The Everwood is a fictional forest kingdom of Finley’s own creation that lives only in the pages of her notebook—or so she thinks until she discovers it’s real and lies in the endless woods behind her grandparents’ house. It was generally believed that the normal waking person’s activities were under the control of the mind. Middle grade novels are books written for readers in upper elementary school through middle school. must-read YA books about mental health. Ready, set, read! Hardcover Middle Grade Books That Tackle Mental Illness. Looking for books and resources to help kids 8+ navigate tough situations? Find below a list of 50 (er, 55!) Eleven-year-old Jack awakens in his tent in Acadia National Park to find his mom, her gear, and their car gone—a disconcerting scenario for him but one that’s not all that surprising. Here are 15 books to read this month to help start a conversation and #endthestigma. He wakes up after camping in a national park in Maine with his mom and finds himself totally alone with only a backpack, a sleeping bag, and $14. Daniel’s voice is engaging and his experiences relatable whether or not readers personally have experience with OCD. During Mental Health Month, try one of these kid-recommended books that tackle mental health in … Middle grade readers will love this unforgettable tale of healing, friendship, and transformation. October 31, 2018 February 11, 2019 valerie_mcenroe. Their ups and downs of their friendship help Annie to see that closing your umbrella of sadness may be a better way to go. Health Details: Journaling has been proven to help people’s mental health, and the Happy Confident Me Journal is the perfect place for children aged seven to 12 to get started.It encourages your child to fill in their journal every day – it only takes five minutes – noting the emotions they’ve felt and experiences they’ve had. Can I Catch It Like a Cold? Or be eaten by a zombie.). $7.99. Mental health books for kids | Wellbeing books for children. Chirp finds comfort with the birds surrounding her in Cape Cod as well as her friend and neighbor, Joey, who is dealing with “significant issues” at home as well. 8 Middle Grade Books with Families Touched by Mental Illness, According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Head to Your Local B&N Saturday, January 25th for a Storytime Event Featuring, Head to Your Local B&N Saturday, January 18th for a Storytime Event Featuring, Head to Your Local B&N Saturday, January 11th for a Storytime Event Featuring, Head to Your Local B&N Saturday, January 4th for a Storytime Event Featuring, 4 Children’s Books to Help Families Celebrate the Lunar New Year. Everyone tells her not to worry, but she can’t stop being obsessively nervous and careful about everything from bike helmets to germs. Though his mother’s moods swing wildly from excited and loving to depressed and neglectful, he doesn’t want to alert the authorities that he’s been left behind. When a new friend, Joey, comes into her life, they end up on a life-changing adventure together. He wants to do the right thing and this humor-filled book fills the reader with empathy for Joey and the people around him. By using “expressive” fruit and vegetable pictures, it helps children identify different emotions. This highly engaging and emotional story teaches major life lessons about redemption and the power of kindness as well as shows the potential of recovery from grief. The formerly adventurous 10-year-old girl has now turned into an anxiety-ridden, overly cautious hypochondriac who believes that the only way to be safe is “to know exactly what could get me and all the ways to stop it.” She then meets her new neighbor, 70-year-old Mrs. Finch, who is a recent widow, and the two bond over their loss and grief. Thirteen-year-old Daniel’s first-person fictional narrative tells a compelling story of a boy tortured by his obsessive compulsive disorder. We decided to find 10 books of fiction that center on a character living with a disease or disability. Also, the IQ a… You would like this book if you like an action book, a sad book, and a mystery book.”, Lily is a middle schooler who has become the closest thing to a mother that her autistic half-brother Adam has since their own mother died. Homeschooling has been a great experience … This … I went to a co-op and took high school classes and got all A’s (whereas in middle school I mostly got C’s, D’s and F’s.) Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes (anxiety) Middle Grade. And others find inspiration from reading sad but hopeful books where the lead character perseveres and succeeds despite any mental health issues and trials that life throws at them. Eleven-year-old Finley suffers from what she calls “blue days,” which keen readers will observe as depression and anxiety exacerbated by her home life. Books with characters that struggle with these issues captivate students in the book clubs I run for elementary and middle school students. Kids who crave realistic fiction where main characters struggle with dysfunctional family problems will love these selections. All the Things We Never Knew: Chasing the Chaos of Mental Illness – Sheila Hamilton. Courage for Beginners, by Karen Harrington This is a heavy responsibility for someone her age. Her parents are “having problems” and “need some space to work it out,” so they are sending Finley to her estranged grandparents’ house for the summer with cousins she’s never met. 1. He lives in fear of someone noticing his strange habits, which he calls Zaps—avoiding the number four or flipping a light switch on and off dozens of times. Get the latest on books and authors from Penguin Random House. One thing that was really great about the book is that it shows how if you give back things will turn around for you.”. Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets by Barbara Esham, Illustrated by Mike and Carl … When it comes to children’s stories about mental illness, there are a variety of titles. Being 13 is hard enough even without the added challenges faced by eighth-graders Lily and Dunkin. Furthermore, 1 in 10 adolescents have a mental health issue serious enough to impair their function at home or in school. These facts are the reason why the “Beyond “Issue” Books–Unpacking Mental Health Issues in Middle Grade and Young Adult Literature” session presented by Kristina McBride, Jody Casella, Liz Coley, and Natalie D. Richards provided insight on a topic that should not be ignored by any educator. 5 Most Popular Children’s Books About Mental Health 1. Thirteen-year-old Mia sees the world differently than her peers and no one quite believes or understands when she says she sees words as shapes and numbers as colors. Yet even with its prevalence, mental health remains a somewhat taboo topic. Chirp must navigate her own emotions as well as her relationships with her sister, parents, and classmates while watching her mom struggle. The Liars’ Club: A Memoir by Mary Karr. Annie Richard’s brother was just 11 years old when he died four months ago of an undiagnosed heart condition. If I were to write a review, it would be easy. Then, the toddler next door goes missing and he was the last one to see the child alive. Allison recommends others read this book, “I like this book because it goes into [many] details … plus it shows that everyone is different, and weird, in some cases very weird.”, Fans of “sad” books will adore this touching story about tragedy and healing that centers around 11-year-old Naomi (aka “Chirp”), a bird expert and nature lover living on Cape Cod in 1972. He’s afraid they’ll send him back to live with his “evil” grandmother, so he sets off alone for his home in Boston. $8.99. Morgan, 10, says, “I really liked this book because it's a story that will touch your heart. Some Kind of Happiness, by Claire Legrand For some, reading this category of books makes them feel more at ease with whatever social/emotional/mental struggles they are dealing with at school and home. It’s so scary and funny!” praises Piper, 11. Swing Sideways, by Nanci Turner Steveson Girl in Need of a Tourniquet: Memoir of a Borderline Personality by Merri Lisa Johnson. Find books that address challenges kids face regularly, from dealing with bullying, to coping with grief, and more. These have received rave reviews from young readers on Bookopolis.com, a social network and book discovery tool where kids can write reviews and swap book recommendations with friends. So it makes sense that mental health concerns would be an important issue to tackle in middle grade fiction. Get reading picks, tips, and activities in your inbox. He bounces around — a lot — and often makes bad choices like putting his finger in a pencil sharpener. Her only way to escape is to go to Everwood, a fantasy kingdom that exists only in her notebook. Tommy Can’t Stop by Tim Federle (ADHD) 2. The aspiring young writer’s life becomes even more complicated when Sara, a selectively mute girl at school who hasn’t spoken once in the eight years Daniel has known her, institutes him to help her solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance. $6.99. Perhaps you’re looking for a character to relate to. If you’re facing mental health illness in your family or you know someone who is, help your children understand by reading children’s picture and chapter books whose characters who have depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses.. Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are just some of the mental health conditions (illnesses) that face … Paperback This is a wonderful picture book that describes different feelings that kids may have. Here are 12 kid-approved books that tackle mental health in a way that is relatable to young people. Posted on August 20, 2018 by Patricia Tilton • in Cindy Baldwin, Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, Mental Illness, Middle Grade Book Review, Schizophrenia • Tagged Courage, Family Relationships, Friendship, Guilt, Mental Health, Schizophrenia • 17 Comments Undiscovered Country by Jennifer Gold On one end of the spectrum, it could suggest a call for taking deep breaths or reducing stress and, on the other extreme, concern about one’s mental stability and the possibility that it may lead to violent or extreme choices. “There is one finding that has been replicated multiple times,” Rohrer says. Arthur is tasked with finding the Junk Man’s list of the Seven Most Important Things. Adam and Nori form an immediate and deep bond but Lily believes strongly this dolphin should be free, not captive. So I started homeschool last year in 7 th grade. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we find that books can not only help us understand or sympathize, but can often help us talk about difficult topics. 5. In The Liars’ Club, Mary Karr details her childhood in an east Texas oil town, dealing with her mother’s mental instability.When Mary was seven, her mother tried to steer the family car off a … I would totally recommend this book to everyone!”, Joey is a “weird” kid with a big heart and a lot of energy. We’ve rounded up some books by authors that cover various conditions—depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and more—gracefully and with great respect for their audience and those with dealing with the afflictions. Annie suffers from panic attacks and an eating disorder in this powerful debut middle grade novel, and at her therapist’s recommendation, she is offered an unstructured summer of freedom with her parents at their lake house—away from her fake friends and controlling mother’s spreadsheets and rigid scheduling. Half of the students 14 and older that have a mental illness will drop out of school. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Weissman, J. Olivia says, this book is “a heartwarming novel with adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.” Jack, 12, shares, “This book makes your heart root for Jack. Lily, whose birth name was Timothy, is a transgendered girl who was “born with boy parts,” while Dunkin is a teenage boy dealing with bipolar disorder and having just moved to a new town. Annie has not been the same since her much-loved older brother died when he was hit with a hockey puck. He is obsessed with hand-washing and germs, and he can’t go to school or even leave his bedroom due to his extreme worries. This is an excellent book for learning about mental health disorders in a way that doesn’t necessarily otherize people with mental health issues. These books are recommended for mature 4th – 8th graders due to the complexity of the characters and their interactions with friends and family. The book delicately handles difficult subjects and reveals a poignant, insightful narrative for older middle grade readers. This is an emotionally driven mystery that is full of adventure and heart. SHARE. (2009). The diagnosis sends her mom, Hannah, into a spiraling depression, and her psychiatrist father ends up admitting her to a psychiatric hospital. This is a sweet and hope-filled story with charming characters and good lessons about persevering when life’s challenges try to break you. Kids need to know that if they or someone in their family has a mental health condition, they are not alone. His incredible journey brings him realizations about himself, his family, and his mother’s mental illness. You can filter to sort by the best book type for your kid. “Firstborn children tend to be a bit smarter on average.” She’s quick to add that, while this IQ difference shows up when researchers examine very large groups of people, it often disappears or flip-flops within individual families—meaning lots and lots of second- and third-borns have higher IQs than their older sibs. Despite months of therapy, Hannah tragically ends her life, leaving Chirp, her older sister, and their father to navigate this terrifying new normal. When a new neighbor her age moves in across the street, she and Annie become friends. Macie shares that this book contained “an emotional roller coaster of events. Instead of time in juvie, a judge gives him 120 hours of community service — with the man he hurt. When Lily learns of a dolphin therapy program, she brings Adam to meet Nori, a young captive dolphin. The Best Informational Books for Toddlers, The Most-Anticipated Picture Books of 2021, Kid-Approved Books for Struggling Second and Third Grade Readers, The 50 Best Books for 11- and 12-Year-Olds, 15 Classics That 8- to 12-Year-Olds Say Are Worth Reading Today, The Most Exciting Middle Grade & Chapter Books Hitting Shelves in 2021, The Best YA Books Being Published in 2021, 10 Books That Promote Positive Thinking in Teens, Pride and Less Prejudice: LGBTQIA+ Books for Teens, By submitting my email, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House's. Natalie latches on to winning a local egg drop competition as a way to earn prize money and bring hope to her botanist mom. The Princess and the Fog by Lloyd Jones (depression) 4. Using the scientific method as a framework, Natalie tries to find a solution to her biggest question – how to help her mother who is suffering from depression and can barely get out of bed. Lily and Dunkin, by Donna Gephart The Seed of Compassion: Lessons From the Life and Teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama Best middle grade books, Becoming Muhammad Ali James Patterson and Kwame Alexander, Daring Darleen: Queen of the Screen, Anne Nesbet, Echo Mountain, Lauren Wolk, Fighting Words, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, The List of Things That Will Not Change, Rebecca Thankfully, she has her list-making and the Everwood into which she can retreat. These books traverse all aspects of mental health and mental illness, and they’re both fiction and nonfiction. $16.99. When The Liars’ Club was first published over twenty years ago, it took the world by storm, bringing about a dramatic revival of the memoir. “This is one of my favorite books ever! He is faced with the arduous choice of staying in his safety zone or tackling his fears to solve the crime and help the child. !”, Finley Hart is sent to her grandparents’ house for the summer while her parents try to work out their marital differences. Unraveling Rose by Brian Wray (obsessive compulsive disorder) 3. Middle Grade Matters is here to help! 15 Gift-Card-Worthy New Books for Young Readers, Head to Your Local B&N Saturday, December 21st for a Storytime Event Featuring. Gabriella, 12, gives it five stars, “This book completely captured my heart. This coming-of-age story is “heartwarming and it felt like the characters and the plot came to life,” says Julianna, 11. For others, it’s great to connect with a character that is experiencing the actual mental health challenge they face every day. Fantasy and reality blend seamlessly in this amazing and touching coming-of-age tale. Matthew suffers from severe OCD that was brought on from the death of his baby brother. This list covers everything, from classics like The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones to popular sellers like The Atlantis Complex to some of our favorite hidden gems like The Remember Balloons. Worst of all, Mysti’s father has just been hospitalized and is in a coma after falling off a ladder, leaving Mysti home alone with her little sister and mother, who can’t even go to the store to replenish their groceries. Olivia, 11, loves this book and recommends this to anyone looking for a great read, “Adventure and a good emotional book like this one can really get you on the couch, getting comfy, and reading!”. Speakers from local mental health centers or the school guidance counselor would be helpful. Either way, these books deserve a spot on your reading list: His ADHD is sometimes dulled by the “dud meds” he takes but he doesn’t like how they make him feel. While there, she meets a girl who changes her life—California, a free spirit who is visiting her grandfather’s farm. 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