60 Mental Health Books for Kids (2026)

Every parent knows the importance of reading to their children—but what makes reading beneficial to a child’s mental health? Mental health books for kids provide them with a healthy escape from reality while reducing stress and improving emotional awareness.

Through books, children can learn to ride the wave of intense emotions and become more comfortable talking about their feelings. So, where do you start? We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 60 of the best children’s books about mental health for you to explore.

Books About ADHD

Regular reading improves a child’s attention span, as it challenges the brain to concentrate on a single task [*]. Incorporating reading into a child’s daily routine can enhance their attention management. Here, we list a few of our favorite ADHD-themed reads for kids.

1. Free Association: Where My Mind Goes During Science Class by Barbara Esham

Despite being a science whiz, Emily’s mind often wanders and partakes in epic adventures—all in the middle of class. This sweet, humorous, and educational book explores how young children with ADHD can manage overwhelming thoughts.

$8.99 on Amazon, $5.99 on Barnes and Noble

2. Cory Stories: A Kid’s Book About Living with ADHD by Jeanne Kraus

This clever book is written in short format—poems, vignettes, and short essays to embody what it feels like to have ADHD. Throughout the book, protagonist Cody describes his experiences with therapy, taking medication, and working on his relationships with friends and family.

$9.81 exclusively on Amazon

3. The Survival Guide for Kids with ADHD (Survival Guides for Kids) by John F. Taylor

The Survival Guide for Kids with ADHD is an excellent foundational book for children learning about their diagnoses for the first time. It’s straightforward and offers practical advice in a fun and approachable way.

$13.06 on Amazon, $15.99 on Barnes and Noble

4. My Brain is a Race Car: A Children's Guide to a Neuro-Divergent Brain by Nell Harris

Inspired by her daughter, who has ADHD, author Nell Harris likens the experience of neurodivergence to being in a race car. Kids might enjoy “driving fast” for long periods but occasionally need to sit back for “maintenance.” This easy-to-read book thoughtfully explains neurodivergent traits and encourages self-regulation.

$11.14 on Amazon, $18.01 on Barnes and Noble

5. Get Ready for Jetty! My Journal About ADHD and Me by Jeanne Kraus

Fourth-grader Jetty illustrates her experiences with ADHD in this visually engaging and relatable journal. Young readers will connect with her thoughts and troubles and learn how to express themselves through writing.

$2.25 on Amazon, $9.95 on Barnes and Noble

Discover more of our recommended books for ADHD.

Books About Anger

Because reading calms the mind, it’s an excellent tool for managing anger. Children can safely explore their emotions, whether irritated, enraged, or even vengeful.

When Miles Got Mad by Sam Kurtzman-Counter and Abbie Schiller

When Miles’ little brother breaks his favorite toy plane, Miles roasts and toasts angrily. Suddenly, he catches a glimpse of himself in the mirror and sees someone he doesn’t recognize—someone with a red face and funny teeth. It’s Mad Monster, Miles’ unexpected sidekick, who helps him learn to articulate his anger and intense emotions.

$17.68 exclusively on Amazon

7. Anh’s Anger by Gail Silver

Children may be surprised that they can express their anger positively, which is the message Anh hopes to communicate. When Anh is angry, his grandparents, friends, and teachers help him find healthy and mindful outlets for expressing these feelings.

$18.95 on Amazon, $18.95 on Barnes and Noble

8. Pause Power by Jennifer Law

Pause Power is a comical and visual approach to “pushing someone’s buttons.” When Gabe develops a button named Preston on his arm, Preston equips him with the power to pause. By pausing, Gabe gives himself time to process his angry emotions.

$4.61 on Amazon, $10.95 on Barnes and Noble

9. What to Do When Your Temper Flares: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Problems With Anger (What-to-Do Guides for Kids Series) by Dawn Huebner

This Mom’s Choice Award book supplies an excellent avenue for parents and kids to take a cognitive-behavioral approach to managing anger. It gives readers a step-by-step interactive, captivating, and accessible method for approaching anger.

$14.41 on Amazon, $16.99 on Barnes and Noble

10. Anger Management Workbook for Teens: Exercises and Tools to Overcome Your Anger and Manage Your Emotions by Holly Forman-Patel

Licensed family therapist Holly Formal-Patel helps teens manage their anger with exercises that don’t feel like homework. Forman-Patel uses science-based strategies in her workbook to engage teens in quizzes, creative prompts, and journaling.

$8.32 on Amazon, $15.99 on Barnes and Noble

Books About Anxiety

Sometimes, characters in children’s books can make readers feel less alone in their anxiety journey because they’re relatable. Reading can provide a sense of belonging and hope and is a powerful tool for treating mental health conditions.

11. Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival

When Ruby meets the small, yellow Worry, she barely pays it mind—until it grows uncontrollably. The colors drain as readers turn the pages, and Ruby’s Worry becomes unbearable. Then, she meets another boy with a Worry, and they learn to shrink their unlikely sidekicks together.

$6.99 on Amazon, $7.99 on Barnes and Noble

12. The Whatifs by Emily Kilgore

Cora is obsessed with worrying about school mishaps and her dog running away. Cora calls these the Whatifs, who appear on the night of her piano recital. Leading up to her number, Cora and her friend Stella talk about the Whatifs and how they don’t always have to be negative—they might even help her shine!

$12.35 on Amazon, $17.99 on Barnes and Noble

13. Puppy in My Head: A Book About Mindfulness by Elise Gravel

Having a puppy in your head can be overwhelming—just think about all that barking! In this narrator’s story, Ollie the puppy lives in her head, but his excess energy makes her anxious. Fortunately, she learns to soften these hard, intense feelings through breathing and mindfulness.

$11.49 on Amazon, $10.99 on Barnes and Noble

14. What to Do When the News Scares You: A Kid's Guide to Understanding Current Events by Jacqueline B. Toner

Hearing the news can be incredibly stressful, especially when bad things happen around you. Author Jacqueline Toner’s “What to Do” series helps kids understand the news when it features violence, disease outbreaks, climate change, and other challenging topics.

$13.50 on Amazon, $16.99 on Barnes and Noble

15. What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety by Dawn Huebner

All children worry, but some may worry too much. Author Dawn Huebner’s National Parenting Publications Awards-winning book supplies children and parents with cognitive-behavioral techniques for managing anxiety.

$15.80 on Amazon, $16.99 on Barnes and Noble

Books About Depression

When a child’s big, sad feelings evolve into depression, reading about these emotions can help them feel less alone. Reading books can also positively fill a child’s mind and empower them to manage their symptoms [*].

16. A Blue Kind of Day by Rachel Tomlinson

Coen can’t get out of bed—he’s too sad. His family does everything to cheer him up. They tell silly jokes and encourage him to step outside to play. However, only when they quiet down and listen can Coen tell them about his sad feelings. This powerful book is all about listening and being patient.

$12.99 on Amazon, $17.99 on Barnes and Noble

17. When Sadness is at Your Door by Eva Eland

Sadness is a visitor that comes and goes. In this book, author Eland encourages readers to give sadness a name, face, and personality. They can continue their daily routine with sadness alongside them, but sadness doesn’t have to stay the whole time.

$9.99 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

18. Way Past Sad by Hallee Adelman

When Jamie finds out his best friend is leaving, he’s sad—way past sad. Then, Jamie talks about his feelings, and he starts coming to terms with reality. This modest and elegant read emphasizes the importance of talking about feelings with your child and how doing so can provide much-needed emotional relief.

$9.99 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble

19. In the Blue by Erin Hourigan

In the Blue is a poignant picture book that explores depression in parents from a child’s point of view. It follows a young daughter’s journey to turn her dad’s “blue” back to “yellow” and underlines the impact of seeking help. Ultimately, it communicates that your loved ones are your loved ones, no matter their “color.”

$10.79 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

20. BIG by Vashti Harrison

Body image is an often overlooked cause of depression in children, and BIG explores this topic through a powerful, moving story. The book follows a young ballerina who wrestles with her tough feelings after someone calls her “big.” It’s a beautifully balanced portrayal of feeling both invisible and all too seen.

$12.35 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

Books About Grief

Books are powerful tools for helping children address and resolve their grief. They may feel less alone when they relate to characters who have been through something similar.

21. The Memory Tree by Britta Teckentrup

Fox has just passed away, and it’s difficult for everyone. Still, his friends work alongside their grief to commemorate him. They grow a memory tree, which shelters the animals from the harsh weather. This stunningly illustrated book stresses how memories can live on, even when your loved ones are gone.

$11.41 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble

22. The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst

In The Invisible Leash, Zach grieves the loss of his beloved dog, but an “invisible leash” tethers them together forever. The book embodies visual ways to enjoy positive memories and reassures children that a strong bond with their pets can feel like everlasting love.

$7.81 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble

23. Lifetimes by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen

Lifetimes approaches death in a beautiful, sensitive, and moving way. It tells children about beginnings, endings, and everything in between. It explores the lifetimes of animals, plants, and people to help children understand that every being has its unique timeline.

$9.39 on Amazon, $16.00 on Barnes and Noble

24. RIP Corey: My Friend Died, and It Sucks by Chris Buchanan

In this graphic novel, a true story, Corey mourns the unexpected death of a friend and struggles to come to terms with his new reality. The book drives preteens to face difficult conversations about death and helps them realize they aren’t alone.

$15.47 on Amazon, $14.99 on Barnes and Noble

25. Someday by Alison McGhee

Every parent wants to see their child live their lives to the fullest, but they won’t be there for it all. In this tear-jerking book, a mom speaks of her daughter’s milestones and talks about how, someday, she will be but a beautiful, distant memory.

$10.30 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

Discover more of our recommended Children’s Books About Grief and Death.

Books About Stress

Reading is a proven method for reducing psychological distress [*]. By immersing themselves in books, children can distract themselves from daily stressors. Here are a few of our recommended children’s books on stress.

26. The Eensy Weensy Spider Freaks Out by Troy Cummings

Let’s face it—even adults may stress over the smallest worries, but these “freakouts” can feel explosive to young children. In this comical take on the Eensy Weensy Spider, Eensy is overcome with stress, climbing the same spout repeatedly. Despite her mounting stress, Eensy finds a way to conquer her big emotions and climbs even taller objects.

$7.99 on Amazon, $7.99 on Barnes and Noble

27. Meditate with Me: A Step-By-Step Mindfulness Journey by Mariam Gates

Introducing meditation to a child can be challenging, especially when their attention spans are short and off the walls. Through Meditate with Me, parents have a clear guide for teaching children to focus their breath.

$15.80 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

28. The Don’t Worry Book by Todd Parr

Featuring his signature bright colors and fun language, Todd Parr’s The Don’t Worry Book provides a welcome reassurance to stressed kids. The book heartens children as they maneuver through daily life and reminds them there is always something fun waiting around the corner.

$11.89 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

29. Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Wemberly worries about everything—even things that might not happen. But Wemberly is most worried about her first day of school, an experience many children feel stressed over. This Kevin Henkes back-to-school favorite encourages children to conquer first-day stressors by replacing them with excitement and positive anticipation.

$7.99 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble

30. Stress Can Really Get on Your Nerves by Trevor Romain

When stress evolves into anger or irritation, it can catch kids off guard. This hilarious and relatable book tackles modern stressors like technology and equips children with accessible tools for managing the troubling feelings that come with them. It offers realistic advice, illustrations, and the occasional silly joke to remind kids that not everything has to be stressful.

$10.19 on Amazon, $10.99 on Barnes and Noble

Books About Trauma

When children experience trauma, it isn’t uncommon for them to feel silenced or afraid to speak. Parents and teachers can encourage them to verbalize their experiences and thoughts through these books.

31. A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret M. Holmes

When Sherman witnesses a terrible thing, he tries to forget about it. But memories of the awful thing persist, and soon, he is overwhelmed. Then, he meets Ms. Maple, who reassures him that troubling thoughts about terrible things are normal and that there are always avenues to discuss them. This book is a gently told story about children who witness physical abuse, school violence, accidents, and death.

$8.79 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble

32. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

In this ironic title, siblings persevere in the face of war. It follows ten-year-old Ada, who secretly follows her brother out of London and into the trenches. Throughout her journey, she meets Susan, who teaches her the ways of the world and illustrates how surviving devastating circumstances can bring people together.

$6.99 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble

33. The Memory Book About Grief by Joanna Rowland

In The Memory Box, the young main character learns to mend her broken heart and manage her trauma with a box of mementos. It outlines the grieving stages movingly and gives parents pointers for staying supportive in their child’s trauma-healing journey.

$10.37 on Amazon, $17.99 on Barnes and Noble

34. Speranza’s Sweater by Marcy Pusey

Speranza is in the foster system, and she takes her worn sweater everywhere until it frays. Everywhere she goes, she weaves together a new story. This heartwarming adventure explores the trauma that comes with living in the foster system and how children can overcome an ever-changing environment.

$14.95 on Amazon, $22.95 on Barnes and Noble

35. Once I Was Very, Very Scared by Chandra Ghosh Ippen

It can be challenging for a child to articulate their fears and trauma. In this adorably illustrated book, Squirrel helps readers understand PTSD in a child-friendly way. He encounters other animals who’ve experienced similar scary feelings, all of whom have their own unique ways of handling stressors.

$13.29 on Amazon, $14.95 on Barnes and Noble

Find more circumstance-specific reading material in our list of books on childhood trauma.

Books About Feelings

Children don’t always want to talk about their feelings, especially when overwhelming or complex. Burying their noses in a book can encourage them to be in touch with their emotions and remind them that they aren’t alone.

36. I Want to Be Mad for a While by Barney Saltzberg

Sometimes, it helps to talk about big feelings. Other times, we may need space. The earlier children understand these nuances, the more flexible they’ll be when expressing and handling their emotions as they get older. This simple book encourages children to feel what they feel without judgment—it’s okay to be mad for a while!

$9.29 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble

37. My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss

This underrated Dr. Seuss book features silly and imaginative illustrations that merge color concepts and feelings identification. It has expressive paintings representing many different feelings. It makes learning to identify feelings more interactive and exciting for young children.

$6.62 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

38. Sometimes I’m Sad: A Child’s Guide to Positive and Negative Thoughts and Feelings by Poppy O’Neill

This workbook is chock-full of 45 self-help activities curated for children between eight and nine. It features breathing exercises, journaling prompts, mood trackers, and scavenger hunts that help children improve their emotional well-being.

$8.63 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble

39. Glad Monster, Sad Monster: A Book About Feelings by Ed Emberly

Even monsters can experience a rollercoaster of emotions! Children can “try on” different expression masks in this vibrant and interactive die-cut book and role-play their feelings with friends or in class.

$10.90 on Amazon, $15.99 on Barnes and Noble

40. Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods that Make My Day by Jamie Lee Curtis

This emotionally enlightening book by film star Jamie Lee Curtis follows a rambunctious young protagonist as she goes through the motions of feeling happy, cranky, and sad—all in one day! It’s a whimsical story that reassures children that their moods can change (and that’s okay).

$10.99 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

Books About Self-Esteem

Did you know that reading can give your child a confidence boost? They feel more confident when they learn to regulate their emotions through reading. Here are our favorite self-esteem-centric books that help children feel more inspired and motivated.

41. What I Like About Me! by Allia Zobel Nolan

Children enjoy characters they can relate to, and they’ll find many in What I Like About Me! This colorful book celebrates diversity and differences and even features a mirror on the last page for children to reflect on their favorite features.

$11.00 on Amazon, $20.99 on Barnes and Noble

42. Remarkably You by Pat Zietlow Miller

Remarkably You celebrates the joys of being yourself and highlights the beauty of individuality. It features playful rhymes and exuberant illustrations that inspire children to make a difference, big or small.

$12.97 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

43. All the Ways to Be Smart by Davina Bell

Being smart is just one good trait of a well-rounded child. This book asks children to reflect on their other features—creativity, resilience, athleticism, and curiosity. Parents and teachers can use this book to start conversations about what makes a child feel confident.

$12.88 on Amazon, $17.99 on Barnes and Noble

44. Dear Girl by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Dear Girl is a love letter to all young girls and inspires them to be strong, powerful, and unapologetically themselves. It encourages young children to feel comfortable in their skin, regardless of their looks, background, and achievements.

$11.36 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

45. A Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon

Camilla struggles with a bad case of the stripes and worries about what her peers might think. It turns out that embracing her differences is the only way her skin returns to normal. This colorful book pushes the importance of children accepting their unique personalities.

$6.99 on Amazon, $7.99 on Barnes and Noble

Introduce more books on self-esteem from our comprehensive list.

Books About Social Skills

Reading may feel like a solitary hobby, but it can improve a child’s social skills by inspiring them to hone their relationships with others. Here are our favorite social skills books for kids.

46. The Judgmental Flower by Julia Cook

The Judgmental Flower makes an approachable and easy-to-follow introduction to racism and diversity. When flowers in the patch begin to mingle, they start valuing their differences and celebrating what makes every flower special.

$9.67 on Amazon, $10.95 on Barnes and Noble

47. It’s Not My Fault! by Jory John

Accepting responsibility and holding yourself accountable can make you a better friend. This hilarious cautionary tale encourages children to own their actions and strive to be better friends and individuals.

$13.10 on Amazon, $17.99 on Barnes and Noble

48. How to Be Kind in Kindergarten by DJ Steinberg

This little collection of short poems gives children a refresher on what it means to be kind to others. It inspires them to share, take turns, and do something thoughtful for a friend each day.

$5.57 on Amazon, $5.99 on Barnes and Noble

49. The Book of Rules by Brian Gehrlein

The only way to avoid becoming Dennis the monster’s next meal is to follow the rules. Comical, aloof, and highly interactive, The Book of Rules asks young readers to understand the value of doing things by the book while making healthy decisions.

$17.26 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

50. Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim

Moving can put children through the emotional wringer, but Danbi inspires them not to give up. Told through the eyes of an immigrant child, Danbi tells the story of her two cultures and propels children to open up their worlds.

$14.11 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

Supplement your child’s learning experience with more books on social skills.

Books About Bullying

Books can give children the tools and advice to stand up for themselves when others treat them poorly. Below, we list our favorite books on bullying.

51. Kindness is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego

Kindness is something everyone can learn—even bullies. When children are kind, kindness enters their lives in return. This sweet book teaches children about empathy and why people deserve second chances.

$11.68 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

52. Bully on the Bus by Kathryn Apel

Standing up for oneself can be scary, but setting an example for other children can be incredibly empowering. When Leroy stands up to the bully on the bus, other children realize the value of being strong and assertive.

$14.00 exclusively on Amazon

53. Tease Monster: A Book About Teasing vs. Bullying by Julia Cook

While laughing with someone can be fun, laughing at them can be less than desirable. The Tease Monster illustrates when playful jests are appropriate and when they can be hurtful.

$9.99 on Amazon, $11.95 on Barnes and Noble

54. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

This multi-awarded book-turned-film is a library staple for children learning about compassion and the effects of bullying. It champions how kindness brings people together, no matter how you look or where you come from.

$10.29 on Amazon, $17.99 on Barnes and Noble

55. Desmond and the Very Mean Word by Desmond Tutu and A. G. Ford

When someone calls you a mean word, do you immediately forgive them? This picture book by Desmond Tutu asks children to reflect on forgiveness and how they can uplift others to be better versions of themselves.

$10.29 on Amazon, $17.99 on Amazon

Books About Coping Skills

A limited understanding of emotions can hinder a child’s ability to cope. Help introduce emotional literacy through these books about coping skills.

56. Happiness Doesn't Come from Headstands by Tamara Levitt

Leela is a yoga enthusiast, but when she realizes there’s a move she can’t achieve, she starts feeling insecure about her skills. In Happiness Doesn’t Come from Headstands, Leela explores the themes of acceptance and resilience until she realizes she doesn’t need external validation to feel special.

$18.95 on Amazon, $18.95 on Barnes and Noble

57. The Way I Feel by Janan Cain

Just because something feels bad doesn’t mean it is bad. The Way I Feel reassures children that all feelings are valid but that identifying and processing them is essential to their self-understanding.

$8.99 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble

58. One Thursday Afternoon by Barbara DiLorenzo

Children may feel unsafe and struggle to cope when the world is unpredictable. One Thursday Afternoon embodies the shared experience of overcoming fears and worries about society, one day at a time.

$13.87 on Amazon, $18.00 on Barnes and Noble

59. Beat, Beat Thump by Allison Edwards

Beat, Beat Thump paints a physical picture of what it feels like to be anxious. Still, as Alex’s heart thumps, he learns that stomping his feet and centering himself can bring his intense emotions down. The book is a pleasant reminder that anxiety doesn’t always have to feel crippling—even children can overcome it.

$10.40 exclusively on Amazon

60. A Friend for Yoga Bunny by Brian Russo

Yoga is a universally enjoyable coping mechanism for children and adults alike, and it’s even more fun with friends! When Yoga Bunny meets Yoga Bear, they exchange tips for an even more fruitful yoga session.

$8.75 on Amazon, $17.99 on Barnes and Noble

The Bottom Line

Books about mental health for kids are therapeutic resources for learning more about the mind and the self. Reading to your child can equip them with the mental tools to face difficult situations and process complex thoughts.

Look through our worksheet bundles for more resources to use in your child’s mental health journey.

Sources:

1. Bosse M, Sylviane Valdois. “Influence of the visual attention span on child reading performance: a cross‐sectional study.” Journal of Research in Reading, 2009.
2. Billington J, Hamer A, Robinson J, Williams C. “An Investigation into the Therapeutic Benefits of Reading in Relation to Depression and Well-Being.” University of Liverpool, 2010.