consulted numerous parent, author, and therapist reviews.
consulted reading lists published by the American Library Association, the Horn Book Guide, Black Children’s Books and Authors, A Mighty Girl, and prominent public libraries.
reviewed resources from the American Psychological Association and the Child Mind Institute.
The list of books below corresponds to the possible results from Healthline’s Youth Mental Well-Being Quiz, but you don’t have to take the quiz to use this list. Looking for ways to support your or your child’s mental health and well-being? Try Healthline’s FindCare tool to connect with mental health professionals nearby or virtually, so you can get the care you need. While bibliotherapy can be a helpful tool to use at home, books should never replace mental health treatment from a licensed professional. To help you navigate the world of kid lit, Healthline editors created a list of some of the top books on tough topics for children and teens. “When children read book it may validate their thoughts and feelings, provide some type of education around the topic, and provide healthy solutions for them,” says Sileo. “When a parent or caregiver reads with a child, they’re creating memories together.”īooks can be a rich emotional resource for kids, teens, and families. “Reading with a child is a wonderful bonding experience,” says Sileo. You might be surprised at the opportunities for connection the world of books opens up for you and your kids. “Even though it’s a child therapy technique, parents and caregivers can use it as well.”Įven the most standoffish teen may be yearning for an excuse to snuggle up close and hear a good story. “Books provide a safe way to talk about challenging topics and feelings,” says Sileo. It was especially effective for adolescents with depressive symptoms.Īnd family reading isn’t just for littles.Ĭhild psychologist and children’s book author Frank Sileo, PhD, uses bibliotherapy in his practice. Storytelling with the purpose of healing is known as bibliotherapy.Īccording to 2018 research, bibliotherapy was found to be significantly more effective at reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents when compared with a control. In some cases, this can be the first step on the road to healing. When children and teenagers see characters they relate to having human experiences just like them, it can help them see they’re not alone. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Share on Pinterest Illustration by Alyssa Kiefer