Books About Depression And Mental Illness · 194 titles considered

The Best Depression And Mental Illness Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about depression and mental illness? 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Depression And Mental Illness

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A girl tries to win a science competition to help her mother who has become depressed and withdrawn.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 experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 4,783 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1999

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

By Stephen Chbosky

A wallflower navigates the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood, facing love, loss, and self-discovery.

224 pages· 62,621 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,056,070 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Summary: Charlie, an introspective high schooler, grapples with the chaos of growing up. Amidst first loves, family secrets, and the allure of rebellion, he must find his place in a world that feels both thrilling and overwhelming. As he teeters on the edge of adolescence and adulthood, will Charlie embrace life or retreat into the shadows? This poignant tale captures the essence of youth's roller-coaster ride, inviting readers to laugh, cry, and reflect on their own journey.

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2007

Impulse

By Ellen Hopkins · Book #1 in the Impulse series

Three teens face their darkest moments at a psychiatric hospital, seeking hope and redemption after failed suicide attempts.

666 pages· 55,726 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 83,228 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Summary: Vanessa, Tony, and Conner find themselves at Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital, after each attempted to end their life. Vanessa hides behind a facade, Tony seeks solace in pills, and Conner battles inner turmoil despite a seemingly perfect life. As they confront their pasts and demons, they must decide if they can help each other find a path to healing. Will they seize this second chance, or will their struggles consume them? Their intertwined journeys reveal the power of friendship and resilience in the face of despair.

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 · 37,844 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

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 · 65,601 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

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 · 641,062 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

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

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Where the Watermelons Grow

By Cindy Baldwin

A girl seeks magic honey to heal her mother's mind, but discovers the true cure lies within her own heart.

256 pages· 51,447 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 3,008 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Della Kelly is desperate to save her mother from a returning mental illness. With her father struggling to keep their farm afloat, Della believes the Bee Lady's magic honey is the answer. But when the Bee Lady suggests the real healing involves Della's own heart, she must confront the true meaning of love and acceptance. Can Della find the courage to embrace her mother as she is, or will her quest for a cure lead her astray?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Hey, Kiddo

By Jarrett J. Krosoczka · Book #1 in the Hey, Kiddo series

A boy navigates life with an absent father and addicted mother.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2019)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2018)Cybils Award (2018)Golden Kite Honor (2019)Odyssey Award (2020)

320 pages· 15,721 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 35,667 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Summary: Jarrett's childhood is anything but ordinary. With a mother battling addiction and a father he's never met, he finds solace in art while living with his outspoken grandparents. As he grows, Jarrett seeks the truth about his family, confronting his mother's struggles and searching for his elusive father. Can he piece together his fractured past and find his own path forward?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

OCDaniel

By Wesley King · Book #1 in the OCDaniel series

A boy's secret OCD is exposed by a mysterious note, altering his world.

304 pages· 58,013 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 10,237 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Daniel, a boy hiding his OCD, is thrust into a life-altering mystery when he receives a cryptic note from 'Fellow Star Child.' As he navigates school life, avoiding attention, a girl named Sara sees through his facade. What does the note mean, and why does it involve him? Daniel's journey is about embracing differences and finding connection in unexpected places. Will he uncover the truth and find those who truly understand him?

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2006

It's Kind of a Funny Story

By Ned Vizzini

A teen's dream school becomes a nightmare, leading him to a mental hospital where he confronts his deepest fears.

444 pages· 80,289 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 264,146 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Summary: Craig Gilner's dream of success crumbles when the pressure of his elite high school becomes unbearable. After a near-tragic night, he finds himself in a mental hospital, surrounded by unique characters like a self-elected president and a girl with self-inflicted scars. Isolated from his old life, Craig must face his anxiety and discover an unexpected path to happiness. Can he find hope amidst chaos and redefine his future?

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Depression And Mental Illness Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1799

The Tide

Ages 4–7 · 2019

A girl navigates her grandpa's fading memories at the beach.

Sale price

$1999

The Remember Balloons

Ages 5–9 · 2018

A boy struggles to preserve his grandpa's fading memories as they drift away.

Sale price

$1999

Grandma

Ages 4–8 · 2013

A child's diary reveals the emotional journey of a grandmother entering care.

Sale price

$1695

Newspaper Hats

Ages 3–7 · 2015

A child helps her grandpa remember through the art of making newspaper hats, bridging memory gaps with love and creativity.

Sale price

$1900

My Elephant Is Blue

Ages 4–8 · 2021

Can anything lift the weight of sadness when it feels like an elephant on your chest?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1799

A Shelter for Sadness

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A boy befriends his sadness, learning to embrace emotions and find beauty in the world.

Sale price

$1395

My Beautiful Birds

Ages 6–10 · 2017

A boy's journey from war-torn Syria to healing, guided by unexpected feathered friends.

Sale price

$1799

Balloons for Papa

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A boy's quest for a balloon brings unexpected magic to his father's life.

Sale price

$1699

Tea Cakes for Tosh

Ages 5–8 · 2012

A boy helps his grandmother remember a cherished family story through the taste of tea cakes.

Sale price

$1999

Love Your Body

Ages 7–9 · 2019

Celebrate your body and embrace your unique strength.

Sale price

$1799

When Sadness Is at Your Door

Ages 3–7 · 2018

Explore sadness as a visitor, not a foe.

Sale price

$1795

The House of Lost and Found

Ages 3–7 · 2017

A lonely man finds hope through an unexpected plant gift.

View all depression and mental illness picture books

Browse by age

Depression And Mental Illness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about depression and mental illness for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1299

Harley in the Sky

Ages 12–18 · 2020

A teen defies her family to chase her circus dreams, facing harsh truths and sacrifices.

Sale price

$1799

Mosquitoland

Ages 12–18 · 2015

A girl's journey to her sick mother reveals unexpected truths and challenges her sanity.

Sale price

$1799

Last Meeting of the Gorilla Club

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Josh's imaginary friend reappears, but can Lucas see him too?

Sale price

$899

Can You See Me?

Ages 8–12 · 2019

An autistic girl navigates new challenges at school, questioning what it means to be 'normal.'

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1599

A Graphic Novel

Ages 13–17 · 2023

Can love survive when university looms and confidence wavers?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Heartstopper Vol. 3

Ages 14–17 · 2020

Nick and Charlie navigate love and secrets on a school trip to Paris.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Volume Two

Ages 13–17 · 2019

A kiss changes everything for two best friends, leaving them questioning love and friendship.

Sale price

$1899

Popcorn

Ages 8–12 · 2024

Andrew's Picture Day spirals into chaos, testing his anxiety and fears.

Sale price

$1899

Louder Than Hunger

Ages 10–14 · 2024

Jake battles inner demons and an eating disorder, risking everything to find his voice before he vanishes completely.

Sale price

$1799

My Life in the Fish Tank

Ages 9–13 · 2020

Zinny must balance family secrets and her dreams when her brother's illness changes everything.

Sale price

$1899

Tree. Table. Book.

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A young girl fights to save her elderly friend from losing her memories and freedom.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Volume Four

Ages 14–17 · 2021

Love's challenges test Charlie and Nick as secrets and fears surface.

View all depression and mental illness chapter books

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Books about family problems Books about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse Books about helping others Books about death, grief, and bereavement Books about depression Books about drawing Books about farm life and ranch life Books about growing up

Our 10 Favorite Books About Depression And Mental Illness

Great books, picked for their age.

Depression And Mental Illness Picture Books

Depression And Mental Illness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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