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Books on wellbeing for teens

Teenagers sometimes need guidance, whether they want to admit it or not. Fiction is a subtle way to show them characters in similar situations, while non-fiction is more direct in offering suggestions and advice. This list is a combination of the two, for when they might benefit from an objective viewpoint.

An illustration from the front cover of Quiet Storm of a girl wearing a headband and earphones, with her hair billowing around her as she looks up into the pink sky

  • The Goldfish Boy

    by Lisa Thompson 

    2017 9 to 14 years 

    • OCD

    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.

  • When I Feel Red

    by Lily Bailey 

    2024 9 to 14 years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Neurodiversity
    • Disability

    A touching and accessible book about finding your own way.

  • A Better Day: Your Positive Mental Health Handbook

    by Dr Alex George, illustrated by The Boy Fitz Hammond 

    2023 9 to 14 years 

    • Non-fiction

    An upbeat and positive book which feels perfectly pitched at lower secondary school kids and will no doubt be hugely helpful for many.

  • What is Masculinity? Why Does it Matter? And Other Big Questions

    by Jeffrey Boakye and Darren Chetty 

    2019 11 to 14 years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Non-fiction

    This timely and excellent book explores what it means to be a man in today’s society. It poses thought-provoking questions to develop readers’ critical thinking skills, and will give them the confidence to question conventions and stereotypes. 

  • A Monster Calls

    by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Jim Kay 

    2011 9 to 14 years 

    • Classics
    • Coming-of-age

    Connor’s mum has cancer and life is changing. There is the nightmare, then there is school, where people avoid him, or persecute him. And then there is the immense, mythic Monster.

  • Quiet Storm

    by Kimberly Whittam 

    2023 11 to 14 years 

    • Coming-of-age

    Do you hate reading aloud in front of other people? Do you never put your hand up because you can’t stand everyone looking at you? Well, Storm feels exactly like that.

  • The Sad Ghost Club

    by Lize Meddings 

    2021 11 to 14 years 

    • Ghost story
    • Graphic novels

    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.

  • The Awesome Power of Sleep

    by Nicola Morgan 

    2021 11 to 14 years 

    • Non-fiction

    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.

  • Friendship Survival Guide

    by Caroline Young, illustrated by The Boy Fitz Hammond and Helen Lang 

    2023 11 to 14 years 

    • Interactive
    • Non-fiction

    A warm, practical book offering tips for what to do when friendships have problems, while celebrating all that is great about good friends.

  • Booked

    by Kwame Alexander 

    2016 11 to 14 years 

    • Poetry and rhyme

    From fast-paced football matches to school and family drama, this novel written in verse has something for everyone and will grip reluctant readers from page one.

  • Failosophy: a handbook for when things go wrong

    by Elizabeth Day 

    2023 11 to 14 years 

    • Non-fiction

    Written by the award-winning author and podcaster Elizabeth Day, this is a sensible, kind and practical tool for all teenagers (and adults!) showing how to re-frame supposed failures into essential parts of life that we can learn from.

  • Be Resilient Be You

    by Becky Goddard-Hill, illustrated by Josephine Dellow 

    11 to 14 years 

    • Non-fiction

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

Discover more booklists

Webinar: Reading and wellbeing at Key Stage 3

Watch our webinar about the link between reading and wellbeing at Key Stage 3, including information about the latest research and top tips for sharing books in your school library.