Mental Health Awareness Month began in the United States in 1949 by the Mental Health America organization. In her Publisher’s Weekly article, “Mental Health and Middle Graders,” Shannon Maughan writes, “A 2019 article in JAMA Pediatrics cites data revealing that one in six youths ages six to 17 experience a mental health disorder in a given year, and that in 2016, 16.5% of U.S. youths ages six to 17 (7.7 million people) experienced a mental health disorder.” To read her article in full click here.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I have gathered together noteworthy books for younger and older children that raise awareness of mental health issues such as grief, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety, but also provide titles that promote mental well-being.

Picture Books:

Chapter Books:

Nonfiction: