Best Children's Violence Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

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Children's Violence Books are designed to help kids understand and cope with difficult emotions and situations. These books can be a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who want to help children learn how to manage anger, frustration, and other complex feelings in a healthy and constructive way. With engaging characters and compelling stories, these books can help children develop empathy, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Whether dealing with bullying, family conflict, or other challenging issues, Children's Violence Books offer a safe and supportive way for kids to explore their emotions and find solutions that work for them.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hands Are Not for Hitting (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series) Cover #TOP 1
Hands Are Not for Hitting (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Anger Management Workbook for Kids: 50 Fun Activities to Help Children Stay Calm and Make Better Choices When They Feel Mad (Health and Wellness Workbooks for Kids) Cover #TOP 2
Anger Management Workbook for Kids: 50 Fun Activities to Help Children Stay Calm and Make Better Choices When They Feel Mad (Health and Wellness Workbooks for Kids)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
I Am Stronger Than Anger: Picture Book About Anger Management And Dealing With Kids Emotions And Feelings (Preschool Feelings Book, Self-Regulation Skills) (World of Kids Emotions) Cover #TOP 3
I Am Stronger Than Anger: Picture Book About Anger Management And Dealing With Kids Emotions And Feelings (Preschool Feelings Book, Self-Regulation Skills) (World of Kids Emotions)
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Children's Violence Books

#TOP 1

Hands Are Not for Hitting (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series)

Agassi Ph.D., Martine
Heinlen, Marieka
Free Spirit Publishing
Feb 15, 2002
Hands Are Not for Hitting (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series) Cover
Hands Are Not for Hitting (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series)

The board book "Hands Are Not for Hitting" by Martine Agassi, Ph.D., is a wonderful tool for parents, preschool teachers, and childcare providers to teach children about non-violence and positive actions. The book features simple words and colorful illustrations that make it easy for young children to understand. It includes tips for parents and caregivers and has won several awards, including the Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence and The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval. Actress Jennifer Garner even praised the book, saying it's as important as classics like "Goodnight Moon." Overall, this book is an essential addition to any child's library.

Anger Management Workbook for Kids: 50 Fun Activities to Help Children Stay Calm and Make Better Choices When They Feel Mad (Health and Wellness Workbooks for Kids)

Snowden MA, Samantha
Hill PhD, Andrew
Althea Press
Nov 27, 2018
Anger Management Workbook for Kids: 50 Fun Activities to Help Children Stay Calm and Make Better Choices When They Feel Mad (Health and Wellness Workbooks for Kids) Cover
Anger Management Workbook for Kids: 50 Fun Activities to Help Children Stay Calm and Make Better Choices When They Feel Mad (Health and Wellness Workbooks for Kids)

The Anger Management Workbook for Kids is a fantastic tool for children aged 6 to 11 to help them manage their emotions. The book contains 50 fun exercises that teach kids how to express their feelings in a healthy way, and stay calm when they feel angry. The workbook is filled with engaging activities such as doodling, meditation, and crafts, making it more enjoyable than other anger management books. With easy-to-understand charts and formulas, Samantha Snowden helps children identify anger triggers and shows them how to deal with frustrating situations. Parents, educators, and children will find this book to be a valuable resource for managing anger.

I Am Stronger Than Anger: Picture Book About Anger Management And Dealing With Kids Emotions And Feelings (Preschool Feelings Book, Self-Regulation Skills) (World of Kids Emotions)

Cole, Elizabeth
Aug 17, 2020
I Am Stronger Than Anger: Picture Book About Anger Management And Dealing With Kids Emotions And Feelings (Preschool Feelings Book, Self-Regulation Skills) (World of Kids Emotions) Cover
I Am Stronger Than Anger: Picture Book About Anger Management And Dealing With Kids Emotions And Feelings (Preschool Feelings Book, Self-Regulation Skills) (World of Kids Emotions)

If you're a parent struggling with managing your child's emotions and behavior when they're angry, "I Am Stronger Than Anger" might be the solution you're looking for. This picture book features lovely illustrations and a lightly rhyming storyline that helps children recognize and cope with their anger in a funny way through communication with zoo animals. The book offers a variety of calming techniques and is aimed at improving kids' self-regulation skills. It also teaches children to admit their mistakes and say "I'm sorry." Overall, this book is a useful resource for parents and teachers alike and offers a unique approach to handling children's emotions.

#TOP 4

A Little SPOT of Frustration: A Story about Self-Control (Inspire to Create A Better You!)

Alber, Diane
May 3, 2021
A Little SPOT of Frustration: A Story about Self-Control (Inspire to Create A Better You!) Cover
A Little SPOT of Frustration: A Story about Self-Control (Inspire to Create A Better You!)

A Little SPOT of Frustration is a children's book that offers a fun and creative way for kids to learn how to manage their frustrations. Through colorful illustrations and a built-in activity, children can learn how to flip their frustration spot into a calm and flexible thinking spot. This book is a valuable resource for parents and educators who want to teach children the importance of self-control and healthy ways to manage their emotions.

I Choose to Calm My Anger: A Colorful, Picture Book About Anger Management And Managing Difficult Feelings and Emotions (Teacher and Therapist Toolbox: I Choose)

Estrada, Elizabeth
Feb 10, 2021
I Choose to Calm My Anger: A Colorful, Picture Book About Anger Management And Managing Difficult Feelings and Emotions (Teacher and Therapist Toolbox: I Choose) Cover
I Choose to Calm My Anger: A Colorful, Picture Book About Anger Management And Managing Difficult Feelings and Emotions (Teacher and Therapist Toolbox: I Choose)

"I Choose to Calm My Anger" is a colorful and engaging picture book that teaches children coping mechanisms to deal with big emotions like anger. Through Jackson's story, children will learn how to change their mindset and deal with life's setbacks. This book is part of the Teacher and Therapist Toolbox: I Choose series, which aims to empower young children to become aware of their big emotions and teach them that they hold the power to choose their actions and reactions. Developed alongside counselors and parents, this book is an excellent resource for a social-emotional curriculum. Overall, "I Choose to Calm My Anger" is an excellent tool to help children manage their difficult feelings and emotions."

#TOP 6

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

Lovell, Patty
Catrow, David
G.P. Putnam's Sons
Aug 27, 2001
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon Cover
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon is a heartwarming children's book about a young girl who learns to embrace her unique qualities and stand up to bullies. Molly Lou Melon is short, clumsy, and has buck teeth, but her grandmother has always told her to be proud of herself. When she starts at a new school and is bullied by Ronald Durkin, she uses her grandmother's advice to show him just how strong and confident she is. The book's message is clear and simple, and the illustrations by David Catrow are both weird and endearing. This book is a must-read for any child who needs a boost of self-confidence.

#TOP 7

Ghost Boys

Rhodes, Jewell Parker
Little, Brown
Sep 10, 2019

"Ghost Boys" by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a poignant and powerful book that tackles the difficult topic of police violence against black boys. The story follows twelve-year-old Jerome, who is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real one. As a ghost, Jerome meets other ghost boys, including Emmett Till, and together they navigate the complexities of race and history. Rhodes deftly weaves historical and socio-political layers into a gripping and heart-wrenching story that is both timely and timeless. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the impact of racism on young black lives."

Keplinger, Kody
Scholastic Inc.
Mar 3, 2020
That's Not What Happened Cover
That's Not What Happened

That's Not What Happened by Kody Keplinger is an intriguing and thought-provoking exploration of the aftermath of tragedy, the power of narrative, and how we remember what we've lost. The story revolves around the Virgil County High School Massacre and the aftermath of the tragedy. The protagonist knows the truth behind her best friend's death, but Sarah's martyrdom is important to many people, making it difficult for her to speak up. The book adeptly explores how the truth can be different for people who suffered the same tragedy. Overall, this is a timely and compelling read that would be a worthy addition to all high school libraries.

#TOP 9

A Terrible Thing Happened

Holmes, Margaret M
Mudlaff, Sasha J
Pillo, Cary
Pillo, Cary
Magination Press
Jan 1, 2000
A Terrible Thing Happened Cover
A Terrible Thing Happened

A Terrible Thing Happened, published by Magination Press, is a children's book that tackles the sensitive topic of violence. The story is about a boy named Sherman Smith who witnesses a terrible event and struggles to cope with the aftermath. The book emphasizes the importance of talking about traumatic experiences and seeking help from trusted adults. This book is a valuable resource for parents and educators to start conversations about violence with children. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, making it easy for children to follow along. Overall, A Terrible Thing Happened is a well-written and important book that helps children understand and process difficult emotions.

#TOP 10

Anger Management Skills Workbook for Kids: 40 Awesome Activities to Help Children Calm Down, Cope, and Regain Control

Robinson LPC RPT, Amanda
Z Kids
Feb 25, 2020
Anger Management Skills Workbook for Kids: 40 Awesome Activities to Help Children Calm Down, Cope, and Regain Control Cover
Anger Management Skills Workbook for Kids: 40 Awesome Activities to Help Children Calm Down, Cope, and Regain Control

The "Anger Management Skills Workbook for Kids" by Z Kids is a valuable resource for children aged 5 to 10 to manage their anger in healthy and effective ways. With 40 engaging activities, children can learn to identify their emotions, challenge negative thinking patterns, and practice healthy coping skills. The book is written in age-appropriate language and encourages families to practice the skills learned together. This workbook is a practical self-help tool for children and their caregivers to manage anger and build strong relationships. Overall, it's an excellent contribution to the field of anger management self-help books.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the #1 children's book?

1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. In one of the most popular classic children's books, a caterpillar eats its way through a week's worth of food before making a glorious transformation into a butterfly.

2. Does violence have a place in children's literature?

Many scholars argue that violence, if used appropriately, has its place in some children's books. They point out violent literature is often not to blame for violent behavior in children; rather, the inclusion of violence in quality literature can create positive influences in children's lives.

Editor's Notes

During our children's violence book research, we found 1,000+ children's violence book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 68,466 customer reviews through our big data system to write the children's violence books list. We found that most customers choose children's violence books with an average price of $7.24.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.