Best Mental Health Books for Kids, Tweens, and Teens
Discover 41 top-reviewed children’s books about mental health for kids, tweens and teens. Topics include anxiety, depression, bullying, and more.
-
-
12 Children’s Books About Mental Health to Read With Your Kids: Spring 2026
Here are 12 new reviews of children’s books about mental health, suggested as titles for parents and kids to share. Adults have the option of reading a book on their own, or with their child. Leading American and Canadian organizations recommend the books, which include 10 fiction titles and two guidebooks.
We chose these books in recognition that an estimated 13 to 20 percent of mental health problems begin by the early adolescent years of 11 to 14.
-
Winter Reading: 10 Children’s Books with Mental Health Themes
Menderist is pleased to introduce its preliminary list of 10 mental-health themed books that children aged 4+ and their parents can read and discuss together. The titles are in the running for our final list of 20 books, to be released for summer 2026.
We chose these books in recognition that an estimated 13 to 20 percent of mental health problems begin by the early adolescent years of 11 to 14.
“Finn Connelly is nothing like his dad, a star athlete and firefighter hero who always ran toward danger….” (from a review of ‘The Trouble With Heroes’)
-
How Kid-Friendly Appetizer Dinners Brought Our Family Closer
”What’s for dinner?” wasn’t always a welcome question: especially when picky eaters, changing tastes, and busy schedules entered the mix. How one family’s low-stress solution turned into a family tradition.
-
Books on Mental Health for Parents and Children to Read Together: Spring 2025
New for Spring: Menderist lists 6 more mental-health themed books that children aged 8+ and their parents can read and discuss together – in recognition that an estimated 13 to 20 percent of mental health problems begin by the early adolescent years (11 to 14).
“London feels stuck. His school friends think he’s this confident kid who likes video games and will kick your butt if you get on his bad side. His high-achieving parents think he’s a genius coder …None of this is true.” (from the review of ‘Is There A Boy Like Me?’)
-
Lessons in Companionship and Hope
A publisher shares how an aunt and uncle’s support during a difficult time in her family is one of the greatest gifts she’s received.
-
Books on Mental Health for Parents and Children to Read Together: Summer 2024
Menderist lists 14 mental-health themed books that children aged 8+ and their parents can read and discuss together – in recognition that an estimated 13 to 20 percent of mental health problems begin by the early adolescent years (11 to 14).
“The story explores some of the negative consequences on mental health and relationships that social media can bring….” (from the review of ‘Confessions of a Class Clown’)
-
Small Steps, Big Results
A writer and publisher describes the most effective small changes she’s made over 2023 to improve her family and personal life.
“On some days, it’s a challenge to feel optimistic. Daily life often has difficulties, and news reports about local and worldwide problems can feel overwhelming ….”
-
Salmon Two Ways
How could have the same kind of accident happened to my family twice…within days?
“It’s finally dinner, and I’m already at the table when my youngest daughter joins us. A serving plate sits at the centre, heaped with the bright orangey red of tandoori….”
-
Return of the Green
It was another rainy day in the middle of tax season. And going to the store was just another errand – until the memories returned.
“April was a month of heavy adulthood. Like many parents, I was a cheerleader for a university student who was writing essays. And responsible for ….”
