Books About Mental Health for Middle & High School Students
Incorporating books about mental health into your middle and high school ELA curriculum or classroom library can help students process their emotions, develop tools for coping, reduce stigma, promote improved self esteem, and build empathy. Diverse narratives about mental health in literature can also help students realize that they are not alone and that they can seek support.
Here are a few middle grade and YA books to consider adding to your curriculum or classroom library:
Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson
This novel-in-verse shows the perspective of ZJ, a boy whose dad has chronic traumatic encephalopathy due to his years of playing football as a professional athlete. ZJ grieves the person his dad once was as he watches his dad begin to forget things and get angry frequently. This book sheds light on the long-term impact of concussions and brain injuries that many football players experience, as well as the pain of watching loved ones change.
The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller
In this fiction book, the protagonist Natalie tries to find a way to fix her mom's depression. When she hears about an egg drop competition with a big prize, she imagines using the prize money to take her mom to see Cobalt Blue Orchids. She hopes that the flowers will bring back her mom's joy again.
This book is perfect for students who personally experience depression or who have parents who are depressed. It explores mental health in a relatable, touching way.
Unstuck by Barbara Dee
This novel is told from the perspective of Lyla, a seventh grade student who loves to write. Throughout the book, she navigates evolving friendships, the process of moving to a new school, family conflicts, and feelings of inadequacy. Lyla is frustrated by "writer's block" and struggles to find a way to transfer the stories in her head to paper. This book will particularly resonate with students who love writing or struggle with perfectionism.
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
The premise of this novel is fascinating; a girl named Lucy gets hit by lightning and gets incredible math abilities. Although Lucy is homeschooled for a while, Lucy's grandma encourages her to try middle school for a year. When Lucy starts school, she struggles to blend in with her peers due to her OCD compulsions to sanitize and maintain certain rituals.
This book will resonate with students who have struggled to fit in, felt isolated without close friendships, or wondered if it's safe to be themselves around others. It ultimately shows the power of friendships to help with navigating difficult times.
Please Pay Attention by Jamie Sumner
In this book, the main character Bea navigates life after a school shooting in which some of her classmates and a teacher died.
Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
In this book, the protagonist Willow loves to count in groups of 7s, enjoys nature, and is curious about diagnosing medical issues. Her life takes a sudden turn when her parents die in a tragic car accident. Throughout the rest of the book, Willow navigates loss and grief, ultimately finding healing in the unexpected community that supports her through pain.
Each Tiny Spark by Pablo Cartaya
In Each Tiny Spark, the protagonist Emilia navigates life with ADHD while processing her dad's PTSD when he returns from deployment.
Drawing Deena by Hena Khan
Some Kind of Happiness by Claire Legrand
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