Books About Depression

The Best Depression Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about depression? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Depression

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Science of Breakable Things

By Tae Keller

A girl tries to win a science competition to help her mother who has become depressed and withdrawn.

320 pages· 52,518 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 4,794 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Natalie believes winning an egg drop contest can fund a trip to see magical orchids, reviving her depressed mother. With her friends' support, she embarks on a journey of hope and discovery, learning that sometimes, talking about problems is the first step to healing. Can the power of friendship and science bring light to her mother's darkness?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Darius the Great Is Not Okay

By Adib Khorram · Book #1 in the Darius the Great series

A trip to Iran transforms Darius, challenging his identity and friendships.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2019)Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2019)

316 pages· 66,781 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 37,900 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Darius Kellner, a self-proclaimed 'Fractional Persian,' embarks on his first journey to Iran, grappling with cultural identity and depression. Struggling to fit in, he meets Sohrab, the boy next door, who calls him Darioush, awakening a sense of belonging. As they bond over soccer and secret rooftop talks, Darius discovers a new version of himself. Will this friendship help him reconcile his dual heritage and find where he truly belongs? Dive into a heartfelt tale of identity, friendship, and self-discovery.

Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2017

Eliza and Her Monsters

By Francesca Zappia

An online creator's secret identity is exposed, threatening her world and newfound offline connections.

420 pages· 76,968 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 65,613 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Eliza Mirk, a shy teen, secretly runs a famous webcomic. Her online world is perfect until Wallace, a new student, challenges her to embrace real life. When her identity is revealed, Eliza's carefully crafted world unravels, risking her art, friendships, and sanity. Can she find balance between her digital fame and the real world?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2015

All the Bright Places

By Jennifer Niven

Two teens meet on a ledge, changing each other's lives forever.

388 pages· 88,079 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 641,901 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Theodore Finch is obsessed with death, while Violet Markey longs for the future. When they meet on a school bell tower ledge, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways. As Violet learns to live in the moment, Finch finds his world shrinking. Can their connection save them both, or will it unravel under the weight of their struggles? Discover a poignant tale of love, loss, and the power of human connection.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Love, Aubrey

By Suzanne LaFleur

Aubrey faces loss and a life-changing decision in Vermont.

272 pages· 52,603 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 11,709 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: After an unimaginable loss, young Aubrey moves to Vermont to live with her grandmother. As she navigates new friendships and the path to healing, she must confront a pivotal choice that could redefine her future. Will she find the strength to move forward, or will the past hold her back? Discover Aubrey's journey of resilience and hope in this touching tale of recovery and self-discovery.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

How to Become a Planet

By Nicole Melleby

Pluto's summer of self-discovery challenges her to redefine normal amidst depression and family pressures.

288 pages· 53,034 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,367 ratings

$7.95Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Pluto faces a summer unlike any other. Diagnosed with depression, she feels trapped by a looming move to the city. Determined to stay with her mom, Pluto devises a plan to reclaim her old self. But with the help of a new therapist, a supportive tutor, and a charming friend, Pluto learns that self-discovery is about embracing who she is now, not who she used to be. Will Pluto find her place in the universe, or will the weight of expectations pull her into a black hole?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

Some Kind of Happiness

By Claire Legrand

A girl must save a magical world to save herself.

374 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 6,530 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Finley Hart's summer at her grandparents' house reveals a magical forest from her notebook is real. As she uncovers its secrets, she must confront her own inner struggles to save the Everwood. Can she find the strength to heal both worlds?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Taylor Before and After

By Jennie Englund

A tragic accident shatters Taylor's world. Can she rebuild her life from the pieces left behind?

320 pages· 60,740 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 323 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Taylor Harper's life splits into 'before' and 'after' a devastating accident. Once popular and surrounded by friends, she now faces isolation and bullying. Her family is fractured, and her brother Eli is gone. Through diary entries, Taylor navigates the tumultuous year, grappling with loss and searching for hope. Can she find a way to move forward when the past looms so large? Discover Taylor's journey of resilience and self-discovery in a world turned upside down.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Vilonia Beebe Takes Charge

By Kristin L. Gray

A girl must prove her responsibility to get a dog and help her grieving mom.

208 pages· 41,988 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 188 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Fourth grader Vilonia is on a mission: prove she's responsible enough to get a dog. But it's not just about her lifelong wish; she believes a pet could lift her mom from a fog of grief after losing Nana. With the Catfish Festival looming, Vilonia juggles keeping the library goldfish alive, avoiding stray animals, and ensuring her mom keeps her job. Can she manage it all and bring joy back to her family? This heartfelt journey blends humor and determination in a touching coming-of-age tale.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2018

When Sadness Is at Your Door

By Eva Eland · When Sadness Is at Your Door series

Explore sadness as a visitor, not a foe.

32 pages· 145 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 3,448 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 'When Sadness Is at Your Door,' sadness is a visitor, not a burden. Eva Eland invites readers to meet this feeling with curiosity and kindness. Through gentle activities like drawing and walking, discover how to coexist with sadness without fear. This beautifully illustrated book offers a mindful approach to emotional literacy, helping both children and adults navigate complex emotions with respect and understanding. What if sadness isn't something to overcome, but a guest to welcome?

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Depression Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about depression for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1899

Looking for Smile

Ages 0–8 · 2020

Bear's Smile is missing. Can his friends help him find it?

Sale price

$1699

The Color Thief

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A boy's world loses color as his father battles depression, but hope returns with healing.

Sale price

$1799

Shadow

Ages 5–8 · 2019

A child discovers a mysterious Shadow under the bed, challenging fears and family bonds.

Series

Sale price

$1599

Sometimes When I'm Sad

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A child learns to manage overwhelming sadness with simple, empowering strategies.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1895

Skim

Ages 14–17 · 2008

A goth teen navigates love and loss amidst school chaos.

Sale price

$1699

Pockets Full of Rocks

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A girl seeks to understand her father's depression, hoping for his return to happiness.

View all depression picture books

Browse by age

Depression Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about depression for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1699

A Blind Guide to Stinkville

Ages 8–12 · 2015

Alice must prove her blindness doesn't define her in a new town.

Sale price

$1699

Someone Else's Shoes

Ages 10–14 · 2018

Three kids embark on a road trip to find a missing uncle, discovering family in unexpected places.

Sale price

$1899

Icebreaker

Ages 14–17 · 2022

Two rivals on the ice face unexpected feelings that could change everything.

Sale price

$1999

We Are All So Good at Smiling

Ages 14–17 · 2023

Two teens confront a mysterious forest hiding their shared past and deepest fears.

Sale price

$1099

When We Collided

Ages 14–18 · 2016

A summer romance tests two teens as love battles old wounds and unexpected challenges.

Sale price

$1999

The Only Girl in Town

Ages 12–+ · 2023

Everyone in July's town vanishes. Can she uncover the truth and bring them back?

Sale price

$1899

Dinner at the Brake Fast

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A diner heist, a prized photo, and a dinner to brighten a dark day.

Series

Sale price

$699

Who Is Michael Phelps?

Ages 8–12 · 2024

Discover how a spirited boy became an Olympic legend and health advocate.

Sale price

$1799

My Ex-Imaginary Friend

Ages 9–12 · 2021

Jack's imaginary friend may hold the key to reuniting his fractured family.

Sale price

$1799

The Last Tree Town

Ages 9–12 · 2020

Cassi's identity is challenged as a viral video threatens her newfound friendship.

View all depression chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about depression and mental illness Books about death, grief, and bereavement Books about helping others Books about making friends Books about mother-daughter relationships Books about secrets Books about self-esteem and self-reliance Books about the scientific method

The Best Depression Books for Kids

Our 10 Favorite Books About Depression

The Science of Breakable Things

Darius the Great Is Not Okay

Eliza and Her Monsters

All the Bright Places

Love, Aubrey

How to Become a Planet

Some Kind of Happiness

Taylor Before and After

Vilonia Beebe Takes Charge

When Sadness Is at Your Door

Great books, picked for their age.

Depression Picture Books

Looking for Smile

The Color Thief

Shadow

Sometimes When I'm Sad

Skim

Pockets Full of Rocks

Depression Chapter Books & Middle Grade

A Blind Guide to Stinkville

Someone Else's Shoes

Icebreaker

We Are All So Good at Smiling

When We Collided

The Only Girl in Town

Dinner at the Brake Fast

Who Is Michael Phelps?

My Ex-Imaginary Friend

The Last Tree Town

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