Hey there! 👋 As someone who has experiences with mental health issues, I know how important it is to read books that can empower and provide hope. Young adult books that tackle the topic of mental health are growing in popularity, and rightfully so! These books are not only a great source of comfort for young readers but for adults too. 🤩 In this blog, I’ll be talking about some of the best-selling young adult books about mental health that you definitely don’t want to miss. 💕

1. Turtles All The Way Down by John Green

Turtles All The Way Down is a young adult novel written by the bestselling author John Green. The book centers on the story of Aza Holmes, a 16-year-old girl who is battling anxiety and OCD. Turtles All The Way Down is a story that shows what life is like for someone dealing with mental health issues, and how it can affect their relationships with those around them. John Green writes beautifully and effectively about mental health, and this book is a must-read. 📖

Image of the cover of Turtles All The Way Down by John Green

2. All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

All The Bright Places is a young adult novel that deals with the powerful topics of mental health, grief, and love. Written by Jennifer Niven, this book follows the story of Violet Markey and Theodore Finch, who are both struggling with mental health issues and form an unlikely friendship. This book is a poignant portrayal of what it means to feel alone and how friendship might not be the solution but it sure helps. 🌟

Image of the cover of All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

3. It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

It’s Kind Of A Funny Story is a novel written by Ned Vizzini that centers around the story of Craig, a high school student who is struggling with depression and anxiety. When Craig checks himself into a psychiatric hospital, he learns to cope with his issues with the help of his fellow patients. This book is poignant but also quirky, and gives a unique view of the hospital setting through a teenager’s eyes. 🏥

Image of the cover of It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

4. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being A Wallflower is a timeless novel about the difficulties of adolescence. Written by Stephen Chbosky, it depicts the story of a high school student named Charlie, who is struggling with depression and anxiety. Through a series of letters that he writes to an anonymous recipient, Charlie shares his struggles with mental health and the complexities of youth. This book comes with a caveat of potential triggering situations but the story is a classic coming of age story.

Image of the cover of The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

5. Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

Challenger Deep is a novel written by Neal Shusterman that offers an intimate look at mental illness and how it affects one’s perception of reality. This book is centered around the story of Caden Bosch, a high school student who is struggling with schizophrenia. Through Caden’s journey, the reader gets an idea of what it is like for someone struggling with mental health and how it can alter their view of the world. This book is praised for the poetry in the writing as well as the plot.

Image of the cover of Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

Final Thoughts:

Mental health struggles are something that many people can relate to, whether they have experienced it themselves or seen a friend or family member go through it. The books mentioned above offer a powerful message of hope, empowerment, and understanding that people of all ages can benefit from. So go ahead, pick one up and join the journey of healing. 📚

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