Mental illness, although slowly becoming a more acceptable topic, is still stigmatized. In the United States almost 1 in 5 people live with some form of mental illness (source) so you can imagine how many children either struggle themselves, or have a parent suffering from mental illness. That’s why this list of middle grade novels about mental illness is so important!
Children need to read about 1) others who have experiences similar to what they are dealing with; and 2) the difficult struggles of others. Reading these books is one important way to increase the lines of communication and help people to heal and cope.
Don’t be fooled into thinking these books are only depressing and serious. They contain humor, mystery, kindness and growth, just as you would expect from any coming of age middle grade novel.
These books that deal with mental illness are best for ages 9 and up. I’ve grouped these middle grade books by mental illness categories and indicated whether it is the child protagonist or parent who is suffering from mental illness.
Side note: Autism, SPD, and similar diagnoses are not mental illnesses and are thus excluded from this list (unless the character also has a mental illness). I encourage you to take a look at my list of middle grade books told from the point of view of neurdiverse characters.
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Depression
These books include major characters suffering from depression. I’ve also included a few in which the character’s mental illness is not named, but readers may recognize it as a severe form of depression.
The Science of Breakable Things
Parent with depression
by Tae Keller
Natalie’s mother spends almost of of her time in bed, suffering from depression. Meanwhile, Natalie enters an egg-dropping science competition, thinking that if she wins the prize money she can buy a special blue orchid that is sure to return her mother to her. A diverse cast of characters surrounds the multi-racial Natalie, who is reluctant to confront her feelings about her mother. But by the end of her journey in this truly outstanding book, Natalie starts to come to terms with–like the eggs in her experiment– the fragility of people and everyone’s need for support from others.
The Secret of Nightingale Wood
Parent with depression
by Lucy Strange
Set in post-World War I England, this novel addresses a family’s grief after loss and reveals some upsetting truths about how mental illness was often treated in the past. Ever since Henry’s (a nickname for Henrietta) older brother was killed in a fire, her mother has been consumed with grief and unable to function. Her father has brought Henry, her baby sister and the Nanny to the country in hopes that the mother will recover.
Some Kind of Happiness
Child with depression
by Claire Legrand
While her parents sort out their difficulties, Finley is set to live for the summer with grandparents she has never met. Behind the house is a forest which Finley imagines is “Everwood,” a place she has invented and written about in her precious notebook. Finley and her cousins venture into “Everwood” to discover its secret, but all the while Finley is trying to keep her depression and anxiety a secret from those who care about her.
All Three Stooges
Parent with depression/suicide
by Erica S. Perl
Noah Cohen and his best friend Dash love comedy, especially The Three Stooges. Along with their peers at Hebrew school, they are working on a mitzvah project with the theme “Jewish comedians.” However, when Dash’s dad dies suddenly, Noah and Dash’s friendship struggles for air. Despite some serious themes in this novel, author Erica Perl has struck an excellent balance between describing the pain that both Noah and Dash feel and humor in some of the situations. I also loved that Perl does not present the characters’ Jewish identity as “other.”
Bipolar Disorder
Lily and Dunkin
Child with bipolar disorder
by Donna Gephart
This is a marvelous story told in alternating voices. Lily Jo knows she is a girl, but most of the world knows her as Tim. She has the support of her mom, sister and best friend but Lily needs the love and support of her father in order to gain the confidence (and medication) she needs. Dunkin is the new kid in town but he has a secret. He struggles to come to terms with his bipolar disorder and find out where he fits in, too. The two protagonists may have difficulties that most kids won’t experience, but their journeys to express themselves, find their own way and make the right friends will resonate will all middle schoolers.
No Fixed Address
Parent with bipolar disorder
by Susin Nielsen
Felix Knutsson lives in Canada with his single mother, but when his grandmother dies and Felix’s mother can’t keep things together they start living out of their van. Felix, who is bi-racial, has a knack for facts and makes it on to a popular quiz show. In the end, Felix and his mother find the help they need from friends and a refugee couple who understand their plight. Despite the themes of poverty, mental illness and parental inadequacy, Felix’s narration is actually quite funny and this was an enjoyable book to read.
Waiting for Normal
Parent with bipolar disorder
by Leslie Conner
I’m pretty much in love with all of Leslie Connor’s books. Addie lives in a mobile home with her bipolar mother. She is mostly left to take care of the home front, while her mother continuously disappears for days. Her stepfather and half sisters come by to offer a glimpse of what it might like to live a normal life. Addie perseveres, making friends, playing her flute and facing the challenge of school work when she has dyslexia.
The Paper Cowboy
Parent with Depression/Unspecified Mental Illness
by Kristen Levine
It’s 1953 and Tommy is the class bully. His difficult family life causes him to act out and when his sister is seriously injured while doing a chore that Tommy was supposed to do himself, things turn inside out. Tommy starts a paper route and becomes suspicious that one of his neighbors might be a communist. He makes the poor decision to frame the deli owner for communist activities. The effects of his actions are severe and Tommy must come to understand the consequences of acting without knowledge of the truth. Meanwhile, at home, Tommy endures family life with a depressed and increasingly abusive mother. When the family finally gets help, readers will get a small glimpse into the beginnings of psychotherapy in the 50s.
Sure Signs of Crazy
Parent with severe mental illness
by Karen Harrington
When Sarah was 2 years old, her mother tried to drown her. Now, 12, and with her mother living in a mental health institution, Sarah goes from town to town, living with her alcoholic father. As she experiences her first crush, a changing body, and love of words, Sarah shares her thoughts in letters she writes to Atticus Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird. But Sarah also worries if she, like her mother, will grow up to be “crazy.”
Nest
Parent with depression/suicide
by Esther Ehrlich
Naomi, or “Chirp,” as she is called, lives in Cape Cod with her psychiatrist father and older sister. Her mother, a dancer, has been hospitalized for depression after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Chirp enjoys birdwatching and Ehrlich handles a tragic family situation with heart wrenching tenderness.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety
Mental illness is not discreet. When a person presents with one difficulty, they may indeed have additional challenges. Based solely on the books I choose for this list, I am including OCD and anxiety under the same umbrella.
The Goldfish Boy
Child with anxiety/OCD
by Lisa Thompson
12-year-old Matthew’s intense fear of germs prevents him from leaving his home. Instead, he sits at the window and watches his neighbors. One day 15 month old Teddy disappears and Matthew decides he will solve the mystery. His resolve helps him battle the struggle with his anxiety and OCD.
OCDaniel
Child with OCD
by Wesley King
13 year old Daniel is beset by irresistible compulsions like a complicated bedtime routine that he must start over if he makes a mistake by flicking the light one too many times. He thinks he is crazy and doesn’t want anyone to find out. He gets drawn into a mystery when a classmate wants his help figuring out why her father has disappeared.
Umbrella Summer
Child with anxiety
by Lisa Graff
This is a companion book to Graff’s marvelous, Lost in the Sun, on my list of must-read children’s novels. Annie’s grief over the loss of her brother triggers an obsession over disease, accidents and anything else that may cause harm. Most of the adults, including her parents, are well-meaning in their attempts to console her, but Annie meets a neighbor who teaches her a better way to confront her grief and anxiety.
Guts
Child with anxiety
by Raina Telgemeier
Telegemeier is well-loved for her autobiographical graphic novels like Smile, and in Guts she tackles how anxiety lead to gastrointestinal distress as a girl. A fun and easy read that kids with anxiety will relate to.
Stanley Will Probably Be Fine
Child with anxiety
by Sally J. Pla
I found myself giggling quite a bit while reading this book. Stanley Fortinbras (love that name!) struggles with anxiety and sensory processing disorder. He even sometimes faints–how embarrassing! However, he loves comics trivia and pushes back against his worries to join in a a giant comics-trivia treasure hunt with his quirky new neighbor. Trivia Quest takes the pair all over the town, and Stanley works hard to overcome his difficulties to win the day.
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
Child with Anxiety
by Stacy McAnulty
This book is so fun. When Lucy was struck by lightening, she became a math genius. She wants to skip ahead to college but her grandmother requires a few conditions, first. She must attend public middle school for one year, make one friend and join one activity! For Lucy, that is not as easy as it sounds.
Schizophrenia
Where the Watermelons Grow
Parent with Schizophrenia
by Cindy Baldwin
Della’s family are watermelon farmers and Della’s mother struggles with schizophrenia. Knowing that her mother’s symptoms began after her birth places stress on Della and she blames herself for her mother’s mental illness. Della tries to take care of her younger sister as she searches for a special honey that she believes will cure her mama. There are precious few books for this age range that deal with schizophrenia so this is a welcome addition.
Agoraphobia
Individuals with agoraphobia have crippling anxiety at the prospect of going outside and meeting other people.
Courage for Beginners
Parent with agoraphobia
by Karen Harrington
Mysti’s mother has agoraphobia and so her father takes care of all the outside errands like grocery shopping. But then her father has an accident which leaves him with a brain injury. Mysti’s mother is unable to rise to the occasion and so Mysti is left with the struggle of restocking the kitchen cupboards herself. Meanwhile, she is also navigating changing middle school friendships. This, however, is a wonderful story about taking small steps that help Mysti’s growing self-confidence.
Hoarding
Made “popular” by television reality shows, people with hoarding disorder have a mental illness that prevents them from discarding objects to such a point that physical stuff takes over their living spaces.
Family Game Night and Other Catastrophes
Parent with a hoarding disorder
by Mary E. Lambert
Annabelle’s mother is a hoarder. Their house is packed full of stuff. Her two siblings have allowed their mom to take over their rooms, but Annabelle resists and her room is spotless. Her younger sister, Leslie, is distressed by the hoarding and calls in their grandmother to help. I loved Annabelle’s narration in this book and especially her observations about her sister.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Although we often associate PTSD with war time experiences, it can result from other traumatic experiences. All of the following books, however, deal with war-time PTSD in adults. I welcome your suggestions for middle grade novels (as opposed to YA, of which there are several) that deal with PTSD in children.
The True History of Lyndie B. Hawkins
Parent with PTSD
by Gail Shepherd
I really enjoyed this book. Lyndie and her parents move into her grandparents house. Lyndie’s father, a Vietnam veteran can’t hold down a job, is an alcoholic and has trouble with family relationships. Her mother spends much of her time in her room with headaches. Lyndie’s grandmother is now trying to turn Lyndie into a “Southern Belle.” Meanwhile, Lyndie makes a new friend, D.B., at school who is from a juvenile detention center. Her relationship with D.B. sparks Lyndie to uncover the secrets of her own family.
Okay for Now
Sibling with PTSD
by Gary D. Schmidt
This is the companion book to The Wednesday Wars, another marvelous book that I could easily have put on this list. Doug Swieteck’s family has moved from NYC to a small town so his father can find work. His brother has returned, wounded and with PTSD. Doug becomes fascinated with a copy of Audubon’s Birds of America on display at the local library, and the illustrations punctuate the book’s chapters. After getting a job as a delivery boy at a deli owned by the family of a classmate, Doug meets other residents and gradually opens his minds to the possibilities that life in this town might not be so bad after all. A stunningly emotional and heartfelt book.
As Brave As You
Grandparent with PTSD
by Jason Reynolds
Buy it: Amazon | Indiebound
Both my kid and I loved this book about 11 year old Genie and his brother who have come to rural Virginia to spend the summer with their grandparents. Genie is a boy who loves to ask questions and when he learns about his grandfather’s blindness he has a lot to ask! During the summer Genie struggles with making sure he makes the right decisions as he uncovers the secrets of his family’s history.
The Madman of Piney Woods
Adult with PTSD
by Christopher Paul Curtis
This is a powerful story that takes place in Canada, post Civil War. Two boys, Red, a grandson of Irish immigrants and Benji, the son of former slaves become friends. A lot of important themes are addressed in this compelling story. Racism, PTSD, the Irish potato famine, poverty all play a part, but so do deep family relationships and friendships. A great title for any upper middle grade book collection.
Each Tiny Spark
Parent with PTSD
by Pablo Cartaya
Cuban-American sixth grader Emilia has ADHD and has a lot of difficulty staying focused at school. After her father returns home from deployment, Emilia notices that he seems a bit different, moody and more distant. And the difficulties keep coming; a school assignment which illuminates social injustice threatens her oldest friendships.
More books to love:
- Middle grade books with characters who have medical challenges
- Middle grade books told from the POV of neurodiverse characters
- Diverse historical fiction
Rachel J Fremmer says
There are two books that deal with mental illness in a way that I think is very harmful. Under the Egg and The Greys on Greene Street both have parents with mental illness and children essentially left to fend for themselves. Nothing in the books encourages the children to get help for themselves or their parents. I also don’t like the stereotype of associating mental illness with artists.
I wrote about Under the Egg here: https://eveninaustraliakidlit.blogspot.com/search?q=mental+illness
Megan Buhler says
We really like This Is Not the Abby Show about a girl with ADHD. My daughter (also named Abby) really related to the character.