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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This makes me sad
Carbone, Courtney
Paper Book
If feeling blue isn't bad enough, it's even worse without your best furry friend. This Makes Me Sad follows a young boy after he accidentally lets his dog, Kit, loose from the yard. Despite his parents' attempt to find her, nothing can cheer up the boy. His favorite things, like a pretty...
Big feelings
Penfold, Alexandra
Paper Book
The newest picture book from the creators of All Are Welcome to help children navigate BIG FEELINGS! In their bestselling picture book All Are Welcome, Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman celebrate kindness, inclusivity, and diversity. Now with Big Feelings...
The science of breakable things
Keller, Tae
Paper Book
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR . THE CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY . KIRKUS REVIEWS The spectacular debut novel from the Newbery Award winning author of When You Trap a Tiger. This is an uplifting story about friendship, family, and the complicated...
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,...
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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