Books can be powerful tools for healing connection and resilience. They help us feel seen, reflect on our experiences and spark new ways of thinking about ourselves and others. Whether we are reading to a child, discovering something new as a teen or finding validation and growth as an adult books offer companionship on the mental wellness journey.
To honor Mental Health Month and this year’s theme Your Story Your Strength we curated a list of meaningful titles for all ages. These books explore topics such as emotions, trauma, healing, identity and belonging. They are great for families, book clubs, professionals or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of mental health.
Book Recommendations by Age Group:
Children Ages 3–10
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival
The Color Monster by Anna Llenas
After the Fall by Dan Santat
I Am Human by Susan Verde
What Do You Do with a Problem by Kobi Yamada
Listening with My Heart by Gabi Garcia
A Little Spot of Emotion series by Diane Alber
You Matter by Christian Robinson
I Can Handle It by Laurie Wright
Teens Ages 11–18
You Will Be Okay by Julie Stokes
My Body is Not a Prayer Request by Amy Kenny
The Self-Love Workbook for Teens by Shainna Ali
Go Bravely by Emily Wilson
Chill by Deborah Reber
Just As You Are by Michelle Skeen
Breathe Like a Bear by Kira Willey
Hey Kiddo by Jarrett J Krosoczka
Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Adults
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski
Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
Rising Strong by Brene Brown
What Happened to You by Oprah Winfrey and Dr Bruce Perry
Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
Set Boundaries Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
The Lightmakers Manifesto by Karen Walrond
Professionals Educators Therapists Leaders
Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown
Trauma Stewardship by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky
Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett
The Whole-Brain Child by Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
The Resilient Practitioner by Thomas M Skovholt
The Deepest Well by Nadine Burke Harris
How to Stay Human in a Difficult World by Tim Desmond
Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff
The Power of Showing Up by Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
Think Again by Adam Grant
How to Use This Book List:
• Share with families in your care or classrooms
• Start a book club or reflection group around a specific theme
• Add one of these titles to a wellness station or break room
• Use in workshops or training spaces to open discussion
• Your story and your strength can grow through the pages of a book
Download a PDF of this Book Recommendation List: Mental Health Month Book Recommendations
