For Young Readers: 14 Recommended Novels That Deal (Well) With Mental Health
I’m always on the lookout for traditionally published fiction for younger readers that include characters who deal with some sort of mental health issue. And I love sharing my favorites. By the way, author and psychologist Nancy Bo Flood and I keep a running list here-- of books for even the youngest that present main characters or their loved ones with various mental health issues and illnesses, including neurodivergence— accurately; with proper nomenclature and diagnoses; honest but optimistic portrayals of coping with it; that avoid tropes, stereotypes, and ablism; stories that model family, professional and/or community support; and where mental illness or neurodivergence is just one aspect of a complex, three-dimensional character trying to make their way in a challenging world, like all of us. Enjoy!
YA Novels
Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley –16-year-old Solomon Reed has severe agoraphobia and a panic disorder – he hasn’t left his house for the past three years. New friend Lisa misguidedly decides she’ll “fix” Solomon as a project for her college applications, with the help of her boyfriend Clark. Things get complicated when Solomon, who is gay, is attracted to Clark. Whaleyengages with complex characters and humor, always a plus.
I Wish You All The Best by Mason Deaver – Nonbinary main character and high-school senior Ben De Backer is traumatized when they are kicked out of their house after coming out to their parents. With the help of therapy, meds, a supportive sister-in-law, and friend Nathan, they learn to manage their anxiety and depression and make a new life. [LGBTQ youth are four 4 times more likely to attempt suicide, experience suicidal thoughts or engage in self-harm than heterosexual youth.]
Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore– Main POV characters Bastian and Lore are both nonbinary and both neurodivergent and they find each other in this novel tinged with magical realism involving a world below the town’s lake that is encroaching on their lives. Bastian struggles with significant ADHD, and Lore has had to compensate for dyslexia their whole life. How the two connect, grow, and accept themselves makes a rich and wonderful story.
Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes is actually an exceptional YA memoir in verse about the author’s childhood with a mother who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia which resulted in years of foster care and other instability for the author. With honesty, Grimes tells a story of heartbreak and resilience, and how writing was a lifeline for her.
The Memory of Light by Francisco Stork is about high school student Vicki who attempts suicide and wakes up as an in-patient in a psychiatric hospital. She begins a slow recovery from severe depression with the support of her doctor, and new friends with their own challenges—and eventually with that of her family. Beautifully written by one of my favorite authors, it’s a great mental health read.
When We Were Infinite by Kelly Loy Gilbert—A large, lush, and complex story about 17 year-old Beth and her circle of tight-knit Asian-American friends set in a high-pressure high school as each character strives to realize their future. The novel encompasses domestic violence, anxiety, depression, suicidality, racism, and the supportive and sometimes difficult bonds of friendship and family. Such a worthwhile read!
Middle-Grade Novels
A Thousand Minutes to Sunlight by Jen White –11-year-old Cora is struggling with the loss of her best friend who just moved away, a new "forced-friend," an eclipsing, outgoing younger sister named Sunshine, family substance abuse issues, and most of all with debilitating anxiety, as evidenced by her snarky brain with its own negative voice. The matter-of-fact support from Cora’s family and school (mostly) is realistic, reassuring, and sensitively portrayed.
Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos. 12-year-old Nova, suffers from severe autism. She and her older sister are in foster care because of their mother’s chronic mental illness. Despite being nonverbal, Nova’s intelligence, fascination with the space program (set in 1986), and wry observations make her an intriguing and sympathetic character.
The Golden Hour by Niki Smith is a graphic novel about middle-schooler Manuel who is suffering panic attacks and other PTSD symptoms after witnessing gun violence. He uses photography as a coping mechanism and new friends Sebastian and Caysha provide healing support. The novel also gently explores a same-sex friendship that develops into romantic feelings.
Here's a link to five more of my very favorite YA novels dealing with mental illness over at Shepherd (a great place to find new reads, by the way).
It’s what I write about, too! As a former suicide-prevention counselor, mental health tends to pop up in my stories. Here’s my latest, out March 2023! Preorder here.
18-year-old suicide prevention worker Delilah’s terminally ill aunt challenges Del’s ideas about life and death.