Awesome Upstander!

Bullying is a sensitive subject and can be tricky to navigate; however, this app successfully gets their anti-bullying message across while remaining engaging and fun—it's not too preachy or too complex for third-graders.

The main idea is simple—kids are asked to run, leap and dash around the school to save their friends from a mean-spirited bully. This game is loud and fast-paced, but there are options to turn the sound and music off if it becomes irritating or over-stimulating. Little heroes are prompted to pick avatars at the beginning of the game and race to the rescue through familiar settings like the school cafeteria and school bathroom. Bright, bold graphics align nicely to the soundtrack and appeal to children in third grade. This app was created by a psychologist and relies on age-appropriate material to send a message about bystanders in bullying situations. Hidden obstacles and objects will keep kids engaged and coming back to play.

On the whole, Awesome Upstander! is completely entertaining and does the job of making bullying look bad while holding the attention of kids. Ten levels of difficulty keep things challenging throughout the third grade school year.