My Secret Bully

By Trudy Ludwig

A powerful, compassionate story to help children recognise and overcome bullying within friendships.

My Secret Bully follows Monica, a young girl caught in a painful cycle of “friendship” with Katie — a classmate who can be wonderful one moment and hurtful the next. Through name-calling, exclusion, and manipulation, Katie’s behaviour becomes a form of relational aggression that many children experience but struggle to name.

With the gentle guidance of her mother, Monica learns to understand what toxic friendship looks like, find her voice, and take back her confidence. Her journey offers children a relatable and reassuring roadmap for recognising unhealthy behaviour and knowing they deserve better.

Why this book matters:

• Helps children identify emotional bullying and confusing friendship dynamics

• Models healthy ways to seek help and set boundaries

• Encourages confidence, self-respect, and emotional resilience

• Includes expert insights, tips, discussion questions, and resources for families and educators

A meaningful tool for parents, teachers, and counsellors, My Secret Bully opens up essential conversations about friendship, courage, and kindness.