Mental & Emotional Health: Book List
Literacy Connection
It's Hard to Be Five, Learning How to Work My Control Panel
by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell
Facing the challenges of growing up.
Facing the challenges of growing up.
0-06-008095-7. Ages 4-8.
The Way I Feel
by Cain Janan
Covers a range of emotions.
Covers a range of emotions.
0-439-32116-6. Ages 4-8.
Last Shot : A Final Four Mystery
by John Feinstein
After winning a basketball reporting contest, eighth graders Stevie and Susan Carol are sent to cover the Final Four tournament, where they discover that a talented player is being blackmailed into throwing the final game.
After winning a basketball reporting contest, eighth graders Stevie and Susan Carol are sent to cover the Final Four tournament, where they discover that a talented player is being blackmailed into throwing the final game.
0-375-83168-1. Ages 9-12
Beat the Turtle Drum
by Constance Green
A young girl deals with her sister's death.
A young girl deals with her sister's death.
978-0140368505. Ages 9-12.
Blackberries in the Dark
by Mavis Jukes
Nine-year-old Austin visits his grandmother the summer after his grandfather dies and together they try to come to terms with their loss.
Nine-year-old Austin visits his grandmother the summer after his grandfather dies and together they try to come to terms with their loss.
0-394-97599-5. Ages 9-12.
Stop Pretending: What Happened When My Big Sister Went Crazy
by Sonya Sones
In a story based on real events, and told in poems, Sones explores what happened and how she reacted when her adored older sister suddenly began screaming and hearing voices in her head, and was ultimately hospitalized.
In a story based on real events, and told in poems, Sones explores what happened and how she reacted when her adored older sister suddenly began screaming and hearing voices in her head, and was ultimately hospitalized.
978-0064462181. Ages: 9-12.
Crank
by Ellen Hopkins
The perfect daughter, gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina.
The perfect daughter, gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina.
978-0689865190. Ages: 13+.
CrashBoomLove: A Novel in Verse
by Jual Felipe Herrara
After his father leaves home, sixteen-year-old Cesar Garcia lives with his mother and struggles through the painful experiences of growing up as a Mexican-American high school student.
After his father leaves home, sixteen-year-old Cesar Garcia lives with his mother and struggles through the painful experiences of growing up as a Mexican-American high school student.
978-0826321145. Ages: 13+
Absolutely, Positively Not
by David LaRochellle
Chronicles a teenage boy's humorous attempts to fit in at his Minnesota high school by becoming a macho, girl-loving, "Playboy" pinup-displaying heterosexual. In a touching, sometime hilarious coming-out story, Steven DeNarski, 16, tries to deny he is gay. ALA Best Books for Young Adults-2006.
Chronicles a teenage boy's humorous attempts to fit in at his Minnesota high school by becoming a macho, girl-loving, "Playboy" pinup-displaying heterosexual. In a touching, sometime hilarious coming-out story, Steven DeNarski, 16, tries to deny he is gay. ALA Best Books for Young Adults-2006.
978-0439591102. Ages 14+
Go Ask Alice
Anonymous
The torture of adolescence has rarely been captured as clearly as it is in this classic diary by an anonymous. Despite a few dated references to hippies and some expired slang, Go Ask Alice still offers a jolting chronicle of a teenager's life spinning out of control.
The torture of adolescence has rarely been captured as clearly as it is in this classic diary by an anonymous. Despite a few dated references to hippies and some expired slang, Go Ask Alice still offers a jolting chronicle of a teenager's life spinning out of control.
978-1416914631. Ages: 13+
It's Kind of a Funny Story
by Ned Vizinni
Male teen who attempts suicide and is in the psych ward for five days. Deals with sexual experimentation, the language, and depression found among teens.
Male teen who attempts suicide and is in the psych ward for five days. Deals with sexual experimentation, the language, and depression found among teens.
978-0786851973. Ages: 14+
Fiction Books
Ironman
by Chris Crutcher
After a series of angry outbursts at school costs him his spot on the football team and put him in danger of being expelled, Bo is sent to Mr. Nak's Anger Management Group. There he meets some peers with similar problems, including a unique young woman named Shelly.
by Chris Crutcher
After a series of angry outbursts at school costs him his spot on the football team and put him in danger of being expelled, Bo is sent to Mr. Nak's Anger Management Group. There he meets some peers with similar problems, including a unique young woman named Shelly.
Grades 4-8 ISBN-10: 0060598409
Touching Spirit Bear
by Ben Mikaelsen
When Cole Matthews lets his anger go too far and beats up a classmate to the point of brain damage, he faces a prison sentence. A Tlingit Indian parole officer named Garvey enters his life, offering an alternative called Circle Justice, a program based on Native American traditions. It's the beginning of an amazing journey for Cole.
by Ben Mikaelsen
When Cole Matthews lets his anger go too far and beats up a classmate to the point of brain damage, he faces a prison sentence. A Tlingit Indian parole officer named Garvey enters his life, offering an alternative called Circle Justice, a program based on Native American traditions. It's the beginning of an amazing journey for Cole.
Grades 7-12 ISBN-10: 0060734000
Who The Man
by Chris Lynch
At 13, Earl is bigger and physically more mature than the other kids in his school, and he doesn't hesitate to use violence to handle conflicts. This is the story of one week in his life after he's been suspended from school for fighting.
by Chris Lynch
At 13, Earl is bigger and physically more mature than the other kids in his school, and he doesn't hesitate to use violence to handle conflicts. This is the story of one week in his life after he's been suspended from school for fighting.
Grades 4-8 ISBN-10: 0756930979
Tears of a Tiger
by Sharon Mills Draper
Andy and Robert are star teammates on the Hazelwood High Tigers as well as best buddies. One night Andy's whole world changes when the two decide to drive home from a party. Andy must now deal with the loss of his best friend as well as the consuming guilt of being the driver responsible for his death.
by Sharon Mills Draper
Andy and Robert are star teammates on the Hazelwood High Tigers as well as best buddies. One night Andy's whole world changes when the two decide to drive home from a party. Andy must now deal with the loss of his best friend as well as the consuming guilt of being the driver responsible for his death.
Grades 8-12 ISBN-10: 0689806981
Ivy & Bean (Series #1)
By Annie Barrows
The moment they saw each other, Bean and Ivy knew they wouldn't be friends. But when Bean plays a joke on her sister, Nancy, and has to hide quick Ivy comes to the rescue, proving that sometimes the best of friends are people never meant to like each other. Vibrant characters and lots of humor make this a charming and addictive introduction to Ivy and Bean.
Grades 1-3 ISBN: 0811849090
Missing May
by Cynthia Rylant
Ever since she can remember, Summer has thought of Aunt May as her best friend and care-giver. After May's death, however, Summer finds herself alone with her Uncle Ob, who is as devastated as her by the loss. The two must now find a way to support each other and move on to a life without May.
by Cynthia Rylant
Ever since she can remember, Summer has thought of Aunt May as her best friend and care-giver. After May's death, however, Summer finds herself alone with her Uncle Ob, who is as devastated as her by the loss. The two must now find a way to support each other and move on to a life without May.
Grades 3-6 ISBN-10: 0439613833
Great Expectations
By Charles Dickens
Reminiscent of an Augustinian model, one of reflection, conversion, and moral improvement, Pip undergoes an internal change that manifests itself in his profound contrition for his earlier deeds and his equally profound resolution to make amends.
Grades 9-12 ISBN: 1586174266
Tiger Eyes
by Judy Blume
After Davey's father is killed in a hold-up, she and her mother and younger brother visit relatives in New Mexico. Here Davey is befriended by a young man who helps her find the strength to carry on and conquer her fears.
by Judy Blume
After Davey's father is killed in a hold-up, she and her mother and younger brother visit relatives in New Mexico. Here Davey is befriended by a young man who helps her find the strength to carry on and conquer her fears.
Grades 8-11 ISBN-10: 0385739893
Flip-Flop Girl
by Katherine Patterson
Nine-year-old Vinnie and her five-year-old brother Mason are forced to move to a new town after the death of their father. They learn to cope in different ways, both with the help of Lupe, the "flip-flop girl."
by Katherine Patterson
Nine-year-old Vinnie and her five-year-old brother Mason are forced to move to a new town after the death of their father. They learn to cope in different ways, both with the help of Lupe, the "flip-flop girl."
Grades 4-7 ISBN-10: 0525674802
The Bridge to Teribithia
by Katherine Paterson
A country boy and a city girl form an unlikely friendship in this timeless children's novel. Ten-year-old Jess guides his new friend through the pitfalls of life in their small, rural town, as Leslie draws him into the world of imagination and magic, and to a secret hideaway called Terabithia. Here Leslie and Jess are safe from the harshness of the outside world until tragedy strikes and Jess is left alone.
by Katherine Paterson
A country boy and a city girl form an unlikely friendship in this timeless children's novel. Ten-year-old Jess guides his new friend through the pitfalls of life in their small, rural town, as Leslie draws him into the world of imagination and magic, and to a secret hideaway called Terabithia. Here Leslie and Jess are safe from the harshness of the outside world until tragedy strikes and Jess is left alone.
Grades 4-8 ISBN-10: 0545003350
A Begonia For Miss Applebaum
by Paul Zindel
When Henry and Zelda discover that their favorite teacher, Miss Applebaum, won't be back at school because she hasn't very long to live, they become her Saturday companions. Their Saturday outings with Miss Applebaum open an exciting new world for them. But Miss Applebaum can't escape the inevitable, and Henry and Zelda must carry out her last wish.
by Paul Zindel
When Henry and Zelda discover that their favorite teacher, Miss Applebaum, won't be back at school because she hasn't very long to live, they become her Saturday companions. Their Saturday outings with Miss Applebaum open an exciting new world for them. But Miss Applebaum can't escape the inevitable, and Henry and Zelda must carry out her last wish.
Grades 7-12 ISBN-10: 1935169327
Mick Harte Was Here
by Barbara Park, Sam Llewellyn
This is the story of Phoebe and how she deals with the tragic loss of her younger brother Mick. The story is told with the innocence and purity of a 13-year-old girl who must deal with severe grief for the first time in her young life.
by Barbara Park, Sam Llewellyn
This is the story of Phoebe and how she deals with the tragic loss of her younger brother Mick. The story is told with the innocence and purity of a 13-year-old girl who must deal with severe grief for the first time in her young life.
Grades 4-6 ISBN-10: 0780766946
Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade
By Stephanie Green, Stephanie Sisson
Posey is really nervous about starting first grade. Instead of getting walked to her classroom, her mom has to drop her off at the Kiss-and-Go Lane. Then she'll have to walk into school and face the Monster of the Blue Hall all by herself. Worst of all, she has to do it without the one thing that always makes her feel brave and special: the tutu that turns her into the Pink Princess.
Grades K-3 ISBN: 0399251677
Joey Pigza Loses Control
By Jack Gantos
Joey is off to spend the summer with his father, who his mother has warned him is just like Joey, "only bigger." Carter Pigza is eager to make past wrongs up to Joey, to teach him how to be a winner and how to take control of his life. And Joey is eager to do whatever his dad says, even if he suspects it will do him more harm than good.
Grades 5-8 ISBN: 0064410226
Recess Queen
A schoolyard bully is enlightened by the new kid in class in this lively story about the power of kindness and friendship. "Mean Jean was Recess Queen/ and nobody said any different," the tale begins.
Grades K-3 ISBN: 0439206375
Becca
By Jan Weight
Becca and Mom have just moved to San Julian to live in an apartment close to where Mom has started a new job. Becca will start fourth grade in a new school where she doesn't know anyone. A red-haired boy with freckles and his sister are the first kids to try and make Becca feel more at home. Becca and Andrea get together on a project that promises to be fun and help Becca feel less sad and lonely.
Grades 2-6 ISBN: 141371126X
It Wasn't My Fault
By Helen Lester
When accidents happen to Murdley Gurdson, they are usually his own fault, but when a bird lays an egg on Murdley's head one day, he tries hard to find someone else to blame.
Grades Prek-2 ISBN: 0395510074
Hooway for Wodney Wat
by Helen Lester
Wodney bears the brunt of his classmates' teasing because he has a speech impediment. To make matters worse, along comes bigger, meaner and smarter Camilla Capybara, a truly dreadful bully. When Wodney is chosen to lead a game of Simon Says, know-it-all Camilla follows his directions exactly as he says them.
Grades K03 ISBN: 061821612X
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
by Patty Lovell
Meet Molly Lou Melon: she's "just taller than her dog," with "buck teeth that stuck out so far, she could stack pennies on them," and a voice that brings to mind "a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor." First time author Patty Lovell has created an irresistible free spirit in Molly Lou Melon, and artist David Catrow has infused her personality with even more wit and humor.
Grades K-3 ISBN: 0399234160
Hurty Feelings
By Helen Lester
The not-so-ironically-named Fragility may be one tough hippo, but she can't take a compliment. When told she has sturdy legs, she cries, "You hurt my feeeeelings!... A piano has sturdy legs. So you think I have piano legs." Her dramatics cause her friends to snub her, until an encounter with a bullying elephant helps her realize her overreactions.
Grades K-3 ISBN: 0618840621
Amber Brown is Feeling Blue
By Paula Danzinger
Now in fourth grade, the unsinkable Amber Brown copes with the fallout from her parents' divorce in this characteristically energetic series installment.
Grades 2-5 ISBN: 039923179X
Mercy Watson to the Rescue
Kate DiCamillo has a great talent for presenting some of life s most sensitive questions to young readers. Her characters struggle with tough issues -- abandonment, death in the family, making new friends, forgiveness -- but with a sense of humor and honesty that carries her audience beyond this struggle, and toward inspiration.
Grades 1-3 ISBN: 0763645044
Can We Be friends?
By Paula M. Parlor
Sarah's thrilled that Laurie has moved to the neighborhood. How exciting? A new friend to play with! It doesn't matter to Sarah that Laurie's in a wheelchair. Sarah never imagined that Laurie would be faced with so many obstacles when moving into her neighborhood and elementary school. Unfortunately for Laurie, not all students were as accepting as Sarah.
Grades 2-5 ISBN: 1608621669
Non-Fiction Books
Hot Stuff To Help Kids Chill Out: The Anger Management Book
by Jerry Wilde, Ph.D.
This book discusses the causes of anger as well as the top five ways anger can mess up one's life. Also included are exercises to help readers explore the issue.
by Jerry Wilde, Ph.D.
This book discusses the causes of anger as well as the top five ways anger can mess up one's life. Also included are exercises to help readers explore the issue.
Grades 4-8 ISBN-10: 0965761002
I Am So Angry, I Could Scream: Helping Children Deal With Anger
by Laura Fox, M.A.; art by Chris Sabatino
This book begins with the story of nine-year-old Penny, whose anger is sparked by several incidents throughout her day and who finally lets the angry feelings out in an emotional explosion. Learn how to release anger in healthy ways, prevent anger-inducing situations, and keep an Anger Chart to identify the causes of angry feelings.
by Laura Fox, M.A.; art by Chris Sabatino
This book begins with the story of nine-year-old Penny, whose anger is sparked by several incidents throughout her day and who finally lets the angry feelings out in an emotional explosion. Learn how to release anger in healthy ways, prevent anger-inducing situations, and keep an Anger Chart to identify the causes of angry feelings.
Grades prek-2 ISBN-10: 0882821857
Diet Fads
This clearly written overview emphasizes the impact of super-thin celebrity images on general self-esteem, making weight loss seem like the answer to all kinds of personal problems.
Grades 4-8 ISBN: 1404219994
Anger Management
by Judith Peacock, Suzanne Stutman
This book explains how to use "I" statements, body language, and active listening when dealing with anger. Also included is a chapter about public anger.
by Judith Peacock, Suzanne Stutman
This book explains how to use "I" statements, body language, and active listening when dealing with anger. Also included is a chapter about public anger.
Grades 6-9 ISBN-10: 0736804331
How to Control Your Anger (Before It Controls You): A Guide for Teens
by Ron Potter-Efron
Describes anger, its possible causes, and suggestions for how to deal with it.
by Ron Potter-Efron
Describes anger, its possible causes, and suggestions for how to deal with it.
Grades 9-12 ISBN-10: 0806520108
You Are Not Alone: Teens talk about Life after the Loss of a Parent
By Lynne B. Hughes
Kids aged 9 to 12 who attended Comfort Zone Camp, a special place for grieving children, contributed to this book. Through honest first-person stories, they share the most difficult parts of their losses and offer their own experiences of what helps, what doesn't, what "stinks," and ways to stay connected to their loved ones.
By Lynne B. Hughes
Kids aged 9 to 12 who attended Comfort Zone Camp, a special place for grieving children, contributed to this book. Through honest first-person stories, they share the most difficult parts of their losses and offer their own experiences of what helps, what doesn't, what "stinks," and ways to stay connected to their loved ones.
Grades 7-12 ISBN-10: 0439585902
Our Dad Died: The True Story of Three Kids Whose Lives Changed And My Life Changed
A Journal as told by Amy, Allie, and David Dennison
Encouraged by their mother, Amy, Allie and their brother David began keeping a journal after their father died unexpectedly one night. Young readers can read about their experiences as well as take part in activities to help them cope.
Encouraged by their mother, Amy, Allie and their brother David began keeping a journal after their father died unexpectedly one night. Young readers can read about their experiences as well as take part in activities to help them cope.
Grades 3-7 ISBN-10: 1575421356
Walk With Grandpa: Un paseo con el abuelo (bilingual Edition)
Ella and her grandfather find a peaceful walk in the woods leads to so much more. They express just how much they mean to each other by a simple word game they play together. Bilingual full text in both English and Spanish.
Grades K-3 ISBN: 1932748903
How It Feels When A Parent Dies
by Jill Krementz
This book chronicles the stories of 18 young people ages seven to sixteen and their personal experiences with a parent's death. Including photos and journal entries, this book is a way for kids to learn about dealing with the fears, questions and bereavement behind losing the most important people in your lives.
by Jill Krementz
This book chronicles the stories of 18 young people ages seven to sixteen and their personal experiences with a parent's death. Including photos and journal entries, this book is a way for kids to learn about dealing with the fears, questions and bereavement behind losing the most important people in your lives.
Grades 3-7 ISBN-10: 0394758544
I Will Remember You: What To Do When Someone You Love Dies
by Laura Dower
Each chapter in this terrific guide helps readers explore a different aspect of grief. The book includes personal stories of death and life from real young people, advice from a renowned grief counselor, and dozens of hands-on, creative exercises to help young people move through their pain and sorrow.
by Laura Dower
Each chapter in this terrific guide helps readers explore a different aspect of grief. The book includes personal stories of death and life from real young people, advice from a renowned grief counselor, and dozens of hands-on, creative exercises to help young people move through their pain and sorrow.
Grades 9-12 ISBN-10: 0439139619
Straight Talk About Death for Teenagers: How To Cope With Losing Someone You Love
by Earl A. Grollman
Grollman's main focus with this book is to drive home the fact that although the grief involved with death is extremely hard to deal with, it can get better with time. Issues such as the steps of the healing process and constructively dealing with rage are also dealt with in this book aimed at the young adult that must cope with the loss of a loved one.
Grollman's main focus with this book is to drive home the fact that although the grief involved with death is extremely hard to deal with, it can get better with time. Issues such as the steps of the healing process and constructively dealing with rage are also dealt with in this book aimed at the young adult that must cope with the loss of a loved one.
Grades 9-12 ISBN-10: 0807025011
