Young Adult Books That Depict Mental Health Issues

As students enjoy the final weeks of Summer Break, it is the perfect time to read for pleasure. Increasing numbers of Young Adult books address mental health issues. Some recent favorites include the following eight titles.

• Essential Maps for the Lost by Deb Caletti explores the relationship between two teenagers, who suffer from grief, loss and the effects of depression, and the connection to their favorite book, E. L. Konigsburg’s From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.
• Funny and witty, Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella features a title character with anxiety and depression.
• While Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta illustrates how depression can affect an entire family, it remains a happy, inspiring story.
• Recommended by an individual who experienced trauma-based depression, The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay depicts the story of Nastya and Josh, who have endured devastating losses, and their journey toward healing.
• Refreshing and relatable, Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl contains characters who struggle with learning disabilities, mania and social anxiety and notes the importance of taking personal and academic risks.
• It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini is a touching and inspiring novel based on the author’s own stay in a psychiatric hospital.
• In John Corey Whaley’s Highly Illogical Behavior, a peer is determined to cure Solomon’s agoraphobia. anxiety and panic disorder in order to win a scholarship that will allow her to attend her dream college. The book is authentic, informative and amusing.
• Finally, Made You Up by Francesca Zappia beautifully portrays Alex, a high school Senior battling schizophrenia.

If you have any personal favorite books that depict youth mental health, please forward them to plandnova@gmail.com. Thank you!  #EndTheStigma #amreading #YouAreNotAlone