He's Not Just Teasing (Navigating Friendships)

Malcom has a problem, and his name is Joe.

Malcolm is often the target of good-natured ribbing because he's an excitable scatterbrain. Malcolm knows the jokes and laughs at his expense are all in good fun and sometimes even teach him a lesson. But the snark coming from Joe isn't funny.

Joe taunts and bullies Malcolm. When he attacks, Malcolm's friends do nothing. They are silent bystanders, and Malcolm is left to wonder why. Can he find the courage to ask them for help, or will Malcolm have to stand up for himself?

He's Not Just Teasing! is a tale about bullying, the fragile friendships of boys, the willingness to stand up for others and the power of kindness.

He’s Not Just Teasing! is a timely tale about the difference between teasing and bullying.

This quick-read chapter book is part of the Navigating Friendships series, which is great for students in Grades 4 through 8 who are struggling with changing friendships, learning about self-advocacy, and figuring out how to get along with others. Whether you are a teacher, a school counselor, a parent, or a middle school student – you know something, and will be able to use this story to help yourself or the middle schooler in your life.


Help your children overcome their social emotional challenges with the Navigating Friendships series.

• He’s Not Just Teasing! A Book About the Difference Between Teasing and Bullying – Malcolm has a problem, and his name is Joe.


• Am I Weird? A Book About Finding Your Place When You Feel Like You Don’t Fit In - When the other girls at school gather they tolerate Eva,but they snipe and gossip about things that make her uncomfortable, and she wonders…AM I WEIRD?


• I Lost My BFF: A Book About Jealousy and Rejection Within Friendships – Sophia and Camila did EVERYTHING together, but when Camila starts spending more time with Christabel, Sophia finds herself thinking…I LOST MY BFF.

Teacher and Parent Activity Guides are available for each book.


“We absolutely love this book! Our sons will sit and read this book over and over. Now they also share it on Family FaceTime with their cousins. Perfect read for our 3rd grader, the authors key words and illustrations are remarkably chosen. We highly recommend He’s not just Teasing!.” - Lelia, Verified Purchaser

“This is a great book to navigate telling the difference between teasing and bullying. A great read for middle schoolers or even to read as a family. Encourage discussion and help kids understand they don’t have to be bullied and they shouldn’t stand by and watch if someone else is being bullied either.” - Beth @ This Lady Blogs

“There is a difference between playful teasing and bullying. This book clearly defines where that line lies. It also is a good reminder that speaking to a caring adult can really help. Malcolm shared what was going on with his mom and she empowered him to handle it himself, using his own resources. That was a great lesson for littles and bigs. Often times we want to swoop in and protect our babies but they need to be their own voice.” - Melissa @ JustaBXmom

Jennifer Licate received her master’s degree in School Counseling from West Chester University and has worked as a school counselor for over ten years. She currently splits her time between two schools and enjoys the dynamic of working with children from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Her book, He’s Not Just Teasing! is the winner of the MOM’s Choice Gold Award Honoring Excellence. Her series Navigating Friendships won the Counselor’s Choice Award.

Counseling young children one day and teenagers another (as well as raising two kids of her own) has taught Jennifer a universal truth: all children want to be loved, valued and respected for the unique individuals they are. She channels this truth and her love of counseling and creativity to craft children’s books whose aim is to help children of all ages navigate the challenges of growing up with stories that speak directly to them.

You can find articles by Jennifer about empathy, bullying, uniqueness, self-esteem, and motherhood on sites like SheKnows, Motherhood: the REAL Deal, Savvy MainLine, Tread Lightly Retire Early, Up Journey, and Pretty Progressive. You can follow her at her website, storiesbyjennifer.com, on Instagram @jenniferlicate, on Facebook @jennifer.licate, and on LinkedIn @jennifer-licate-86644210.