Mental Health Awareness Month: Books for All Ages

Published Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. every May since 1949. 74 years later, we still see stigma, prejudice, and discrimination against those with mental illness. These books were selected to bring awareness to mental health for all ages, as anyone at any age can experience mental health difficulties. For more information on mental health and Mental Health Awareness Month, please visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness. - Aubrey

(Don't) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start the Conversation about Mental Health

(Don’t) Call Me Crazy is a conversation starter and guide to better understanding how our mental health affects us every day. Thirty-three writers, athletes, and artists offer essays, lists, comics, and illustrations that explore their personal experiences with mental illness, how we do and do not talk about mental health, help for better understanding how every person’s brain is wired differently, and what, exactly, might make someone crazy.” – Goodreads

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Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself
by Nedra Glover Tawwab

“Licensed counselor, sought-after relationship expert, and one of the most influential therapists on Instagram Nedra Glover Tawwab demystifies this complex topic for today's world. In a relatable and inclusive tone, Set Boundaries, Find Peace presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life. Rooted in the latest research and best practices used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), these techniques help us identify and express our needs clearly and without apology--and unravel a root problem behind codependency, power struggles, anxiety, depression, burnout, and more.” – Goodreads

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Challenger Deep
by Neal Shusterman

“A captivating novel about mental illness that lingers long beyond the last page, Challenger Deep is a heartfelt tour de force by New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman. Caden Bosch is on a ship that's headed for the deepest point on Earth: Challenger Deep, the southern part of the Marianas Trench. Caden Bosch is a brilliant high school student whose friends are starting to notice his odd behavior. Caden Bosch is designated the ship's artist in residence to document the journey with images. Caden Bosch pretends to join the school track team but spends his days walking for miles, absorbed by the thoughts in his head. Caden Bosch is split between his allegiance to the captain and the allure of mutiny. Caden Bosch is torn.” – Google Book

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Olivia Wrapped in Vines
by Maude Nepveu-Villeneuve

“When Olivia starts to feel overwhelmed by her big feelings, she sprouts vines. They are thorny and twisty and make it impossible for Olivia to do the things she loves to do, like ride her bike or play with her friends. Plus, no one wants to come near a giant ball of thorns. Luckily, Olivia has a very special teacher. Someone who sees past the prickly and the pokey to the upset little girl and helps Olivia learn to manage the vines. This quirky picture book is the perfect introduction to the idea of anxiety and those big feelings that seem impossible to manage. Olivia's teacher provides some tricks to help manage the feelings, and a special message at the end of the story encourages young readers to think productively about their own anxieties.” – Goodreads

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Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened
by Allie Brosh

“Hyperbole and a Half is a webcomic and blog written and illustrated by Allie Brosh. Started in 2009, Brosh mixes text and illustrations in each post to tell stories from her childhood, general thoughts, and the challenges she has faced, particularly with mental health.” – Wikipedia

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About the Author

Aubrey is a circulation clerk and has been working at EPL since 2022. Her ideal reading environment is either curled up on the couch or sitting on a rocking chair outside in the sun. When she’s not reading, she’s working on her music education coursework or playing her trumpet.

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