These books for kids and teens sensitively deal with tough topics and big emotions. Perfect for SEL units, these stories normalize mental health issues, promote the importance of self-care, and provide more resources for young readers who are struggling to process big emotions like anger, sadness, anxiety, and loss. Share these stories with young readers to let them know they are not alone.
Check out these new and upcoming titles featuring characters with neurodivergence:
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for readers of all ages.
Nimbus Plays Alone by Saki Tanaka
Ages 4-8
With a riotous celebration of clouds, author-illustrator Saki Tanaka reminds us that there is more than one way to make a friend.
Otter Carries On by Maya Tatsukawa
Ages 4-8
In this gentle and encouraging picture book, an independent Otter learns to ask for help after getting lost at sea.
“An ocean of tiny details, depicted in a soft palette of grays, blues, and greens . . . visually immersive.” —Kirkus
Home Is a Wish by Julia Kuo
Ages 3-6
A deeply moving, gorgeously illustrated picture book about leaving home and finding a new place to fit in, for anyone dealing with a move, to another town or to a new country.
★”Elegantly constructed yet warmly comforting—a soothing balm for children undergoing similar changes.” –Kirkus, starred review
Tiny Bear Goes Missing by Manka Kasha
Ages 3-6
When a child loses their beloved stuffed bear, they have to find the courage to overcome their worry and set off on a rescue mission, in Tiny Bear Goes Missing, a beautiful and heartfelt picture book from Manka Kasha, author of Small Knight and the Anxiety Monster.
Together, a Forest: Drawing Connections Between Nature’s Diversity and Our Own by Roz MacLean
Ages 4-8
Explore a forest with a curious classroom in this breathtaking new picture book by the author of the beloved More Than Words, and experience the essential beauty of diversity in humanity and nature.
Shivi’s Big Leap by Kritika H. Rao; illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat
Ages 4-8
In this bold and colorful picture book about tapping into your courage, a young boy has to channel the Hindu monkey god Hanuman to reach the top of a climbing wall.
“The swinging repetition of Rao’s language is matched by Prabhat’s vibrant digital illustrations, with bold, bright tones dominating most spreads…A joyful but compassionate reminder that fun can be had even when a challenge feels insurmountable.” – BCCB
Feelings Are Like Farts by Christopher Willard and Tara Wosiski; illustrated by Toshiki Nakamura
Ages 4-8
Striking a perfect balance of funny and factual, this charming picture book encourages young readers to accept their emotions (and their farts) without shame, even when they really stink.
“An unconventional but useful primer to help youngsters make sense of overwhelming feelings.” —Kirkus
Everything’s Wrong!: A Bear, a Hare, and Trouble Everywhere by Jory John; illustrated by Erin Kraan
On Sale on May 20th!
Ages 4-8
From #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Bad Seed, Jory John, and the #1 New York Times-bestselling illustrator of Buffalo Fluffalo, Erin Kraan, comes a meaningful yet utterly hilarious tale—a companion to the popular picture books, Something’s Wrong! And Nothing’s Wrong!
“Important life lessons, served with a heap of comedy.” —Kirkus Reviews
Harold the Iceberg Is Not a Super Food by Lisa Wyzlic; illustrated by Rebecca Syracuse
Ages 3-6
Written by Lisa Wyzlic and whimsically illustrated by Rebecca Syracuse, Harold the Iceberg’s second adventure is about finding ways to lift up your community by first lifting up yourself and those closest to you.
Alone Sometimes: Everybody Needs a Hole in the Ground by Skylaar Amann
On Sale Now!
Ages 4-8
In Skylaar Amann’s gentle, beautifully illustrated picture book, two best friends learn that sometimes everyone needs a quiet, safe space to just be.
The Wave by Tyler Charlton
On Sale Now!
Ages 4-8
When a boy is swept up in a wave of sadness, he finds himself tumbling. But when he remembers that this sadness won’t last forever, and that the wave will eventually carry him back to shore, he discovers his friends and family waiting to gently pull him out of the water and back home.
“An introspective and reassuring title for readers across several grade ranges.” – School Library Journal
Mole is not Alone by Maya Tatsukawa
Ages 4-8
In this cozy picture book about friendship, Mole anxiously decides to journey through underground tunnels to attend a party.
★ “…a story about anticipatory worry that ends not with forced revelry, but with a “Maybe… next time?” and gentle camaraderie found.” – Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
Harold the Iceberg Melts Down by Lisa Wyzlic; illustrated by Rebecca Syracuse
Ages 3-6
Accompanied by Rebecca Syracuse’s bold, whimsical artwork, Lisa Wyzlic’s debut picture book Harold the Iceberg Melts Down is all about the importance of friendship and self-care, perfect for any young reader worried about their planet’s future.
“The characters, googly-eyed vegetables with loads of digitally acquired personality, are charming, more than charitable, and children will love the adventure.” —School Library Journal
The Worry Balloon by Mónica Mancillas; illustrated by Betty C. Tang
On Sale Now!
Ages 4-8
A thoughtful and reassuring picture book about how one child experiences anxiety, and what she can do to manage her worries.
“Realistically depicting thought spirals and intrusive worry, [The Worry Balloon] takes a sensitive, strategic approach.” – Publishers Weekly
I See You, Sad Bear by Vern Kousky
Ages 3-6
A poetic and comforting story that explores emotional literacy and friendship, perfect for fans of The Rabbit Listened and Be Kind.
“Gracefully understated and understanding, for Sad Bears and their friends, too.” – Kirkus Reviews
Cape by Kevin Johnson; illustrated by Kitt Thomas
Ages 4-8
A young child learns that even superheroes hurt too in this heartrending story about loss and love, written by debut author Kevin Johnson and illustrated by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Kitt Thomas.
★ “A resonant child’s-eye view of grief—and hope.” —Kirkus, starred review
Where is Bina Bear? by Mike Curato
Ages 4-8
In Mike Curato’s funny, poignant picture book Where Is Bina Bear?, a little rabbit throws a party—but can’t find best friend Bina Bear anywhere!
“Even the most outgoing child will learn to empathize with those that don’t have fun in crowds . . . Imbued with understanding and overt silliness.” —Kirkus Reviews
How to Hug a Pufferfish by Ellie Peterson
Ages 3-6
A picture book about a group of underwater friends who learn to ask for permission before showing their prickly, pufferfish pal some love.
“Appealing characters and action, [make] this an engaging tome for burgeoning consent shelves.” —School Library Journal
Tomatoes in my Lunchbox by Costantia Manoli; illustrated by Magdalena Mora
Ages 4-8
A moving picture book from a debut author about the first day of school, layered with themes about the immigrant experience and the universal experience of feeling out of place.
★ “[A] beautifully told and illustrated story that expresses, with sensitivity and inspired use of figurative language, a child’s attempt to fit with the dominant culture—a common experience that will resonate with many readers and inspire empathy in others.” —Kirkus, starred review
See You Someday Soon by Pat Zietlow Miller; illustrated by Suzy Lee
Ages 3-6
From the author of the mega-bestseller Be Kind comes a picture book for anyone who’s ever loved someone far away.
★ “A touching depiction of love across the miles between a grandmother and a grandchild… Pick up this title someday soon.” —Kirkus Review, starred review
Small Knight and the Anxiety Monster by Manka Kasha
Ages 3-6
An adorable, heartfelt picture book debut from Manka Kasha, Small Knight and the Anxiety Monster follows the magical quest of a knight finding the courage to confront an ever growing monster.
“This fairy tale is partially, and powerfully, about facing anxiety, but also about finding the courage to defy expectations…The illustrations, done in watercolors and ink, provide astonishing bursts of color and comic, or sometimes scary, details. The sort of book that may stick with kids years after reading.” —Booklist
Wild Feelings by David Milgrim
Ages 4-8
Do you ever feel as stubborn as a mule? Or as chicken as a chicken? Of course you do. Everyone does.
In this lighthearted look at feelings, David Milgrim tenderly and humorously sketches the emotional range—from awkward to unnoticed, to really, rrrreally mad. Ultimately reassuring, this is a loving look at the normal, natural feelings we all have.
“Milgrim’s lighthearted illustrations and empathetic understanding of child behavior make this a first purchase and a good choice both for one-on-one discussions and for storytime.”—School Library Journal
We Need to Talk About Divorce: An IMPORTANT book about Separation, Stepfamilies, and Feeling Heard by Kate Scharff, illustrated by Annika Le Large
Ages 8-12
A kid-centric guide for the children of parents going through a separation or divorce, written by internationally renowned divorce therapist Kate Scharff, MSW.
★ “While kids are the target audience, teens and even parents will find Scharff’s words of wisdom valuable. Optimistic, empathetic, and nuanced—in short, required reading for young people navigating divorce.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Extra Large by Tyler Page
Ages 8-12
Tyler Page returns with a touching middle grade memoir about a boy dealing with Button Pusher weight gain, bullying, and gendered expectations all while starting a new school year.
“Sunny full-color illustrations imbue the graphic novel with the nostalgic vibe of a Saturday morning cartoon, while lighthearted and insightful storytelling brings the narrative to a tidy close.” –Publishers Weekly
Don’t Cause Trouble by Arree Chung
Ages 8-12
Twelve-year-old Ming Lee hopes middle school will be the fresh start he needs.
★ “Real life” inspired Chung’s graphic novel debut, which uses vibrant, vivacious, full-color panels. His dynamic characters’ expressions are particularly affecting, although Mom just might be the title’s star player.”—Booklist, starred review
The Garden Just Beyond by Lindsey Leavitt
On Sale on May 20th!
Ages 10-14
Devilishly absurd and heartachingly true, The Garden Just Beyond untangles themes of heritage, identity, and legacy in a tale that twists and turns until the enchanted end.
★ “In this page-turning story, Leavitt adroitly balances comedic and poignant elements, classical allusions, and contemporary diversions. . .Richly detailed and imagined; will invite repeat visits to harvest all the delights.”–Kirkus, starred review
Maybe It’s a Sign by E. L. Shen
Ages 10-14
An uplifting middle-grade novel about loss, luck . . . and deep-dish chocolate chip cookies—perfect for fans of King and the Dragonflies and The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise.
★ “Tender and deeply personal . . . Maybe It’s a Sign is an earnest and memorable story about grieving and growing up.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review
Weirdo by Tony Weaver Jr.
Ages 10-14
From rising star Tony Weaver, Jr. comes a middle-grade graphic novel memoir about an awkward preteen who loves all things geeky but struggles with mental health issues and self-doubt, perfect for fans of Jerry Craft’s New Kid.
★ “A touching story of belonging, in which Weaver realistically depicts the many small steps required to becoming one’s own hero.” — Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
Coyote Lost and Found by Dan Gemeinhart
Ages 9-12
From #1 New York Times-bestselling author Dan Gemeinhart comes a standalone companion to the critically-acclaimed The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise about a father and daughter who venture on a moving, uplifting, and rollicking cross-country road trip.
“A memorable blend of sorrow and joy.” —Booklist
The Gray by Chris Baron
Ages 10-14
The Gray is a sensitively told middle grade story from Chris Baron about living with anxiety and finding ways to cope.
“Baron intricately captures teen friendship dynamics, interweaving quiet suspense by gradually divulging a pivotal, dark moment in the town’s recent past. Sensory-rich settings and viscerally imagined depictions of anxiety manifest an immersive world without pulling punches, carving a hopeful path for Sasha’s mental health management. An author’s note shares Baron’s lived experience with anxiety.” —Publishers Weekly
Button Pusher by Tyler Page
Ages 10-14
A memoir-driven realistic graphic novel about Tyler, a child who is diagnosed with ADHD and has to discover for himself how to best manage it.
★ “A well-paced interweaving of story beats and explanation, told with a refreshing honesty of feeling, make this a factually informative, accessible introduction to ADHD.” —Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
Between the Lighthouse and You by Michelle Lee
Ages 8-12
A debut middle-grade novel about a town that can receive messages from the dead, and the young boy and girl who form an unlikely friendship to contact their lost loved ones and face their grief—perfect for fans of the New York Times–bestselling Wish by Barbara O’Connor.
“The alternating first-person present-tense voices of Alice and Leo provide immediacy and intimacy, while the interactions between and among their down-to-earth families add realism, making the implausible feel possible. The island lighthouse setting proves an ideal venue for otherworldly communication . . . A heartwarming, emotional tale of family, grief, and acceptance.” —Kirkus Reviews
In the Key of Us by Mariama J. Lockington
Ages 8-12
From the author of the critically acclaimed novel For Black Girls Like Me, Mariama J. Lockington, comes a coming-of-age story surrounding the losses that threaten to break us and the friendships that make us whole again.
★ “Navigating sensitive topics like body image, mental health, racism, grief, and healthy relationships with a gentle hand, this moving coming-of-age story is perfect for tweens and young teens.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Smaller Sister by Maggie Edkins Willis
Ages 8-12
Maggie Edkins Willis’s Smaller Sister is a debut middle grade graphic novel about body image, confidence, and the everlasting bond of sisterhood.
★ “[A] resonant and achingly real work… Middle grade readers will be utterly absorbed by this heartfelt graphic novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics, body image, and self-acceptance.” —School Library Journal, starred review
My Thoughts Are Clouds: Poems for Mindfulness by Georgia Heard; illustrated by Isabel Roxas
Ages 8-12
A poetry collection that both illustrates what mindfulness is and encourages young, growing minds to be present, from poet and educator Georgia Heard, with art by Isabel Roxas.
“In today’s Covid-rattled frenzy of online or hybrid instruction and added strictures on behavior, [here is] Heard’s gentle call for mindfulness . . . Therapeutic and accessible: an empowering guide well suited for those growing up in this age of anxiety.” —Kirkus Reviews
Breathing Underwater by Sarah Allen
Ages 8-12
A sparkly, moving middle grade novel from Sarah Allen, and a big-hearted exploration of sisterhood, dreams, and what it means to be there for someone you love.
★ “This is an important story that captures not just the struggles many teens have with mental illness but also the complex and meaningful relationship between two sisters who care deeply for each other, even if they show it in different ways. . .Beautifully written, this tender novel should be read by anyone who understands how challenging navigating mental illness can be. A first purchase for all shelves; buy more than one copy.” —School Library Journal, starred review
The House No One Sees by Adina King
Ages 14-18
Penelope Ross has always felt like a passenger in her mother’s fairytale – until the night of her 17th birthday, when she is forced to enter her own.
★ “This heartbreaking work will resonate deeply with fans of A.S. King and Amber McBride…Raw, gripping, and heart-wrenching.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
You Belong Here by Sara Phoebe Miller; illustrated by Morgan Beem
Ages 14-18
A young adult graphic novel following Essie through heartbreak, star-crossed romance, teen drama, and the question on every high-school senior’s lips: where do I belong?
“Debut author Miller’s perceptive storytelling highlights Essie’s ability to steadfastly maintain her autonomy as her romances with Bruno and Christopher unfurl in this solidly crafted graphic novel examination of existential angst and future anxiety.” — Publishers Weekly
Everyone Sux But You by K. Wroten
On Sale May 20th!
Ages 14-18
A bold young adult graphic novel about the highs and lows of growing up, queer love, and learning to accept yourself for who you are, perfect for fans of Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, Daria and Ladybird.
Thirsty by Jas Hammonds
Ages 14-18
From Jas Hammonds, award-winning author of We Deserve Monuments, comes an unflinching novel about addiction that Courtney Summers, New York Times bestselling author of Sadie and I’m the Girl, called “sensitively wrought and gorgeously written.”
★ “Hammonds expertly weaves explorations of class, family, queer identity, race, and substance reliance into a glittering, harrowing narrative that is compulsively readable, gorgeously written, and intricately crafted.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
This Is Me Trying by Racquel Marie
Ages 14-18
Perfect for fans of Nina LaCour, This is Me Trying is a profound and tender YA contemporary novel exploring grief, love, and guilt from author Racquel Marie.
“Marie blends prosaic high school concerns over college, dances, and relationships with wrenching depictions of adolescents struggling to cope with a traumatic loss to deliver a tender portrayal of reconnecting after grief.” —Publishers Weekly
Unstoppable!: My Journey from World Champion to Athlete A to 8-Time NCAA National Gymnastics Champion and Beyond by Maggie Nichols with Hope Innelli
Ages 14-18
Maggie Nichols’s official memoir is an inspirational tell-all about the abuse she suffered under the US national gymnastics team and how she managed to redefine herself in the face of adversity. With an introduction from Simone Biles.
“A courageous and important cautionary tale.”— — Kirkus Reviews
Saints of the Household by Ari Tison
Ages 14-18
Saints of the Household is a haunting contemporary YA about an act of violence in a small-town–beautifully told by a debut Indigenous Costa Rican-American writer–that will take your breath away.
★ “In this striking, assured debut exhibiting a measured pace and delicate writing, Tison (Bribri) probes the ties of adolescent brotherhood and ways the effects of violence can stall self-directed growth… Remarkably compelling.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride
Ages 14-17
They Both Die at the End meets The Bell Jar in this haunting, beautiful young adult novel-in-verse about clinical depression and healing from trauma, from National Book Award Finalist Amber McBride.
★ “Stunning… Readers will revel in the depth of Whimsy and Faerry’s relationship, all the while finding solace and relief in the calculated messiness of their search for wholeness.” —Booklist, starred review
The Minus-One Club by Kekla Magoon
Ages 12-18
From the Coretta Scott King and Printz Honor-winning author of How It Went Down, Light It Up, and Revolution In Our Time comes a moving contemporary YA novel about the bonds between a group of teens whose lives have been upended by tragedy.
★ “This timely and thoughtful novel makes room for the increasing depth and complexity of navigating adolescence alongside grief, religious dissent, and healing.” – Booklist, Starred Review
Forever is Now by Mariama J. Lockington
Ages 12-18
A poignant and lyrical young adult novel-in-verse about a Black teen coming of age in an anxiety-inducing world, from the author of For Black Girls Like Me and In the Key of Us.
★ “An outstanding novel in-verse that tells the story of a teenager’s struggles to better both her mental health and her community. Lockington’s approachable poetry covers heavy topics readers may find emotionally demanding—mental health, family dynamics, anti-Blackness, social activism, sexuality, social media, romance. The author elegantly and compassionately portrays Sadie’s complicated, sensitive struggle with agoraphobia and depicts various realistic ways people might respond to the mental health of their loved ones.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Ages 14-18
With four starred reviews, Angeline Boulley’s debut novel, Firekeeper’s Daughter, is a groundbreaking YA thriller about a Native teen who must root out the corruption in her community, perfect for readers of Angie Thomas and Tommy Orange.
★ “Hitting hard when it comes to issues such as citizenship, language revitalization, and the corrosive presence of drugs on Native communities, this novel will long stand in the hearts of both Native and non-Native audiences.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore
Ages 13-18
In this young adult novel by award-winning author Anna-Marie McLemore, two non-binary teens are pulled into a magical world under a lake – but can they keep their worlds above water intact?
★ “McLemore crafts vivid magic that balances scenes of overwhelming, unregulated emotions given life by the lake with soothing, sincere moments of love, self-affirmation, and gentle humor…A beauty both bright and deep.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds
Ages 14-18
Family secrets, a swoon-worthy romance, and a slow-burn mystery collide in We Deserve Monuments, a YA debut from Jas Hammonds that explores how racial violence can ripple down through generations.
★ “Hammonds seamlessly weaves together mystery, romance, and a town’s racist history, crafting a gripping and emotional story. A love story—romantic and familial—that is a must-read.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
PTSD by Guillaume Singelin
Singelin’s PTSD is an adult fiction graphic novel that grapples with the reality of being a war veteran about a traumatized war vet who must fend for herself against all odds.
★ “Unlike in macho tales of grit and glory, Singelin infuses his story and characters with deep, simmering warmth…This is a gorgeous meditation on the lingering horrors of war.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
Find resources for talking to kids and teens about current events here.
Not sure how to talk to kids about what’s happening in world events? We’ve rounded up some books that provide an accessible way to talk to kids about lessons we can learn from history, and also included some books to use as resources for media literacy. Plus, see below to find journal entry prompts to help your kids process their emotions.
