Every year during the month of May, we come together to raise awareness for mental health, to promote emotional and mental well-being, and to destigmatize and normalize matters of mental health.
Mental well-being is important all year round, but this is a great time to join the national conversation about mental health, educate yourself and others, find resources to help you cope, discover stories that speak to your experiences and others', and to remember that you are not alone.
Being a teen comes with its own unique set of challenges and tough situations. Check out these lists of books and resources for all sorts of Teen Issues, opens a new window, from mental health to addiction to self-harm and more. Embrace stories of others who have gone through the things you're experiencing, learn who you can reach out to for help, and practice empathy as you discover what life is like from the perspective of those dealing with situations you may have never experienced before!
Click each list's title to view the full list.
Novels depicting characters who refuse to be defined by their size, shape or appearance and insist on living their lives to the fullest!
Fiction Books and Links about bullying. If you need to talk to someone about bullying, the CA Youth Crisis Line is always open at 1-800-843-5200
A list of fiction and non-fiction titles dealing with relationships that have gotten dangerous, possibly abusive or deeply dysfunctional. If you need help with a relationship or dating problem, call the The National Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or text "LOVEIS" to 22522.
Check out a book on dealing with addictions. Do you need help or know someone who does? Call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Books that deal with gun violence, offering multiple perspectives, ways to cope and fictional stories of teens who have lived through it.
Books about being homeless or running away. Do you need help or know someone who does? Call the 24 hour crisis line at 408-850-6125 or the National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-RUNAWAY
Stay informed with some important Teen and Adult non-fiction titles regarding racism, and how it can be combatted in our society today. See the end of this list for additional relevant resources.
Check out these fiction and non-fiction stories about living with different disabilities and chronic conditions or illnesses. See the end of the list for helpful resources.
Books about depression, anxiety, OCD and other mental health issues. Do you need help or know someone who does? Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
Teen books & resources about surviving sexual abuse and harassment. You are not alone. Do you need help or know someone who does? Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
These non-fiction titles contain information and words of support for teens about sexualities and sexual identities. See the end of this list for additional relevant resources.
A list of fiction and non-fiction titles dealing with teen pregnancy and parenting.
Check out a book concerning suicide and self harm. Do you need help or know someone who does? Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
