9 Middle Grade Books for World Mental Health Day
It’s World Mental Health Day. Sadly, so many people struggle with mental health because there is not a lot of information widely available for people to turn toward. Mental health was (and still is) kept quiet about as if it’s a secret. Don’t get me wrong, the entire world doesn’t need to be up in anyone’s business. But, people don’t look down on someone who broke a bone, but there has traditionally been a stigma surrounding mental health.
I’m hoping that we are beginning to see a change in that mentality. In that mental health is just as important to physical health and if need be, there are ways to be healthier. Maybe it’s talking with a therapist, maybe it requires medicine. Those are not inherently bad things – they are necessary for a person’s mental health. I applaud people who advocate for themselves and who are receiving the help they need. And, I hope that more people realize that asking for help for your mental health is not shameful.
I’m excited to see more middle grade and lots of young adult books addressing mental health conditions. I think if we do a better job of normalizing it, kids will be able to better see themselves and their friends and hopefully be able to ask for help if they need it. Today I’m sharing just nine middle grade books about mental health – there are tons more out there. Each of these authors do an incredible job of addressing a mental health condition in an accessible and appropriate way for middle grade kids. I implore you to read these with the kids in your life and open up a discussion about mental health.
9 Middle Grade Books for World Mental Health Day
- The Battle of Junk Mountain by Lauren Abbey Greenberg
- Each Tiny Spark by Pablo Cartaya
- Finding Perfect by Elly Swartz
- The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson
- Guts by Raina Telgemeier
- OCDaniel by Wesley King
- The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller
- Some Kind of Happiness by Claire Legrand
- Where the Watermelons Grow by Cindy Baldwin
Also, check out my review of The Spinner of Dreams by K.A. Holt a fantasy adventure that explores mental health. Check out even more great titles from What We Do All Day.
