Books About Mental Health · 136 titles considered

The Best Mental Health Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about mental health? 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 Mental Health

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

$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

$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

$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

$2850

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2015

The Thing About Jellyfish

By Ali Benjamin

A girl seeks the truth behind her friend's death, suspecting a jellyfish sting.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2015)The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2016)

352 pages· 45,506 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 46,436 ratings

$30.00Save 5%

Summary: After her best friend's tragic drowning, Suzy believes a rare jellyfish sting is to blame. Determined to prove her theory, she embarks on a global quest, navigating grief and wonder. As Suzy delves deeper into her silent world of imagination, she uncovers the mysteries of life, death, and the universe. Will her journey lead to answers, or will she find hope and love closer than she imagined? Discover the poignant adventure of a girl driven by loss and curiosity.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1999

Speak

By Laurie Halse Anderson

A silenced teen confronts her trauma and fights to reclaim her voice.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (1999)Michael L. Printz Honor (2000)Golden Kite Award (2000)

224 pages· 46,607 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 641,743 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Melinda starts high school as an outcast after calling the cops on a party. Isolated and silent, she finds solace in art, which helps her confront the truth: she was raped by a fellow student. As she begins to heal, another encounter with her attacker forces her to fight back and refuse silence. Will Melinda find the courage to speak up and reclaim her voice? This powerful story explores themes of consent and resilience, challenging readers to consider the importance of speaking out against injustice.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Spirit Hunters

By Ellen Oh · Book #1 in the Spirit Hunters series

A new home, eerie memories, and a brother acting strange. Can Harper uncover the haunting truth?

288 pages· 49,469 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 4,007 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Harper Raine, a seventh grader, moves into a house rumored to be haunted. Her brother, Michael, starts behaving oddly, triggering Harper's unsettling déjà vu. As eerie memories surface, Harper must unravel the mystery before it's too late. Can she confront the ghosts haunting her family and uncover the truth hidden in her past? Dive into a chilling adventure where every shadow holds a secret and every memory a clue.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

My Heart

By Corinna Luyken

Discover the journey of a heart learning to open and embrace love.

32 pages· 125 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,620 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Explore the journey of a heart that can be a window, a slide, or a fence. Some days it shields, other days it welcomes love. This lyrical tale invites readers to embrace kindness and self-acceptance, encouraging them to listen to their inner guide. Will your heart open wide to the world around you?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

When You Need Wings

By Lita Judge

Discover the wings within and let imagination guide you to courage.

40 pages· 126 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 292 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: When the world feels overwhelming, a child learns to listen to the quiet beat of their own wings. This journey through imagination reveals hidden strength and courage, inviting young readers to explore their inner world and find their voice. Will they embrace the power within and let it shine in the real world? A magical tale of self-discovery awaits.

Picture Book · 2019

A Little SPOT of Sadness

By Diane Alber · A Little SPOT series

A child learns to manage their sadness through creative visualization and empathy.

32 pages· 811 words

4.5/5 Goodreads · 274 ratings

Summary: A child discovers how to visualize and control their sadness by imagining it as a 'SADNESS SPOT.' Through various scenarios, they learn strategies to manage overwhelming emotions and help others do the same. With guidance on empathy and friendship, the child finds ways to return to a peaceful state. Can they master their emotions and support their friends in doing so? This story offers a gentle approach to understanding and managing feelings, encouraging young readers to embrace compassion and self-awareness.

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Mental Health Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1899

The Interpreter

Ages 5–8 · 2025

A young girl juggles soccer and translating for her parents. Can she handle the pressure?

A Little SPOT of Feelings

2020

Master your emotions with practical techniques.

A Little Peaceful SPOT

2019

Discover your inner calm amidst chaos.

A Little SPOT of Worry

2020

Distinguish helpful worries from imagined fears.

A Little Calm SPOT

2020

Discover calm through breathing and movement.

A Little SPOT of Confidence

2019

Can a child's confidence grow or shrink with life's challenges?

Sale price

$1599

Simone Biles

Ages 6–8 · 2024

A gymnast's journey from foster care to Olympic glory, facing challenges and advocating for mental health.

Sale price

$1599

Too Much!

Ages 3–5 · 2023

When the world overwhelms, find calm within the chaos.

Sale price

$1899

A Little Spot of Anxiety

Ages 3–8 · 2024

Can a child learn to shrink overwhelming anxiety into calmness?

Sale price

$1899

Out of a Jar

Ages 3–7 · 2022

A bunny learns the danger of bottling up emotions and discovers the beauty of feeling them all.

Sale price

$1899

Something, Someday

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Can small actions change a broken world? Discover hope and transformation.

Sale price

$1899

A Little Scribble SPOT

Ages 3–7 · 2023

A tangled mess of emotions seeks clarity and happiness.

View all mental health picture books

Browse by age

Mental Health Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about mental health for developing and independent readers.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2299

Weirdo

Ages 10–14 · 2024

An outcast must become his own hero after a life-changing event.

Sale price

$1499

The Final Year

Ages 9–12 · 2023

A boy's world unravels as friendships shift and family crises loom. Can he find his way through the chaos?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

The Golden Hour

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A high school student returns from spring break to a school recovering from a traumatic event and finds grounding through photography, friendship, and a calf named Daisy.