Family Mental Health

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.

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’)

Here’s Menderist’s complete list of 19 mental-health themed books, 2024-2025, that children aged 8+ and their parents can read and discuss together. 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).

“Seventh-grader Viv …becomes so preoccupied with her image and social media presence that she ignores her real-life friends.” (from the review of ‘Picture Day’)

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?’)