Her mom has been in an accident that forces her to stop dancing and now suffers from deep depression. 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. This is a heavy responsibility for someone her age. As Mrs. Finch notes to Annie, sometimes “it’s easier to be worried than to be sad.” This beautiful story of love, loss, and acceptance is sad, funny, and uplifting and will appeal to both young readers and adults. The book delicately handles difficult subjects and reveals a poignant, insightful narrative for older middle grade readers. 15 Gift-Card-Worthy New Books for Young Readers, Head to Your Local B&N Saturday, December 21st for a Storytime Event Featuring. When it comes to children’s stories about mental illness, there are a variety of titles. 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. $7.99. In a fit of rage after his father’s death, Arthur hurls a brick at the “Junk Man,” a local trash picker. October 31, 2018 February 11, 2019 valerie_mcenroe. 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.) While it’s debatable whether synesthesia is a brain condition or not, I included this book on this list as her story is relatable to any kid who feels “different” from others. 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. The Princess and the Fog by Lloyd Jones (depression) 4. Paperback Her only way to escape is to go to Everwood, a fantasy kingdom that exists only in her notebook. If I were to write a review, it would be easy. Ready, set, read! This … Her depression, which has been an ongoing struggle, is intensified while living away from home with her grandparents and cousins. The Seed of Compassion: Lessons From the Life and Teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama He wants to do the right thing and this humor-filled book fills the reader with empathy for Joey and the people around him. Hardcover By using “expressive” fruit and vegetable pictures, it helps children identify different emotions. This story explores what it is like for a seventh grader to deal with a parent with mental health struggles as well as the typical ups and downs of friends, family, and academics. His incredible journey brings him realizations about himself, his family, and his mother’s mental illness. “There is one finding that has been replicated multiple times,” Rohrer says. Both are outsiders with tightly held secrets and are desperate for acceptance and a sense of belonging—something with which most tweens (and adults) can identify. At its very core, this book serves as inspiration for those dealing with the mental health stigma, as Saks has gone on to be a professor, author, lawyer, and psychiatrist despite being diagnosed with schizophrenia from a … But handling such a delicate subject takes a deft hand, particularly when writing for an 8–to–12-year-old audience. But, one girl, nicknamed “Psycho Sara,” notices him, and she seems to see things that others cannot. So it makes sense that mental health concerns would be an important issue to tackle in middle grade fiction. 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. All the Things We Never Knew: Chasing the Chaos of Mental Illness – Sheila Hamilton. We hope this list of kids books about mental illness can be a helpful resource for parents, teachers, and others searching for a new book! When a new neighbor her age moves in across the street, she and Annie become friends. 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. Books with thoughtful portrayals of characters who encounter mental health issues can offer middle grade readers comfort, connection, and inspiration. So to make lives a bit easier, I have put together a list for each of these topics that covers a variety of things within it. $8.99. These are not common themes in middle grade fiction like they often are in our young adult section. SHARE. So I started homeschool last year in 7 th grade. 5. 5. Umbrella Summer, by Lisa Graff This is a wonderful picture book that describes different feelings that kids may have. 14 Books to Read During Mental Health Awareness Month. When Lily learns of a dolphin therapy program, she brings Adam to meet Nori, a young captive dolphin. For others, it’s great to connect with a character that is experiencing the actual mental health challenge they face every day. (2009). Swing Sideways, by Nanci Turner Steveson Speakers from local mental health centers or the school guidance counselor would be helpful. Annie Richard’s brother was just 11 years old when he died four months ago of an undiagnosed heart condition. During Mental Health Month, try one of these kid-recommended books that tackle mental health in … What middle grade books dealing with mental illness would you recommend? 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!”. Thankfully, she has her list-making and the Everwood into which she can retreat. Girl in Need of a Tourniquet: Memoir of a Borderline Personality by Merri Lisa Johnson. We decided to find 10 books of fiction that center on a character living with a disease or disability. 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. 1. 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. middle grade; chapter books; ... May is Mental Health Awareness Month and to celebrate, here is a list of books that contain characters living with neurodiversity and/or mental illnesses. Can I Catch It Like a Cold? By submitting my email, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Their ups and downs of their friendship help Annie to see that closing your umbrella of sadness may be a better way to go. Despite months of therapy, Hannah tragically ends her life, leaving Chirp, her older sister, and their father to navigate this terrifying new normal. 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. Kids need to know that if they or someone in their family has a mental health condition, they are not alone. When Daniel gets a mysterious note asking for help, he finds himself part of a huge mystery that takes him on a whirlwind of adventures and emotions that change how he sees the world. Or be eaten by a zombie.). Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes (anxiety) Middle Grade. Everyone tells her not to worry, but she can’t stop being obsessively nervous and careful about everything from bike helmets to germs. 1. readership : 8 – 13 years 2. word count : approximately 30,000 – 55,000 words 3. characters’ ages : 9 – 14 years “This is one of my favorite books ever! Books with characters that struggle with these issues captivate students in the book clubs I run for elementary and middle school students. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five adults experiences a mental health issue every year, and half of mental health conditions begin by age 14. I would totally recommend this book to everyone!”, Joey is a “weird” kid with a big heart and a lot of energy. $6.99. One word: AWESOME!!! Either way, these books deserve a spot on your reading list: You can filter to sort by the best book type for your kid. 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. The Liars’ Club: A Memoir by Mary Karr. 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. This is an emotionally driven mystery that is full of adventure and heart. $16.99. This tender middle-grade novel takes on tough topics like mental health, homophobia and divorce without overwhelming or talking down to young readers. Yet even with its prevalence, mental health remains a somewhat taboo topic.