Book to support mental health awareness for ages 8 and over

A young boy and his father are planning a pond in their back garden – but they only get as far as digging a muddy hole when Dad passes away. A raw, emotional but ultimately hopeful take on grief, loss, nature and love.

The subject of bereavement is treated in an unusual way in Michael Rosen’s Sad Book, which deals with the death of the author’s own son.

This fabulously illustrated book addresses the difficult subject of parental depression, at once describing the horror of Aubrey’s dad’s experience but also remaining upbeat and full of surreal humour.

In 1884, Emma Linden dreams of being a fossil hunter like her hero Mary Anning – but her world comes crashing down when her brother James becomes mysteriously ill. Meanwhile, in 2023, football-mad Jude finds a friend in Rosie Linden, who is plagued by visions of tigers and the need to protect the ones she loves.

Matthew has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Can he help an investigation into the abduction of a child, perhaps without even leaving his house? A captivating read, combining a compelling whodunit with an engaging protagonist.

This is a touching and honest book about life in the grip of OCD but also the power of friendship. It’s also a reminder that good friendships are two-way as it turns out April needs Ben just as much as he needs her. 

The perfect blend of words and pictures, this is a wonderful book to share with anyone suffering from depression or uncertainty

Max is sure that the new wind turbines on his island are sinister, but will anyone listen to a frustrated deaf schoolboy? Gripping, eerie and thought-provoking, this has a brilliant cast of characters.

This lovely, often funny, relatable and sensitive story about Frankie, a girl with autism, was inspired by the author Aoife Dooley’s own real life experiences. A great story about growing up and learning who you are.

When Josh’s brain, whom he has named Brian, becomes too loud and overbearing, he goes to stay with Grandma in her tiny shack in the middle of nowhere. A touching tale which sensitively explores complex family dynamics and mental health issues.  

A curious, immersive fantasy with complex world-building, engaging characters and quirky creatures. Ideal for readers who enjoy an exciting adventure with added depth and intensity.

Lily has a stammer and when a video of her practising a school presentation is posted online, she feels humiliated. She wants to hide away but knows that she must face her fears if she is to find her own voice. This heart-warming novel incorporates themes of friendship, bullying and the environment.

Thirteen-year-old Alice is trying to stop her family falling apart. A very beautiful and sensitively handled book that touches on themes of mental health, family relationships, friendships and love.

Safiya must uncover the truth of her mother’s history to help her survive the present. A beautifully written and page-turning read, set in London and Kuwait, that deals with changing friendships, family dynamics and learning how to say goodbye. 

Since her house burned down, Ren has nothing. Surely everyone else deserves to lose stuff too? Friendship and ​‘doing the right thing’ are the focus of this excellent novel.

The book paints a convincing picture of a harrowing time in a young life, and the time, talking and friendship that helps her to process trauma. But this is by no means a gloomy read, offering ample humour, hope and optimism.

This is a moving yet unsentimental account of two children coming to terms with their mother’s depression, mental instability and alcohol problem.

This is an engaging story about the two-way nature of friendship and the risks of making assumptions. The overriding message is uplifting, whilst also leaving the reader with a powerful reminder that good intentions aren’t always enough.

Petula’s life is ruled by anxiety, fear and pessimism after her little sister died two years before. Then she meets Jacob, and an unconventional love story unfolds. Another five star read from Susin Nielsen: one of the most talented teen writers working today.

A sad ghost wants to go to a party, but his social anxiety keeps holding him back. When he meets another anxious ghost, he realises he’s not alone. A charming graphic novel for older readers about depression, friendship, and finding a kindred spirit.

This informative non-fiction book looks at the science of sleep and explores the crucial role it plays in the physical and mental health of teenagers.

Fourteen-year-old Ro Snow’s got a secret: her house is filled to the doors with her mother’s hoarded rubbish. A brilliant, thoughtful read that explores Bonnie’s mental health issues and their effect on Ro with compassion. 

A helpful and practical guide to coping with tough times, by building resilience. Includes 40 topics and many suggested activities. 

The Ghosts of Heaven is an excellent book that will open up new avenues of thought and future reading and introduces teenage readers to a more inventive understanding of storytelling.

This is a powerful and engrossing read that successfully informs, shocks, reassures and entertains in equal measures.

Seventeen-year-old Norah is essentially trapped in her own home, caught in the vice-like grip of Agoraphobia and OCD. Then one day a new young neighbour on the street arouses her curiosity. Honest, brave and utterly compelling.