1Stand Down Bullies stories start when Ezekiel is sent home early from book club for aggressive behavior that stems from unresolved emotional issues. Blake unintentionally does some sibling-bullying against his little sister during summer break; Sarah ends up in the principal's office after being peer-pressured into bullying other children on the playground. Inspired by her mother, Sarah uses kindness to stop bullying. Each story features healthy interactions with parents as a resource for talking about bullies.

This book features a range of children, and diversity is shown in positive ways with characters that span various cultures, ethnicities, family situations, physical challenges and more. Readers of all backgrounds will see themselves in these pages while learning to value the diversity within their own community and being exposed to differences from around the world.

The very-real emotions behind bullying behavior are highlighted, and the family discussions in the text remind young readers how character traits are built over time and with help, too.

About S.T.A.N.D. mini-series!

The character traits imparted by STAND (Stand tall, Tell an adult, Act bravely, Notice your surroundings, Display kindness) kids include: confidence builders; reminders about informing grown-ups about certain situations; practical advice for situational awareness; and a reminder to never bully or react to bullies in ways that make you angry or hurtful. Young readers will recognize the traits reinforced in each story. Each book recaps the STAND pledge, making it easy to share in co-reading or group discussion. The pledge relates to how the stories end in different ways with some bullies reformed and others not and school leaders contacted as a way to help and more.

1. STAND Up to Bullies: help kids who are bullied by others
2. STAND Together Against Bullying: inspire children to be upstanders instead of bystanders
3. STAND Down Bullies: teaches empathy and kindness to kids who exhibit and struggle with bullying behaviors