Books for Mental Health Awareness Week

Posted on 13 May 2024

Read on to find out our favourite children’s fiction with an empathetic view on mental health issues, or discover our top non-fiction picks for guidance on mental health.

Fiction

Iris Green, Unseen

Iris Green, Unseen by Louise Finch

When Iris discovers that her boyfriend is cheating on her with one of her best friends, she doesn’t just feel invisible – she actually becomes invisible. And the less she can be seen, the more she understands the people around her, including Baker, the boy in the darkroom, who might be exactly what she needs to make her way back to herself.

Described as “essential reading for anyone who’s had to navigate school while protecting a fragile heart” by author Brianna Bourne, Iris Green, Unseen is a beautiful story for 13+ readers, with a tender exploration of anxiety and counselling in a school environment.

Like a Girl

Like A Girl by Rebecca Westcott

Eden McCoy doesn’t fit in. All she’s good at is running, and she doesn’t even dare join the track team. Her priority is to stay in the shadows and avoid the Glossies – a ruthless clique of girls who use social media to punish and humiliate their targets. But one day, Eden breaks her vow to stay unnoticed: she beats track star Mikki in a race. This bold move captures the attention of the Glossies, who decide Eden needs to either prove her loyalty – or suffer the consequences. And so The Testing begins…

Inspired by research into real teen opinions about the risks and benefits of social media, Like A Girl is a grippingly entertaining and moving story that also explores the joy to be found in running and exercise.

Heartstopper Volume Four

Heartstopper Volume Four by Alice Oseman

Charlie didn’t think Nick could ever like him back, but now they’re officially boyfriends. Charlie’s beginning to feel ready to say those three little words: I love you. Nick’s been feeling the same, but he’s got a lot on his mind – not least coming out to his dad, and the fact that Charlie might have an eating disorder. As summer turns to autumn and a new school year begins, Charlie and Nick are about to learn a lot about what love means.

Achingly sweet, romantic and kind, Heartstopper Volume Four is a great pick for 12+ readers that explores the complexities of loving someone who struggles with their mental health.

Non-Fiction

Dr Emily #3: anxiety and mental health DNFO

Healthy Mind, Happy You: How to Take Care of Your Mental Health by Dr Emily MacDonagh

What is anxiety, and how can you manage it? Why do people have low mood and depression?

This reassuring, fact-packed book for readers age 9 and up is all about how to maintain good mental health while growing up.

Let's Talk

Let’s Talk by Jessie Yendle

This book is a safe space to help you increase your positivity, tackle tasks you didn’t think you could, let go of the things that bother you, and deal with your anxieties. It’s an invaluable resource to help you build yourself up no matter what hurdles life throws at you.

This empowering and essential book for teens and young adults is filled with confidence-boosting advice from Jessie Yendle, TikTok star.

How Not to Lose It: Mental Health - Sorted.

How Not to Lose It by Anna Williamson and Sophie Beer

Exam stress? Friendship issues? Panic attacks? How Not to Lose It will help you be the boss of all of this, and more. It’s not just your body that should be fit and healthy – your mind needs to be, too!

With immediate, heart of the matter advice and a chatty yet honest tone, Anna Williamson addresses all of the key issues affecting children today in How Not To Lose It.

Browse more books on the Scholastic shop


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