7 books to read with kids about mental health

“I always felt, if I can get to a library, I’ll be OK.”
-Maya Angelou
Reading is not only a great way to increase your understanding on a variety of topics but is also good for your mental health! Reading offers mental stimulation, stress reduction, improved memory and focus, tranquility, and is a great activity to bond over with your children.
Dayton Metro Library has joined the On Our Sleeves movement and created two bookmarks to help guide families to books about mental illness and get families talking and normalizing mental health challenges. These bookmarks share books for children from preschool through 6th grade and youth in middle and high school.
Check out some of these books at your local library:
Worries Are Not Forever by Elizabeth Verdick and Marieka Heinlen – Toddlers
What is Stress? by Mari Schuh – School-aged
Feeling Afraid? By Kristy Holmes – School-aged
All About Anxiety by Carrie Lewis and Sophia Touliatou – School-aged
Mindful Moves: Kid Friendly Yoga and Peaceful Activities for a Happy, Healthy You by Nicole Cardoza – All ages
Imagine Us Happy by Jennifer Yu – Teenager
join the On Our Sleeves movement
The mission of On Our Sleeves is to provide every community in America access to free, evidence-informed educational resources necessary for breaking stigmas about child mental health and educating families and advocates. For more information, visit OnOurSleeves.org.
care that goes above and beyond
Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.
