May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is important to acknowledge the existence of such a month. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health. For some, talking about mental health and mental illness is difficult, but speaking up can be empowering and can help individuals realize that they are not alone. The concept behind Inside Out reminds us that all emotions are important, not just the so-called happy and cheerful ones.
Being “on” all the time can lead to burnout, and it is crucial to take care of one’s mental health. However, it is important to proceed with caution and care when discussing mental health, as it can be a sensitive topic for some. This article provides information and resources on mental health to help individuals better understand and take care of their mental well-being.
1. We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride
In “We Are All So Good at Smiling” by Amber McBride, the characters Whimsy and Faerry are both undergoing treatment for clinical depression. They discover that they both have a magical quality within them, and when Faerry and his family move to the same street, they begin to realize that their lives may have intersected before. However, both are afraid of the forest at the end of Marsh Creek Lane.
The forest seems to hold answers for both Whimsy and Faerry, with the Forest whispering to Whimsy and Faerry feeling like a part of him is missing that the forest might be able to fill. As they explore the forest, they discover that it holds monsters, fairy tales, and pain that they have been running from for 11 years. The novel is available for purchase now.
2. The Chandler Legacies by Abdi Nazemian
In The Chandler Legacies, five teenagers from different walks of life are brought together in a writing group called the Circle at Chandler, an elite boarding school. Beth Kramer, a townie, returns to her sophomore year after a year of tension with her roommate, Sarah Brunson.
Amanda Priya “Spence” Spencer, a privileged daughter of NYC elites, is reeling from the realization that her family name shielded her from the same fate as Sarah. Ramin Golafshar, a transfer student, arrives at Chandler to escape the dangers of being gay in Iran, only to suffer brutal hazing under the guise of tradition in the boys’ dorms. Freddy Bello, a senior, is no longer sure of his future but knows he has to stand up to his friends after what happened to Ramin.
Their professor tells them to write their truths, but the question remains: is the truth enough to change the long-standing culture of abuse at Chandler? The novel explores themes of friendship, abuse, and the power of truth. The Chandler Legacies is a thought-provoking and eye-opening read that sheds light on the dark side of elite institutions.
3. The Silence That Binds Us by Joanna Ho
In “The Silence That Binds Us,” Joanna Ho addresses the impact of mental health, racism, and classism on individuals and families. The novel follows Maybelline Chen, a Chinese Taiwanese American who struggles to meet her mother’s expectations of being the perfect daughter. May’s brother, Danny, is the favored child despite his secret battle with depression. When Danny dies by suicide, May’s parents are accused of putting too much pressure on him.
May challenges the stereotypes and racism surrounding her family’s experience through her writing. However, the consequences of her actions are more significant than she could have imagined. Joanna Ho’s novel explores who gets to tell our stories and who gets silenced.
The Silence That Binds Us is a timely and thought-provoking novel that sheds light on the complexities of mental health and the impact of cultural expectations on individuals and families. The novel encourages readers to challenge stereotypes and take control of their narratives.
4. White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson
In “White Smoke” by Tiffany D. Jackson, Marigold is trying to escape her past by moving to Cedarville with her newly blended family. They move into a free house provided by the Sterling Foundation, but the house has its secrets.
The house on Maple Street is surrounded by run-down homes, and strange occurrences happen inside. Doors open and close on their own, items go missing, and Mari is the only one who can smell the foul odor seeping through the vents. Her stepsister, Piper, keeps talking about a friend who wants Mari gone.
Mari soon realizes that the danger is not limited to the house on Maple Street. Cedarville has its secrets too, and they are slowly beginning to unravel. In this haunting tale, Mari must confront the ghosts of her past and the secrets of Cedarville to protect her family.
Readers will be drawn into the story with the vivid descriptions of the eerie occurrences in the house. The author masterfully builds suspense and keeps the readers on the edge of their seats. The story is well-paced and keeps the readers engaged until the very end. “White Smoke” is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery with a touch of horror.
5. (Don’t) Call Me Crazy edited by Kelly Jensen
(Don’t) Call Me Crazy is a thought-provoking collection of essays, lists, comics, and illustrations by 33 writers, athletes, and artists that explore their personal experiences with mental illness. The book provides a guide to better understanding how our mental health affects us every day and how we do and do not talk about mental health.
The book is a conversation starter that offers a unique perspective on mental health. It helps readers understand that there is no single definition of crazy, and the word itself means different things to different people. The contributors to the book share their experiences with mental illness, which range from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
(Don’t) Call Me Crazy emphasizes the importance of talking openly about mental health. The book offers help for better understanding how every person’s brain is wired differently, and what might make someone crazy. It also challenges the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourages readers to seek help when they need it.
6. An Emotion of Great Delight by Tahereh Mafi
An Emotion of Great Delight by Tahereh Mafi is a novel that explores the life of a Muslim girl named Shadi during the Iraq War. The story is set in 2003, a few months after the US declared war on Iraq.
The book highlights the challenges faced by the Muslim community during this time, including hate crimes, FBI surveillance, and harassment. Shadi, who wears a hijab, is struggling with her own personal issues, including the death of her brother, her father’s illness, and her broken heart.
The book follows Shadi as she tries to navigate through her difficult life by keeping her pain to herself. However, she eventually reaches a breaking point and explodes. The novel is a powerful portrayal of the struggles faced by Muslim Americans during the Iraq War era.
It sheds light on the discrimination and hardships that the Muslim community faced and provides a glimpse into the life of a young Muslim girl trying to find her place in a world that is hostile towards her.
An Emotion of Great Delight is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the experiences of Muslim Americans during the Iraq War era. It is a powerful and emotional story that will leave readers with a greater understanding and empathy for the struggles faced by the Muslim community.
7. Chaos Theory by Nic Stone
In “Chaos Theory” by Nic Stone, readers are introduced to Shelbi and Andy, two characters who are struggling to navigate the complexities of their lives. Shelbi, who has recently enrolled in Windward Academy as a senior, is determined to keep to herself and avoid making friends.
She has scars from her past, and she knows that the less people know about her, the better. Andy, on the other hand, is dealing with a drinking problem that is spiraling out of control. When Shelbi reaches out to him during a low point, the two form a connection that is both powerful and fragile.
Throughout the novel, Stone explores themes of grief, mental health, and love in the face of chaos. She deftly handles the complexities of her characters’ lives, showing readers that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope. “Chaos Theory” is a tour de force of emotion and storytelling, and it is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled to find their way in a chaotic world.
8. How It Feels to Float by Helena Fox
How It Feels to Float by Helena Fox is a novel that explores the complex emotions of a teenage girl named Biz. Biz has a group of people around her, including her mother, the twins, and her best friend Grace. She also has her father, who died when she was six but whom she still feels a strong connection to. Despite her seemingly stable life, Biz struggles with dark thoughts and feelings that she keeps hidden from everyone.
After a traumatic incident on the beach, Biz’s tenuous grasp on normalcy begins to slip. Her father’s absence becomes more pronounced, and she begins to question whether she should try to find him or simply let go and drift away. As she grapples with these difficult emotions, Biz also finds herself drawn to Grace in a way that she can’t fully understand.
Throughout the novel, Fox uses vivid language and introspective prose to explore Biz’s inner world. The reader is drawn into Biz’s struggles and uncertainties, and Fox handles her character’s mental health issues with sensitivity and compassion. Overall, How It Feels to Float is a moving and thought-provoking novel that offers a poignant look at the challenges of adolescence and the power of human connection.
9. The Art of Starving by Sam J. Miller
In “The Art of Starving” by Sam J. Miller, the protagonist, Matt, discovers that the less he eats, the more he gains certain abilities. He becomes sharper, can see things he shouldn’t be able to see, and can even tune into people’s thoughts. Matt decides to use his newfound powers to uncover what happened to his sister, Maya, who was driven away by a group of high school bullies led by Tariq.
To infiltrate Tariq’s life, Matt must keep his hunger and longing in check. Despite his mother keeping the kitchen stocked with food, Matt resists the temptation to eat because he believes it will dull his abilities. However, he soon realizes that hunger comes in many forms and he may not be in control of all of them.
“The Art of Starving” explores the theme of power and control, as Matt struggles to gain control over his hunger and his abilities, while also trying to gain control over the situation with Tariq and his bullies. The novel delves into the complex relationship between hunger and power, and how they can both be used to gain control over one’s life and circumstances.
10. Fans of the Impossible Life by Kate Scelsa
Fans of the Impossible Life by Kate Scelsa is a novel that follows the lives of three teenagers, Mira, Jeremy, and Sebby, as they navigate high school and deal with their personal struggles. Mira, who has been struggling with depression, is determined to start over at Saint Francis Prep and try to act like a functioning human being. She is best friends with Sebby, a gay boy who exudes warmth and positivity despite his difficult home life. Together, they create a world of magic rituals and impromptu road trips to escape from their problems.
Jeremy, a shy art nerd who has been in self-imposed isolation since an incident that ruined his last year of school, is drawn to Sebby and Mira’s world. As he gets to know them better, he begins to understand the secrets they keep to protect themselves and each other from those who don’t understand their quest to live for the impossible.
Fans of the Impossible Life is a heartwarming and emotional story about friendship, love, and the struggles of adolescence. The novel deals with important themes such as mental health, sexuality, and the importance of human connection.
Kate Scelsa’s writing is engaging and authentic, and she does an excellent job of capturing the voices of her teenage characters. Fans of the Impossible Life is a must-read for anyone who enjoys young adult literature and wants to explore the complexities of teenage life.
11. Nothing Burns as Bright as You by Ashley Woodfolk
The novel “Nothing Burns as Bright as You” by Ashley Woodfolk centers around two girls who were once best friends but eventually became more than that. The story follows the events of a single day where their tumultuous past and present are revealed, culminating in a fire that sets off a chain of events.
The novel explores the complexities of love and friendship, and how easily lines can become blurred. As the girls navigate their uncertain future, they learn that matters of the heart are not easily controlled. Readers can purchase the book now.
12. Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram
Darius Kellner is a teenager who is struggling with clinical depression, an unsupportive father, and a lack of social life. He is also a self-proclaimed Trekkie who speaks better Klingon than Farsi and knows more about Hobbit social cues than Persian ones. When he travels to Iran for the first time, he is overwhelmed with the culture shock, but he gets to know his family and meets Sohrab, a boy who becomes his best friend.
Sohrab helps Darius feel more comfortable in Iran by making sure people speak English and giving him an Iranian National Football Team jersey that makes him feel like a True Persian. They spend their days playing soccer, eating rosewater ice cream, and sitting together on a rooftop overlooking the Yazdi skyline. Sohrab calls him Darioush, the original Persian version of his name, and Darius feels like he can truly be himself around Sohrab.
Throughout the novel, Darius struggles with his identity and his place in the world. He feels like he doesn’t fit in with his family or in America, but he also feels like an outsider in Iran. However, his friendship with Sohrab helps him realize that he doesn’t need to fit into a specific mold to be happy.
Darius the Great is Not Okay is a heartwarming novel about friendship, family, and self-discovery. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like they don’t belong.
13. The Cartographers by Amy Zhang
Ocean Sun, the protagonist of the novel, moves to New York City after struggling with depression during her senior year of high school. She defers her acceptance to a prestigious university and decides to live off her savings until she feels emotionally stable. Ocean moves into an apartment with two strangers, Georgie and Tashya, who become her close friends.
She also gets a job tutoring and meets a fellow student, Constantine Brave, who is a graffiti artist. Ocean and Constant soon start corresponding via Google Docs, discussing various topics such as physics, philosophy, art, literature, and love.
However, their relationship falls apart when Ocean goes home for Thanksgiving and Constant’s true character is revealed. Meanwhile, Georgie and Tashya break up, and the police become involved. The four friends in the novel are all cartographers, mapping out their futures, dreams, and paths toward adulthood.
“The Cartographers” is a stunning and heartbreaking novel about finding the strength to control one’s own destiny. It is recommended for fans of Nina LaCour’s “We Are Okay” and Daniel Nayeri’s “Everything Sad Is Untrue.” Readers will be captivated by the complex relationships and emotional journeys of the characters in this novel.
14. Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow
“Girl in Pieces” by Kathleen Glasgow is a heart-wrenching novel that tells the story of Charlotte Davis, a seventeen-year-old girl who has experienced more loss and pain than most people do in a lifetime. The novel follows her journey as she tries to put herself back together after being broken into pieces.
The book explores the themes of self-harm, addiction, and mental illness, and portrays the struggles that many young people face in today’s society. Glasgow’s debut novel is a deeply moving portrait of a girl in a world that owes her nothing but has taken so much from her.
The story is told in a raw and unflinching manner, with Glasgow not shying away from the harsh realities of life. The broken glass and scars that Charlie uses to forget her pain are a poignant reminder of the depths of despair that some people experience.
15. Turtles All The Way Down by John Green
In “Turtles All The Way Down” by John Green, 16-year-old Aza and her best friend Daisy set out to solve the mystery of a fugitive billionaire, Russell Pickett, in hopes of winning a hundred-thousand-dollar reward. Along the way, they connect with Russell’s son, Davis, and navigate the challenges of their own lives.
Aza struggles to balance being a good daughter, friend, student, and detective while also dealing with her own mental health issues. This novel explores themes of friendship, mental illness, and the complexities of human relationships. Readers can purchase “Turtles All The Way Down” to delve into this captivating story.
16. This Is My Brain in Love by I. W. Gregorio
“This Is My Brain in Love” is a young adult novel by I. W. Gregorio that follows the story of two high school students, Jocelyn Wu and Will Domenici. Jocelyn’s family restaurant is struggling, and it’s up to her and Will to bring it into the 21st century. As they work together, they develop a romantic relationship, but family prejudices and the uncertain future of the restaurant threaten to keep them apart.
The novel deals with themes of family, identity, and mental health. Jocelyn struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, while Will deals with the pressure of proving himself as a journalist and finding a summer internship. The book also explores the challenges faced by children of immigrants, particularly in balancing their cultural heritage with their American identity.
“This Is My Brain in Love” has received critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of mental health and the immigrant experience. It is a heartwarming and relatable story that will resonate with young adults and anyone who has ever struggled to balance their dreams with their responsibilities.
17. Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Summer Bird Blue is a novel by Akemi Dawn Bowman that tells the story of Rumi Seto, a teenager who dreams of writing music with her younger sister, Lea. However, Lea dies in a car accident, leaving Rumi devastated and struggling to cope with her loss. Her mother sends her away to Hawaii to live with her aunt while she deals with her own grief.
Thousands of miles away from home, Rumi finds it difficult to navigate her way through life without her sister and music. She is helped by two unlikely friends: Kai, a teenage surfer who doesn’t take anything seriously, and George Watanabe, an eighty-year-old who has already dealt with his own grief.
Together, they help Rumi find her way back to her music and attempt to finish the song that she and Lea never had the chance to complete. Summer Bird Blue is a powerful and emotional novel that deals with themes of grief, loss, and the healing power of music. It is a must-read for anyone who has experienced the pain of losing a loved one and is looking for a way to move forward.
18. In Limbo by Deb Jj Lee
Deborah Lee, a South Korean immigrant to the United States, has always felt out of place. Her English was not perfect, and her Korean name was difficult for teachers to pronounce. In high school, things got even harder for her, as she fell behind in classes, lost friendships, and had escalating fights with her mother. This left her feeling trapped and caught in limbo, with no safe place to go. Her mental health spiraled downward, and she attempted suicide.
Despite all of this, Deb persevered and found healing through art and self-care. Through this journey, she gained a deeper understanding of her heritage and herself. Her story is chronicled in her book, “In Limbo,” which is available for purchase.
19. Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia
Eliza Mirk, an introverted and eccentric 18-year-old, is the mastermind behind the popular webcomic, Monstrous Sea. Under the pseudonym LadyConstellation, she has amassed a massive following of fans from all over the world. However, in the real world, Eliza is a loner who struggles to connect with others.
When Wallace Warland, a new student at her school, takes an interest in her, Eliza begins to question whether a life offline could be fulfilling. But when her secret identity as LadyConstellation is accidentally revealed to the public, Eliza’s carefully crafted world begins to unravel. Her relationship with Wallace, her sanity, and her beloved webcomic are all put in jeopardy.
Francesca Zappia’s Eliza and Her Monsters is a captivating novel that explores themes of creativity, fandom, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. With its relatable characters and poignant storyline, this book is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
20. Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
Frances Janvier and Aled Last are the protagonists of “Radio Silence” by Alice Oseman. Frances is a studious individual who spends most of her time studying, while Aled is known as the quiet boy who gets straight A’s. Rather than falling in love, they create a podcast.
In a world that tries to silence them, Frances and Aled struggle to find their voices over the course of a life-changing year. The novel explores their journey to discover who they really are and whether they will have the courage to show it to the world. Will they be met with radio silence or will they be able to break through the barriers set before them? “Radio Silence” is available for purchase now.
21. The Rest Of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
“The Rest of Us Just Live Here” by Patrick Ness is a novel that explores the lives of ordinary teenagers who are not the chosen ones in a world where supernatural events occur. The story follows Mikey, a high school student who just wants to graduate, go to prom, and ask out his crush, Henna. However, he finds himself dealing with problems bigger than the end of the world that happen every week.
The book emphasizes finding the extraordinary in ordinary life, even when your best friend is worshipped by mountain lions. It shows that sometimes the most significant battles are the ones we fight in our daily lives. The novel also touches on mental health, as it deals with the struggles of anxiety and OCD.
Summary
YA books about mental health are becoming increasingly popular among young adults. These books address important topics such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, providing readers with a better understanding of mental health issues.
Some popular titles include “All the Bright Places” by Jennifer Niven, “Turtles All the Way Down” by John Green, and “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson. These books not only educate readers on mental health but also provide a sense of hope and empowerment for those struggling with similar issues.