Mental Health Awareness Month - Youth

May is Mental Health Awareness month and to help destigmatize mental illness we have created some titles to help you learn more.

Updated May 13, 2025
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The science of breakable things
Keller, Tae
Paper Book
Natalie's uplifting story of using the scientific process to "save" her mother from depression is what Booklist calls "a winning story full of heart and action." Eggs are breakable. Hope is not. When Natalie's science teacher suggests that she enter an...
How to become a planet
Melleby, Nicole
Paper Book
With the help of new friends and a planetarium hotline, thirteen-year-old Pluto goes on a journey of self-discovery, in this poignant story about mental health from acclaimed middle grade author Nicole Melleby. A Publishers Weekly Best Middle...
The Whatifs
Kilgore, Emily
Paper Book
"Persico's atmospheric illustrations aptly reflect Cora's shifting emotions, and Kilgore successfully balances the whimsical with a tale grounded in reality." -Publishers Weekly "Cora and her Whatifs have a charming appeal beyond their focus on tackling...
Desi, Mami, and the never-ending worries
Mendes, Eva
Paper Book
From actress Eva Mendes comes her debut picture book Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worries, the story of a little girl facing endless scary worries. "A story about overcoming fears for the whole family." -People.com Every night begins with...
Alvin Ho : allergic to girls, school, and other scary things
Look, Lenore.
Paper Book
Here's the first book in the beloved and hilarious Alvin Ho chapter book series, which has been compared to Diary of a Wimpy Kid and is perfect for both beginning and reluctant readers. Alvin, an Asian American second grader, is afraid of everything--elevators, tunnels, girls,...
My mixed emotions : help your kids handle their feelings
Greenwood, Elinor
Paper Book
This thoughtful, engaging book is packed with helpful hints, tips, and techniques for helping children learn to recognize and express their emotions. Feelings can be complicated, and learning to express them is a skill that must be developed. My Mixed Emotions is here to...
Buster
Huett, Caleb Zane
Paper Book
Buster's a therapy dog who needs to take matters into his own paws to help a boy understand his own anxietyeven if it means breaking a few rules. Buster's in big trouble. He's been dragged to Dog Court for breaking one of the most sacred of all dog rules: Never, ever talk to a human, or let a...
Just roll with it
Durfey-Lavoie, Lee
Paper Book
Starting middle school is hard enough when you don't know anyone; it's even harder when you're shy. A contemporary middle-grade graphic novel for fans of Guts and Real Friends about how dealing with anxiety and OCD can affect everyday life. As long as Maggie rolls...
I am a peaceful goldfish
Chaim, Shoshana
Paper Book
For kids ages 2-6, a gentle and fun introduction to mindfulness and breath awareness. When we are overcome with emotions, our breath--and a bit of imagination--can bring us back to a peaceful place. In I Am a Peaceful Goldfish, two children learn how to settle their...
Iveliz explains it all
Arango, Andrea Beatriz
Paper Book
NEWBERY HONOR AWARD WINNER * In this timely and moving novel in verse, a preteen girl navigates seventh grade while facing mental health challenges. A hopeful, poetic story about learning to advocate for the help and understanding you deserve. "Powerful." --Lisa Fipps,...

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