through a process of self-awareness and change.

Without giving away major plot points, the story beautifully illustrates how small actions can accumulate into hurtful patterns—and, more importantly, how kindness and accountability can repair relationships.

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The protagonist is intentionally written as an everychild—someone readers can see themselves in, whether they’ve been on the giving or receiving end of bullying. This deliberate ambiguity makes the book universally applicable, allowing children to reflect on their own behavior without feeling attacked.

Supporting characters, such as classmates and authority figures, are portrayed with care. The teacher or parent figure doesn’t scold but instead facilitates understanding, reinforcing the book’s message that mistakes are opportunities for growth.

What’s particularly refreshing is that the book avoids oversimplifying bullying into "good vs. bad" dynamics. Instead, it acknowledges that children sometimes hurt others without realizing it—and that change is always possible.

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The writing is clear, age-appropriate, and emotionally resonant. Baldwin Book Publishing uses a conversational tone that feels like a gentle discussion rather than a lecture. The book employs:

• First-person perspective – Making the introspection feel personal.
• Simple yet profound questions – Encouraging readers to pause and think.
• Repetition of key phrases – Reinforcing the central message without being heavy-handed.

The illustrations (if included—some editions may vary) complement the text beautifully, using expressive visuals to convey emotions and social interactions.

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While the primary theme is bullying, the book also explores:

• Self-awareness – Teaching kids to examine their own actions.
• Empathy – Encouraging them to consider how others feel.
• Accountability – Showing that saying sorry and changing behavior matters.
• Redemption – Emphasizing that mistakes don’t define a person.

One of the most powerful aspects is the book’s refusal to label children as "bullies" permanently. Instead, it frames bullying as a behavior—one that can be unlearned.

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As someone who has read numerous children’s books on bullying, I was struck by how Am I a Bully? avoids preachiness. Many books focus solely on the victim’s pain (which is important), but this one goes a step further by addressing the why behind hurtful actions.

I found myself reflecting on moments from my own childhood where I might have crossed a line without realizing it. The book doesn’t just teach kids—it reminds adults, too, that bullying isn’t always intentional, but it’s always worth addressing.

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Most anti-bullying books fall into two categories:

1. Victim-centered stories – Focusing on the bullied child’s resilience.
2. Bully redemption arcs – Often portraying the aggressor as one-dimensional before a sudden change.

Am I a Bully? stands out by blending both perspectives. It’s similar to The Juice Box Bully by Bob Sornson in its proactive approach but differs in its introspective angle. While My Secret Bully by Trudy Ludwig focuses on relational aggression, this book is broader, making it more versatile for different bullying scenarios.

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✅ Unique perspective – Encourages self-reflection rather than just victim support.
✅ Gentle yet firm tone – Doesn’t shame but doesn’t excuse harmful behavior.
✅ Practical lessons – Offers clear takeaways for kids on how to change.

❌ May need adult guidance – Some younger readers might not fully grasp the introspection without discussion.
❌ Lacks specific scenarios – A few more concrete examples could help reinforce the message.

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This book is ideal for:

• Children ages 5-10 – Early readers and those in early elementary grades.
• Parents & educators – A great conversation starter for home or classroom.
• Kids who’ve been on either side of bullying – Helps both aggressors and victims understand dynamics.

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While avoiding spoilers, here’s a powerful excerpt:

"Sometimes we do things without thinking. But when we know better, we can do better."

This line perfectly encapsulates the book’s compassionate yet accountable approach.

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Am I a Bully? is more than just another anti-bullying book—it’s a tool for fostering emotional intelligence and personal responsibility in children. By framing bullying as a behavior rather than an identity, it empowers kids to change while maintaining their self-worth.

If you’re looking for a book that doesn’t just tell kids not to bully but helps them understand why kindness matters, this is it.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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• Have you ever realized you hurt someone without meaning to? How did you handle it?
• Why do you think some kids act like bullies sometimes?
• What’s one way you can practice kindness today?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—have you read this book? How did it impact you or your child? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!

Get this book on Amazon

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