Conflict Resolution Book List For Lessons On Friendship & Social Skills
If you work with kids in any capacity, you might feel like a full-time referee as you help them navigate arguments and disagreements. Conflict is a normal part of life, but it can be hard - especially for kids - to know how to work through it in a healthy way.
Use these conflict resolution books for kids to help your students build these skills and better understand how they can solve problems on their own.
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Matthew And Tilly By Rebecca C. Jones
Recommended Grades: Pre-K to 1
Matthew and Tilly love spending time together. One day, Matthew accidentally breaks Tilly’s purple crayon. This causes an argument to break out that leads to Matthew and Tilly not wanting to be around each other. Once they are by themselves, both Matthew and Tilly realize that it is more fun to be together. In the end, they both decide to apologize and are able to get back to doing the things they love!
The Peace Rose By Alicia Jewell
Recommended Grades: Pre-K to 1
This books describes a “peace rose” that gives kids an opportunity to talk through their conflicts. Readers will look at different conflicts that the characters have, as well as the practical solutions that they come up with!
A Bug and a Wish by Karen Scheuer
Recommended Grades: Pre-K to 2
In this book, Tyler gets picked on by some of the other students at his school. His friend Danae helps Tyler learn to stand up for himself by using the conflict resolution strategy of “a bug and a wish” to tell the boys how he’s feeling. Tyler is then able to tell the boys what is bugging him, and what he wishes would happen!
The Squirrels Who Squabbled By Rachel Bright
Recommended Grades: Pre-K to 2
When winter comes, all of the squirrels have prepared their food, except for Cyril. When Cyril finds the last food of the season, he is thrilled. However, he isn’t the only one who has his sights on the nuts. Cyril and his competition, Bruce, fight over the last bit of food and don’t notice a bird who has swooped in to grab it. After they lose their food, another unfortunate series of events help Cyril and Bruce see that it’s better to share after all.
Rainbow Fish and the Big Blue Whale By Marcus Pfister
Recommended Grades: K to 2
When the big blue whale comes to hang out where the fish are, the fish became suspicious. Will the whale eat their food? What is he doing there? After the fish treat the whale in an unfriendly way, the whale becomes angry and decides to show the fish that they should be afraid of him. Once the whale leaves, the fish realize that things aren’t any better and that they need to make peace with the whale. Rainbow Fish decides to go talk to the whale. They are able to clear up the misunderstanding and decide to work together toward finding food.
When Pigasso Met Mootisse By Nina Laden
Recommended Grades: K to 2
Pigasso and Mootisse are celebrity artists in their towns. Looking for peace and quiet, they end up living across the street from each other. At first they are friendly, but then they begin to insult one another’s art. Eventually, they paint their windows shut and are alone inside their empty houses. Soon, they begin to get lonely and decide to try to work out their differences. They learn that even though they are different, they are better together.
Rulers of the Playground By Joseph Kuefler
Recommended Grades: K to 2
In this book, a boy decides he's the king of recess. Not long after, a girl decides that she will be the queen. They boss the other kids around until they realize that there’s no one left to rule - their friends didn't want to play anymore. When they realized the consequences of their actions, the boy and girl decide to apologize and try to make things right.
Pink Tiara Cookies for Three By Maria Dismondy
Recommended Grades: K to 3
Sami gets jealous when her best friend gets another friend. Sami has to learn that it is okay to have more than one friend. By the end of the book, all three girls decide to have fun together!
The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah
Recommended Grades: K to 3
Two friends, Salma and Lily, both think that the other person’s lunch is gross. They start to argue with each other and insult each other’s choice in food. Before long, the whole school is on board with the conflict, and the two “sides” continue to say mean things to each other until it culminates in a food fight. In the end, Salma and Lily feel bad about their actions, and decide to end the conflict with some empathy and a compromise!
How to Apologize by David LaRochelle
Recommended Grades: K to 3
This book gives clear, straightforward explanations of good apologies. Plus, readers will love the fun pictures and examples! This is a great book for helping kids thoroughly understand how to apologize.
Simon’s Hook By Karen Gedia Burnett
Recommended Grades: 1 to 3
When Simon has to cut his hair because there is gum in it, his friends tease him about his new look. Then, Simon’s grandma helps him learn to not respond to these unkind words. This book is full of conflict resolution tips that will help kids respond to teases and put-downs in a practical way.
The Not-So-Friendly Friend By Christina Furnival
Recommended Grades: 1 to 3
Even though the girl in this book tries her best to be a good friend, not everyone is nice to her. One of her classmates is constantly mean to her and leaves her feeling down about herself. Then, her parents help her to draw boundaries with this classmate that will help her show kindness while still protecting herself and her heart. This book is perfect for teaching kids practical ways to set and keep boundaries.
The Forgiveness Garden By Lauren Thompson
Recommended Grades: 2 to 5
In a fight between two villages, a boy throws a rock and hits a girl in the head. The hatred between the two groups escalates until the girl begins to see the ugliness of the conflict. When she is given the chance to get revenge on the boy, she’s reminded of all that she has in common with him, and the members of the other village. Instead, she decides to build a garden - a forgiveness garden. The village people struggle with the concept of forgiveness, but eventually decide to join in. The boy is reluctant to join in the construction of the forgiveness garden, but eventually decides to join the girl as they learn to forgive each other.
These conflict resolution books for kids are a simple way to make your social emotional learning and school counseling lessons more impactful. They are sure to help you give your students the tools they need as they work through friendship problems in a positive and healthy way. Looking for conflict resolution activities to use alongside the books? Check these out!
