From a hedgehog too eager to go ice skating to a puppy who can’t get his letters right, children’s books address many of the emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges children face. These books help children name and understand feelings and experiences that they may be struggling with. At Child Mind Institute, we have reached out to publishers around the world to request books that address mental health and learning disorders and other common challenges, such as dealing with painful experiences and dealing with strong emotions. We include books for children ages 12 and under, from picture books for reading with preschoolers to chapter books for independent reading by older children. our doctors read them all and chose the best in each category, based on how helpful they found them. here you will see descriptions of 44 books that we like and hope you find them useful.
go to books on: abuse | adhd | anxiety | autism | intimidation | depression | dyslexia | feelings | grief and loss | identity | negligence | knock | self-esteem | selective mutism | sensory processing | tourette’s syndrome | trauma
You are reading: Children’s books on mental health
I Said No! A Kid-to-Kid Guide to Keeping Private Parts Private Written by Zach and Kimberly King, illustrated by Sue Rama
This clever book helps children understand boundaries, using “red flag” and “green flag” terminology. “It reviews many classic scenarios in simple language,” says an expert from the child mind institute. ages 4-8. published by bouden publishing house.
Cory Stories: A Kid’s Book About Living With ADHD Written by Jeanne Kraus, illustrated by Whitney Martin
Cory tells readers about himself in this illustrated book with black and white illustrations. Cory says kids make fun of him sometimes and he’s not sure why. “sometimes my whole body falls off the chair!” But readers also learn that Cory has persevered, concentrating in karate class, making friends at the bowling club, and helping other kids with math. the important parting message: “nobody needs to be good at everything. but I discovered that I am good at many things.” ages 6-11. published by imagination press.
I Can’t Sit Still! Living With ADHD Written by Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso, illustrated by Marta Fabrega
In this picture book’s first-person narrative, Lucas discovers that ADHD is the reason he yells out the answer to math problems in class and has a hard time following kickball rules. his doctor gives him medications and strategies to help him get better. “It provides a clear explanation of common symptoms and interventions in child-friendly terms,” says an expert from the child mind institute. he will also appreciate the parenting guide at the end of the book. ages 5-9. published by b.e.s. publication.
Why Can’t Jimmy Sit Still? Written by Sandra L. Tunis, PhD, illustrated by Maeve Kelly
Seven-year-old Jimmy yells answers at school, gets carried away at recess, and gets distracted when doing homework. he doesn’t understand why he can’t settle down until his parents take him to the doctor and find out he has adhd. This book is written by a psychologist who breaks down common symptoms in an age-appropriate way and makes it clear that ADHD is not a child’s fault. ages 4-8. published by new horizon press.
Don’t Feed the WorryBug Written and illustrated by Andi Green
In this whimsical book of rhymes, Wince the worry monster learns that the more he worries, the more the annoying worry bug grows. eventually, the worry bug grows so big it can’t be ignored, and wince knows he has to do something. The book does a good job of illustrating how anxiety can become overwhelming and teaching children how they can take charge of their anxiety. ages 3-8. posted by monsters in my head.
The Fix-It Friends: Have No Fear! Written by Nicole C. Kear, illustrated by Tracy Dockray
Seven-year-old Veronica wants to help her classmate Maya overcome her fear of insects, which prevents her from playing at recess. Veronica comes up with a step by step plan which she starts by drawing a spider. “Showing gradual exposure to anxieties is a great approach,” says an expert at the Child Mind Institute. ages 7-10. published by press.
Hector’s Favorite Place Written and illustrated by Jo Rooks
a cute hedgehog refuses to ice skate and play in the snow with his animal friends because of his worries. “What if he had forgotten how to skate? he could fall and get hurt.” when hector receives a fun invitation to the winter forest party, he hesitates for a moment and then realizes that he has to be brave. “It’s a lovely story,” says an expert from the child mind institute. “I like that Hector does a little more, and then a little more, and so on.” ages 4-8. published by imagination press.
How Big Are Your Worries Little Bear? By Jayneen Sanders, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman
Anxious about school, soccer practice, and the monsters under his bed, Baby Bear worried day and night, despite his family telling him to stop worrying. But when his mom began to encourage him to talk and even express his concerns, the feelings began to calm down. “I like that the book emphasizes the importance of sharing your thoughts and feelings,” says an expert from the child mind institute. Another bonus: The book suggests questions you can ask his child as you read together. ages 6-10. published by educate2empower publishing house.
Pilar’s Worries Written by Victoria M. Sanchez, illustrated by Jess Golden
In this new picture book, Pilar lives and breathes ballet, even doing pliés while brushing her teeth. but her audition for the winter ballet scares her and she almost doesn’t go. By using smart coping techniques like positive thinking and talking to her friends, she is able to overcome her fears. Bravo! ages 4-8. Posted by Albert Whitman & company.
What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety Written by Dawn Huebner, illustrated by Bonnie Matthews
Designed for children and parents to read together, this nine-chapter behavioral therapy workbook covers topics such as “how do worries start?” and “keep worries away”. suggestions include relaxation exercises and setting a designated “worry time.” Multiple pages encourage children to draw or write about their concerns. the brilliant final page prompts children to draw themselves without worry. ages 6-12. published by imagination press.
Armond Goes to a Party: A Book About Asperger’s and Friendship Written by Nancy Carlson and Armond Isaak, illustrated by Nancy Carlson
Co-written by a child with Asperger’s, this picture book “provides a simple understanding of why children with Asperger’s have difficulty attending parties and talks about the importance of learning to be flexible,” says an expert from the Child Mind Institute . Readers can relate to Armond’s fear of the balloons popping and not being able to think of anything to say. In the end, Armond admits to his mom that the party was hard, but he’s glad he went. ages 4-8. Posted by Free Spirit Publishing.
A Boy Called Bat Written by Elana K. Arnold, illustrated by Charles Santoso
On the surface, it’s a sweet boy wants a pet story. Bixby’s mom (aka bat) is a vet, and she brings home a baby skunk that he desperately wants to keep. But readers with autism can relate to talk of itchy, uncomfortable clothing, sticking to routines, and only having friends who are adults. “does a wonderful job of describing the day-to-day experience of children with high-functioning tea,” says an expert at the child mind institute. ages 6-10. Published by Walden Pond Press.
A Whole New Ballgame: A Rip and Red Book Written by Phil Bildner, illustrated by Tim Probert
In the first book in a series, best friends Rip and Red have just started fifth grade. red has autism and rip doesn’t. their common passion: basketball. many chapters such as “hoops madness” and “razed and bombed” focus on his adventures on the school basketball team. “It’s not a book that obviously deals with autism,” says an expert from the child mind institute. “It’s a fun and light-hearted story with characters that tweens will really relate to.” ages 8-12. posted by square fish.
Am I a Bully? Written by Hope Gilchrist, illustrated by Zoe Jordon
Toby makes his friends laugh when he makes fun of a classmate for his weird clothes. he’s just trying to be funny and he’s not hitting anyone, so he can’t be a bully, can he? This independently published paperback helps kids recognize when teasing crosses the line into bullying. ages 6-9. published by independent publishing platform createspace.
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Chrysanthemum Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes
This sweet story prepares children for how fleeting teasing can be. On the first day of school, Victoria picks on a chrysanthemum because it has the same name as a flower, and the chrysanthemum wilts under the ridicule. then the students learn that a teacher has a similar name, and suddenly the chrysanthemum is cool. ages 4-8. published by mulberry books.
Tease Monster: A Book About Teasing vs. Bullying Written by Julia Cook, illustrated by Anita DuFalla
Particularly good for an anxious or literal child, this book of rhymes helps distinguish between teasing and bullying. “There are two types of teasing: good and bad,” Cook writes. “You think everyone is against you, but it’s not what it seems.” Readers will learn strategies for responding to both polite teasing and bullying. ages 5-10. published by boys town press.
Warp Speed Written by Lisa Yee
In a fast-paced chapter book that will appeal to reluctant readers, Marley thinks seventh grade will be boring until she catches the eye of the school bully. Digger pushes Marley down the hall, and drama unfolds. “It’s a very relatable story for kids who feel like outsiders,” says an expert at the Child Mind Institute. bonus: if your kid is a fan of star wars, there are plenty of references. ages 8-12. posted by arthur a. levine books.
Wonder Written by R.J. Palacio
In this popular chapter book that fueled the “choose type” movement in classrooms, a boy with a facial deformity switches to a mainstream school for fifth grade and is bullied. “But he has a strong network of family and friends who help him through the bullying,” says an expert at the child mind institute. “Ultimately, readers will see how differences should be celebrated.” older than 8 years. published by knopf books for young readers.
Can I Catch It Like a Cold? Coping With a Parent’s Depression Written by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, illustrated by Joe Weissmann
alex’s dad doesn’t work anymore and he just wants to sleep all the time. When Alex finds out why he, that she suffers from depression, she confides in Ella’s friend Anna. she tells him that her mother also has depression and that she is seeing a therapist to help her feel better. “I like that she promotes the benefits of therapy for the whole family,” says an expert from the child mind institute. ages 7-12. published by tundra books.
My Family Divided: One Girl’s Journey of Home, Loss, and Hope Written by Diane Guerrero with Erica Moroz
An actress on TV shows like Orange is the New Black, Guerrera shares the harrowing story of her Colombian parents’ deportation when she was 14 years old. she also reveals how she battled depression and how she had suicidal thoughts in her 20s. “I really wanted to show that I could take care of myself. that he didn’t need anyone. that I was older,” she writes. “When I admitted to myself that I still needed others, I had pushed the people I loved away.” older than 12 years. Published by Henry Holt and Co.
Back to Front and Upside Down! Written and illustrated by Claire Alexander
This charming picture book follows Stan, a puppy, and his animal companions. Stan’s letters come out “backwards and backwards, and some didn’t look like letters at all”, but he is afraid to ask his teacher for help because he thinks the other kids will laugh at him. when he finally does, he learns that with help, and a lot of practice, he can be successful. “the book sends the positive message that things will get better with a little hard work”, says an expert from the child mind institute. ages 4-8. published by eerdmans books for young readers.
Fish in a TreeWritten by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
This inspiring chapter book captures the challenges that students with dyslexia face on a daily basis, not only in reading but also in self-esteem. the main character, ally, has been able to hide his inability to read in all schools, until now. “The arc of the story changes when Ally makes friends and finally finds a teacher who recognizes her difficulties and how smart she is,” says an expert from the child mind institute. ages 8-12. published by puffin books.
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings Written by Jo Witek, illustrated by Christine Roussey
In this sturdy book with beautiful heart-shaped cutouts, a girl explains that her heart is full of feelings. each roll focuses on a different emotion, such as happiness, bravery, and fear. descriptions of feelings are particularly engaging: “some days my heart feels as heavy as an elephant. there is a dark cloud over my head and the tears fall like rain. this is when my heart is sad.” ages 3-6. posted by harry n. abrams.
My Many Colored Days Written by Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
This little known dr. Seuss’s story gives young children a foundation for describing their feelings, normalizing the experience of having multiple emotions. Bonus: It will also help toddlers and preschoolers learn colors. ages 3-5. published by knopf books for young readers.
Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) Written and illustrated by Keith Negley
The clever illustrations in this book can be even more powerful than the text. kids will see various “tough guys” showing emotion. an astronaut in space has a family photo of him. a wrestler cries in the locker room. a tattooed biker regrets running over a squirrel. the final image of a father and son is particularly poignant. ages 3-6. published by flying eye books.
When Sophie Gets Angry — Really, Really Angry… Written and illustrated by Molly Bang
When sophie’s sister slips her stuffed toy, she feels about to explode “like a volcano.” Vibrant artwork depicts Sophie kicking, screaming, and even roaring. but then the color palette of the illustrations changes when sophie cries a little and lets the outdoors comfort her. “This book normalizes anger and shows that it doesn’t last forever,” says an expert from the Child Mind Institute. ages 4-8. published by scholastic paperbacks.
Art With Heart Presents: Draw It Out Written by Steffanie Lorig and Rosalie Frankel
This 40+ page activity book uses writing and drawing to help children work through their emotions. Activities include creating a “circle of strength” and using a calendar to express feelings on different days. “I use this book in therapy for bereaved children and find it extremely effective,” says an expert at the child mind institute. ages 6-10. published by art with heart.
I Miss You: A First Look at Death Written by Pat Thomas, illustrated by Lesley Harker
This book explains, in realistic yet reassuring language, why people die and how hard it can be to say goodbye. the real genius: “and you?” Boxes throughout the book contain questions you can ask the children. “I especially like that it normalizes feelings of sadness around death,” says an expert from the child mind institute. ages 4-8. published by b.e.s. publication.
The Invisible String Written by Patrice Karst, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
This best-selling picture book introduces little ones to the concept of an invisible bond between people, even when they’re apart. In the story, a mother explains to her children that there is a “very special thread made of love” that connects them with everyone they love. “When you’re at school and you miss me, your love travels along the rope until I feel a tug on my heart,” she writes karst. The story goes on to explain how far the rope reaches: to a submarine captain in the ocean, to a ballerina in France, and even to a beloved relative in the sky. ages 3-8. published by little brown books for young readers.
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One Wave at a Time: A Story About Grief and Healing Written by Holly Thompson, illustrated by Ashley Crowley
After the death of Kai’s father, the boy’s grief manifests itself in many ways, from crying to having a seizure to feeling flat and robotic. “The story shows the shift from struggle to recovery and emphasizes the use of support networks,” says an expert from the child mind institute. ages 4-8. Posted by Albert Whitman & company.
When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death Written and illustrated by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
With simple language and sweet drawings that aren’t too graphic, this picture book addresses many questions children have about death, how people say goodbye, and how we remember the people we’ve lost. The best section focuses on feelings about death and encourages children to talk about them, says an expert at the Child Mind Institute. ages 5-9. published by little brown books for young readers.
Red: A Crayon’s Story Written and illustrated by Michael Hall
Your child will notice the problem right away: a blue crayon is mislabeled red. she can’t do what everyone expects of her (and other crayons give her all sorts of advice on how to be a better red) until one day she meets a purple crayon who sees her true color. then it rises. “the message about identity is excellent”, says an expert from the child mind institute. ages 5-10. published by greenwillow books.
Somebody Cares: A Guide for Kids Who Have Experienced Neglect Written by Susan Farber Straus, PhD, illustrated by Claire Keay
This book puts into words much of what abandoned children feel but find it hard to express. a particularly poignant passage: “I tried to be strong and brave, but I was often worried and scared. I tried to do the best with what I had, but sometimes I needed more.” finally, a social worker and a therapist intervene, and the story ends sweetly. “It’s great that the illustrations show diverse families,” adds an expert from the child mind institute. ages 6-12. published by imagination press.
Finding PerfectWritten by Elly Swartz
In this poignant chapter book, 12-year-old Molly Nathan battles undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder while navigating high school friendships and life without her mother, who has temporarily moved away for work. At first, many of Molly’s knock tendencies, like organizing takeout menus alphabetically and looking for patterns in phone numbers, are casually woven into a story that focuses on her desire to win the prize. poetry contest to get her mother home for the banquet. But as time goes on, his OCD gets worse: “I used to wash my hands, and then I started washing my hands a lot, and now I rub them,” Swartz writes. when molly becomes obsessed with telling about her, her father takes her to a doctor who diagnoses her. ages 9-14. published by farrar, straus and giroux.
Mr. Worry: A Story About OCD Written by Holly L. Niner, illustrated by Greg Swearingen
before he goes to sleep, kevin asks his mother the same questions over and over again and arranges things in an orderly way so that he “doesn’t sweat his mind”. By the end of the story, Kevin’s OCD has improved thanks to therapy and medication. ages 7-12. Posted by Albert Whitman & company.
OCDaniel Written by Wesley King
This book combines a coming-of-age story with a mystery novel. The protagonist is 13-year-old Daniel, who hides his “zaps” (rearranging cups into geometric patterns, tying his shoes a lot, and counting things) from other kids at school and at soccer practice. Written in the first person, “This book does an excellent job of describing stigma and has a very accurate description of how obsessions and compulsions take hold,” says an expert at the Child Mind Institute. Daniel eventually discovers that he has OCD, moves toward self-acceptance, and helps a friend solve a mystery. older than 12 years. Posted by simon & schuster/paula wiseman books.
Up and Down the Worry Hill: A Children’s Book About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Its Treatment Written by Aureen Pinto Wagner, PhD, illustrated by Paul A. Jutton
This story about a boy with OCD explains, in kid-friendly language, not only what the disorder is and how it interferes with his life, but also how cognitive behavioral therapy treatment works to help children escape of the. it is better to read with your child. ages 7-10. Published by Lighthouse Press.
What I Like About Me! Written by Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Miki Sakamoto
In this simple book for young children, the students at the school celebrate their diversity, from braces to glasses, curly hair and big feet. “It provides a very positive message about the benefit of these differences,” says an expert from the child mind institute. ages 3-7. Published by Studio Fun International.
Lola’s Words Disappeared Written and illustrated by Elaheh Bos
This book helps readers understand that kids can be super verbal at home, but in public, words seem to get stuck. Lola, the main character, couldn’t say a word at school. But a gradual approach, starting with practicing with a school friend at home, allowed him to find her voice. ages 5-8. published by independent publishing platform createspace.
Stanley Will Probably Be Fine Written by Sally J. Pla, illustrated by Steve Wolfhard
In this hilarious chapter book, high school student Stanley is on a mission to get VIP passes to the comic book festival, which means he has to win the scavenger hunt in the trivia hunt that takes cape in the center of the city. he’s great with comedic trivia, but her sensory sensitivity and his anxiety can sometimes get in the way. With the help of a brave new neighbor and a superhero of his own making, Stanley finds the courage he needs. “By the end of the book, Stanley is more socially engaged and courageous than ever,” says an expert at the Child Mind Institute. ages 8-12. published by hapercollins.
Forget Me Not Written by Ellie Terry
Alternating between verse and prose, this book is written from the points of view of two students: calli, who has tourette syndrome, and her jinsong classmate. Most of the students tease and reject Calli because of her tics. “I walk into the boys’ locker room, and all I hear is: ‘The new girl wears old clothes.’ the new girl rolls her eyes. the new girl makes creepy noises with her throat,” says jinsong. “It’s all true. But somehow it feels wrong to hear them say it.” Readers will be pleased with the story’s ending as Calli begins to stand on her own feet and find confidence, says an expert at the Child Mind Institute. Ages 8-12 Posted by square fish.
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus Written by Dusti Bowling
Born without arms, the main character, Aven, befriends Conner, a classmate who has Tourette’s syndrome. their relationship offers readers a window into life with a disability through honest (and sometimes funny) dialogue. An example: “Conner had been to two support group meetings, and I had a feeling that he was actually starting to enjoy them, even though he gave Dexter a dirty look.” Overall, the book does a good job of explaining Tourette syndrome and types of treatment, says an expert at the Child Mind Institute. older than 12 years. published by sterling children’s books.
A Terrible Thing Happened Written by Margaret M. Holmes, illustrated by Cary Pillo
When sherman, a raccoon, saw something that bothered him, he got nervous, didn’t sleep well, and felt sad. “Through Sherman, the book explains the symptoms of PTSD in simple terms that young children can understand,” says an expert at the Child Mind Institute. “The book also covers the importance of talking about traumatic things to help you feel better.” Another plus: The story doesn’t specify exactly what happened to Sherman, so the book could be useful in many situations. ages 5-9. published by imagination press.
The War That Saved My Life By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
During World War II, 10-year-old Ava escapes her traumatic life with her mother and goes to the country, where she learns to ride a pony and learn to read. but she on the field she still struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder; for example, entering a bomb shelter reminds her of being locked in a kitchen cupboard in her mother’s apartment. Due to some mature themes and language, it is best read with her child. ages 9-12. published by puffin books.
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