Children’s Books on Health Issues

Some conditions and diseases can be hard for children to understand. These children, tween, and teen books talk about many different health issues through stories. Books about tough health issues can help kids navigate through difficult emotions that surround challenging medical conditions, whether that be a temporary sickness, chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes, or serious diseases like cancer that might be affecting them, a family member or a friend. There are also books that touch upon various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and suicide to name a few. The books on this list are available through the Sussex County Library System.

Updated December 17, 2024
S
Sussex County Library System (NJ)
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Aaron Slater, illustrator /
Beaty, Andrea.
Paper Book
Aaron Slater, Illustrator is an uplifting story about the power of art, finding your voice, and telling your story even when you're out of step with your peers, from Andrea Beaty and David Roberts, the #1 bestselling creators of Sofia Valdez, Future Prez and Ada...
Aarâon Soänador, ilustrador /
Beaty, Andrea.
Paper Book
¡Una historia inspiradora sobre el poder del arte, cómo encontrar tu propia voz y contar tu historia incluso cuando no se alinea con la de tus compañeros, de los creadores de los bestsellers Sofía Valdez, presidenta tal vez y Ada Magnífica, científica! A Aarón...
Ab(solutely) normal :
Paper Book
Channeling their own experiences, sixteen exceptional authors subvert mental health stereotypes in a powerful and uplifting collection of fiction. A teen activist wrestles with protest-related anxiety and PTSD. A socially anxious vampire learns he has to save his town by (gulp...
Alone together :
Fong, Petti,
Paper Book
The world is facing an epidemic of loneliness. The COVID-19 pandemic taught us new words, like isolation, quarantineand social distancing. In places like the UK and Japan, governments have appointed ministers of loneliness to examine the problem and find ways to help their citizens. What...
I am a masterpiece! :
Armstrong, Mia,
Paper Book
Tween actress Mia Armstrong celebrates her fun, funny, beautiful childhood living with Down syndrome in this debut picture book. Don't miss Mia in A Christmas in New Hope, streaming now! Mia likes many of the things other people like--going to the beach, the...
Ariel crashes a train /
Cole, Olivia A.
Paper Book
LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD * A COSMOPOLITAN BEST YA BOOK OF THE YEAR * A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, BOOKLIST AND KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR Exploring the harsh reality of OCD and violent intrusive thoughts in stunning,...
Bake, make & learn to cook : fun & healthy recipes for young cooks
Atherton, David (Food writer)
Paper Book
From the 2019 winner of The Great British Baking Show comes a charming and mouthwatering cookbook for aspiring little chefs and culinary novices alike. Gather your frying pan, mixing bowls, and rolling pin--it's time to cook! David Atherton, 2019 winner of The Great...
Breathe and count back from ten /
Sylvester, Natalia
Paper Book
A Pura Belpré Honor Book * A Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book for Teens In this gorgeously written and authentic novel, Verónica, a Peruvian-American teen with hip dysplasia, auditions to become a mermaid at a Central Florida theme park in the summer before her senior...
Breathing underwater /
Nash, Abbey Lee,
Paper Book
With one word, Tess's world could be completely undone- Epilepsy. Tess lives for swimming- the feel of the pool's rough edge on her toes, the snap of cold water on her skin, and the push of her limbs ever forward. In the water, she's truly alive. Until tragedy...
The busy body book :
Rockwell, Lizzy,
Paper Book
A celebration of the amazing human machine and a life on the move! Your amazing body can jump, sprint, twist, and twirl. Your body is built to move. Lizzy Rockwell explains how your bones and muscles, heart and lungs, nerves and brain all work together to keep you on the go...
Butterfly on the wind /
Pottle, Adam,
Paper Book
A magical picture book about a Deaf girl who creates a butterfly with Sign Language and sends it on a journey around the world. On the day of the talent show, Aurora's hands tremble. No matter how hard she tries to sign, her fingers stumble over one another and the words just...
Calm with the very hungry caterpillar /
Carle, Eric
Paper Book
This beautiful little gift book featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar provides an easy-to-follow journey to relaxation and mindfulness, perfect for teaching kids and their families about self-care. Just stop and breathe . . . How do you feel? Join The Very Hungry...
Chronically dolores /
Van Wagenen, Maya
Paper Book
Maya Van Wagenen, bestselling author of Popular, tells Dolores's story with humor, heartache, and an occasional bit of telenovela flair. "A striking fiction debut." --Publishers Weekly, starred review "An insightful, funny, and realistic coming-of...
Concrete kids /
Leâon, Amyra,
Paper Book
A Goddard CBC's Social Justice Prize Nominee . A YALSA Amazing Audiobook for Young Adults "I will close my eyes and disappear into the pages of this book for many years to come."--Hanif Abdurraqib (New York Times bestselling author of Go Ahead in The Rain- Notes to A...
Conditions of a heart /
Mangle, Bethany,
Paper Book
For fans of Talia Hibbert and Lynn Painter comes a funny and unflinchingly honest story about a teen who must come to terms with her disability and what it means for her identity, her love life, and her future. Brynn Kwan is desperate for her high school persona to be real....
Dr. Fauci :
Messner, Kate.
Paper Book
The definitive picture book biography of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and one of the most crucial figures in the COVID-19 pandemic. Before he was Dr. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and...
Dr. Seuss's sleep book.
Seuss,
Paper Book
Catch a case of the yawns with Dr. Seuss in this classic rhyming picture book. Bedtime has never been more fun! A yawn is quite catching, you see. Like a cough. It just takes one yawn to start other yawns off. Dr. Seuss spins a sleep-tastic tale about...
Eat your superpowers! :
Buzzeo, Toni.
Paper Book
Twenty-five different foods, grouped by color, are nutritionally decoded in this reference book for the preschool set. From grapes to beets and oatmeal to cashews, this reference book highlights and explains the benefits of 25 fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, each grouped...
Ellie Haycock is totally normal /
Schreiber, Gretchen,
Paper Book
The Breakfast Club meets Five Feet Apart in this big-hearted novel from debut author Gretchen Schreiber. Ellie Haycock has always separated her life into sections: Ellie at home and Ellie at the hospital. At home, Ellie is a proud member of her high school's...
Figure it out, Henri Weldon /
Davis, Tanita S.,
Paper Book
Tanita S. Davis, author of Partly Cloudy and Serena Says, has written another funny, warm story featuring middle school and family life--all about the complex calculations it takes for everyone to balance the equations of their lives and what it takes to be part of a team while...
Get up and go!
Carlson, Nancy L.
Paper Book
We all come in different shapes and sizes, and it doesn't matter if you are tall, short, skinny, or round.Your body is your own, and you need to take care of it. Whether it's a New Year's resolution or simply time for a change, this book is the perfect catalyst to get readers...
Give me a sign /
Sortino, Anna
Paper Book
Jenny Han meets CODA in this big-hearted YA debut about first love and Deaf pride at a summer camp. Lilah is stuck in the middle. At least, that's what having a hearing loss seems like sometimes-when you don't feel "deaf enough" to identify as Deaf or hearing enough to...
Good night, body :
Lee, Britney Winn,
Paper Book
"A soothing nighttime routine and an age-appropriate introduction to mindfulness." --Kirkus Reviews Bedtime can be full of big emotions for kids! Calm anxious, busy thoughts with this body scan meditation designed to help kids relax and prepare for sleep. This mindfulness...
Healthy eating /
Llewellyn, Claire
Paper Book
Here I Am
Grimes, Shaunta,
Paper Book
An honest, uplifting story about learning to live in the body you're born with. When seventeen-year-old Marcella Boucher asks Lou Duncan to her high school's "reverse prom" she expects a few snickers. After all, no one else knows that outside school the...
Honestly Elliott /
McDunn, Gillian,
Paper Book
Schneider Family Book Award: Best Middle Grade Honor Book! Highly-acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer, Gillian McDunn explores boyhood in a funny, big-hearted story about a kid trying to find the best way to be his best self. ...
Hope nation :
Paper Book
Hope is a decision, but it is a hard one to recognize in the face of oppression, belittlement, alienation, and defeat. To help embolden hope, here is a powerhouse collection of essays and letters that speak directly to teens and all YA readers. Featuring Marie Lu, James Dashner, Gayle Forman,...
Hot cocoa calm
Willey, Kira
Paper Book
Part of the Mindfulness Moments for Kids series, this mindful breathing moment teaches kids to find peace and calm. With Hot Cocoa Calm, kids learn to how to take control of their emotions and breathe their way to calm. The perfect soothing read for bedtime before...
How it feels to float /
Fox, Helena,
Paper Book
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best of the Year "Profoundly moving . . . Will take your breath away." --Kathleen Glasgow, author of Girl in Pieces A stunningly gorgeous and deeply hopeful portrayal of...
How to make friends with the dark /
Glasgow, Kathleen,
Paper Book
From the New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces comes a novel about love and loss and learning how to continue when it feels like you're surrounded by darkness. "A rare and powerful novel." --Karen M. McManus, New York Times bestselling author of...
Hummingbird /
Lloyd, Natalie,
Paper Book
A Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book From the bestselling author of A Snicker of Magic comes a heartfelt story about a girl who -- armed with her trusty, snazzy wheelchair -- refuses to let her brittle bone disease stand in the way of adventure Twelve...
In the blue /
Hourigan, Erin,
Paper Book
I've always been my dad's little sunspot. But one day, his world was no longer bright and yellow-it was a deep, dark blue. As one father embarks on an emotional journey, his daughter will navigate life lived in and around his depression. Most days the sun won't be able...
Let's talk about it : the teen's guide to sex, relationships, and being a human
Moen, Erika
Paper Book
Is what I'm feeling normal? Is what my body is doing normal? Am I normal? How do I know what are the right choices to make? How do I know how to behave? How do I fix it when I make a mistake? Let's talk about it. Growing up is complicated. How do you...
Lion needs a shot /
Yum, Hyewon.
Paper Book
Little lion Luka is NOT worried about a visit to the doctor. He's NOT scared of getting a shot. And he's definitely NOT a little lion anymore. R-O-A-R! His younger sister, Lulu, might be nervous for her first checkup-but no need to worry, big brother is here to set a brave example....
Listen :
Stocker, Shannon,
Paper Book
* Schneider Family Book Award Winner * A gorgeous and empowering picture book biography about Evelyn Glennie, a deaf woman, who became the first full-time solo percussionist in the world. "No. You can't," people said. But Evelyn knew she could. She...
Louder than hunger /
Schu, John,
Paper Book
An instant New York Times bestseller! "Every so often a book comes along that is so brave and necessary, it extends a lifeline when it's needed most. This is one of those books." --Katherine Applegate, author of the Newbery Medal-winning, The One and Only Ivan
The lumbering giants of Windy Pines /
Netz, Mo
Paper Book
In this debut spooky adventure, Jerry and her trusty wheelchair move into a creepy motel at the edge of the woods where nothing is as it seems. When her mom disappears, it's up to Jerry to brave the forest and its demons so she can save what's left of her family. Ever since...
My tata's remedies =
Rivera-Ashford, Roni Capin.
Paper Book
Commended Lists - Américas Book Award, Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs Best Educational Book, International Latino Book Awards Best Non Fiction Picture Book- International Latino Book Awards, Latino Literacy Now A bilingual story of family and traditional...
Nature and me : a guide to the joys and excitements of the outdoors
Paper Book
An essential guide to encourage children to explore, enjoy and benefit from the natural world around them. ** "This thought-provoking book should provide many opportunities to discuss and learn from the natural world. Highly recommend for classrooms and...
Party problems
Reid, C. L.
Paper Book
Emma is excited about Izzie's birthday party. But she's also nervous. Is her dress too fancy? Will she know anyone else at the party? Did she buy the right gift? Will Emma's worries ruin her chance to have fun? Find out how Emma handles her party problems in this early chapter book from the Emma...
Plant, cook, eat! :
Archer, Joe,
Paper Book
For beginners and green-thumbed foodies, this unusually all-inclusive garden-to-kitchen cookbook is part lesson in gardening and part collection of healthy, delicious, kid-friendly recipes. With vibrant photo-illustrations and clearly organized sections, discover how to plant...
Puzzled
Cooke, Pan,
Paper Book
Growing up with undiagnosed OCD sure isn't easy, and here Pan Cooke shares his own experiences with that condition in a graphic-novel memoir that is as funny as it is powerfully candid and openhearted. Pan Cooke is ten years old when anxious thoughts begin to take over his brain...
Rules for camouflage /
Cronn-Mills, Kirstin,
Paper Book
Atypical meets Every Last Word in this relatable and heartfelt coming of age story about a neurodivergent teen navigating school, friendships and first love. ​ Evvie Chambers is doing her best to skate through the last month of high...
Running with lions /
Winters, Julian,
Paper Book
Bloomington High School Lions star goalie Sebastian Hughes should be excited about his senior year: His teammates are amazing, and hes got a coach who doesnt ask anyone to hide their sexuality. But when his estranged childhood-best-friend Emir Shah shows up at summer training camp, Sebastian...
Sam the Sloth and the poop that wouldn't come :
Paper Book
Sam the Sloth loves to eat; but Sam does NOT like to poop. After lunch, Sam needs to use the potty - but pooping has been no fun at all and that's made going to the bathroom a little bit scary. Sam's mom comes to the rescue, sitting with Sam patiently and playing different bathroom games while...
Summer people /
Hosey, Sara
Paper Book
Christmas thought her ADHD was a liability. Turns out, it is a superpower. Seventeen-year-old Christmas Miller is looking forward to a summer of sunbathing and waterskiing at her home in Sweet Lake with Lexi, the one friend who gets her completely, ADHD and all. But the day of Lexi...
Summer supper /
Pfeffer, Rubin,
Paper Book
From sowing seeds in spring to savoring succotash, follow the creation of a family meal from the farm to the picnic table on a warm summer evening. Told entirely in words beginning with the letter "s," this book will give children an appreciation for the process by which their food travels to the...
Taking care of me :
Schuh, Mari C.,
Paper Book
What is a habit? How do we make habits that are good for us? With help from their Sesame Street friends, young readers learn about the good choices they can make every day, such as eating healthy foods, washing their hands, brushing and flossing their teeth, staying active, and getting enough...
Telephone of the tree /
McGhee, Alison,
Paper Book
An unforgettable story of grief and the support of community as a young girl, faced with aching loss, begins to understand that what we love will always be with us. Ayla and her best friend Kiri have always been tree people. They each have their own special tree, and neighbors...
Tummy ride =
Stewart, Whitney,
Paper Book
"The bright illustrations provided by Rocio Alejandro are a wonderful accompaniment to the book, especially that children of diverse ethnicities can be seen" - Youth Services Book Review Nurture kindness and help manage toddlers' everyday emotions with Mindful Tots: Tummy...
The valley and the flood
Mahoney, Rebecca
Paper Book
"A tense and beautiful tale about the monsters we make and the memories that haunt us." --Kate Alice Marshall, author of I Am Still Alive and Rules for Vanishing Rose Colter is almost home, but she can't go back there yet. When her car breaks down in the Nevada...
We are all so good at smiling /
Mcbride, Amber
Paper Book
They Both Die at the End meets The Bell Jar in this haunting, beautiful young adult novel-in-verse about clinical depression and healing from trauma, from National Book Award Finalist Amber McBride. Whimsy is back in the hospital for treatment of...
What happened to you? /
Catchpole, James,
Paper Book
A Schneider Family Book Award Honor book! This accessible, funny, and groundbreaking story addresses the questions children often ask, as well as a disabled child's choice not to answer. What happened to you? Was it a shark? A burglar?...
Wildoak /
Harrington, C. C.,
Paper Book
When the fates of a snow leopard, a child, and an ancient forest collide, the unimaginable can happen. Perfect for fans of Pax and The One and Only Ivan. **Winner of the 2023 Schneider Family Book Award!** * "Nuanced and empowering." - Publisher's...
I will never not ever eat a tomato /
Child, Lauren.
Paper Book
The creator of the acclaimed Clarice Bean, That's Me cooks up a droll and ingenious treat for picky eaters and the people who love them. Lola is a fussy eater. A very fussy eater. She won't eat her carrots (until big brother Charlie reveals that...
The words we keep /
Stewart, Erin,
Paper Book
WINNER OF THE SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD FOR TEENS! A beautifully realistic, relatable story about mental health--anxiety, perfectionism, depression--and the healing powers of art--perfect for fans of Girl in Pieces and How it Feels to Float. Whatever you struggle with...
You're missing it! /
Smith, Brady,
Paper Book
A busy Hollywood couple spins a hilarious cautionary tale about what happens when you are glued to your phone. It's a lively day at the neighborhood park. Birds are singing, squirrels are frolicking, dogs are causing a commotion--and wide-eyed children are enthralled by it all....
You're So Amazing!
Catchpole, James/ Catchpole, Lucy/ George, Karen (ILT)
Paper Book
In this authentic and humorous picture book, a child with a limb difference is tired of being told how amazing he is for doing normal things. Joe and his friend Simone are practicing their best playground tricks, but everyone keeps saying how amazing Joe is,...

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