Non-fiction books for parents and kids
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Surviving Peer Pressure for Teens
by Hilary Cherniss and Sara Jane Sluke (Alpha, 2001)
A wealth of advice written for ‘tweens and teens on how to survive and rise above peer pressure.
The Courage to Be Yourself: True Stories by Teens About Cliques, Conflicts, and Overcoming Peer Pressure
By Al Desetta M.A. and Educators for Social Responsibility, editors (Free Spirit Publishing, 2005)
For kids grades 8-11, this collection of 26 short essays is written by teens who have experienced difficulties themselves and found ways to overcome them.
Friends, Cliques, and Peer Pressure: Be True to Yourself
by Christine Wickert Koubek (Enslow Publishers, 2002).
Helpful information for parents and teens, who will find practical advice on making good friends, dealing with bullies, and making smart choices by not giving into negative pressure.
Hot Issues, Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put-downs
by Sandra McLeod Humphrey (Prometheus Books, 2007)
Written especially for ‘tweens — ages 9 to 12 — this information-rich book helps children learn skills to stand up against bullying.
How to Say No and Keep Your Friends: Peer Pressure Reversal for Teens and Preteens
by Sharon Scott (HRD Press,1997)
Written for preteens and teens and filled with helpful suggestions, true stories, and skills for dealing with peer pressure.
SOS: Stressed Out Students’ Guide to Handling Peer Pressure
by Lisa Medoff, editor (Kaplan Publishing, 2008)
Full of coping strategies for how good kids can avoid bad choices — including cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, shoplifting, and sex.
Fictional books for kids
Buddha Boy
by Kathe Koja (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2003)
In this young adult novel, Justin stands up for another kid who is bullied at school.
The Bully (Blueford High Series #5) (Book 5)
by Annie Schraff (Scholastic Paperback, 2007)
Darrell has to deal with a new home, new school, and a new bully named Tyrary. Filled with helpful lessons about the realities of bullying and how kids can deal with them.
The Chocolate War
by Robert Cormier (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2004)
A classic: A high school boy refuses to take part in the school fundraiser, causing him to lose old friends, win new enemies, and do his best to defend what he believes in.
Confessions of a Former Bully
by Trudy Ludwig and Beth Adams (Tricycle Press, 2010)
Written for kids third grade and up, this is an engaging story about ten-year-old Katie, who, caught bullying a friend on the school playground, has to meet with a school counselor once a week. As she learns more about herself and her options, she keeps a journal of reflections and advice.
Stargirl
by Jerry Spinelli (Laurel Leaf, 2004)
A novel about Stargirl, a high-school girl who doesn’t fit in with other high schoolers and deals with the peer pressure in her unique way.
