10 Books for Mental Health at Margaret Hallett Library
We know that mental health problems can affect a student's energy level, concentration, dependability, mental ability, and optimism, hindering performance. Research suggests that depression is associated with lower grade point averages, and that co-occurring depression and anxiety can increase this association. Here are 10 books for mental health at Margaret Hallet Library to help encourage kids to express their emotions by identifying their feelings and normalizing how they communicate them.
The Worrysaurus by Rachel Bright (3 - 6 years)
It's a beautiful day and Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic. But it isn't long before a small butterfly of worry starts fluttering in his tummy . . . What if he hasn't brought enough to eat? What if he gets lost in the jungle? What if he trips and falls? What if it rains?! Can Worrysaurus find a way to chase his fears away and have fun?
Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival (3 - 6 years)
Norman had always been perfectly normal . . . until one day, he grows a pair of wings! Afraid of what people will think, Norman covers them up with a big coat. But can he summon the courage to be himself? While we all might feel afraid about standing out, Perfectly Norman shows that there's nothing better than celebrating what makes you unique!
Ruby Find a Worry by Tom Percival (3 - 6 years)
Meet Ruby -- a happy, curious, imaginative young girl. But one day, she finds something unexpected: a Worry. It's not such a big Worry, at first. But every day, it grows a little bigger . . . and a little bigger . . . . Until eventually, the Worry is ENORMOUS and is all she can think about. But when Ruby befriends a young boy, she discovers that everyone has worries, and not only that, there's a great way to get rid of them too . . . she just has to share her feelings.
Hey, Kiddo by Jarett J. Krosoczka (11+ years)
The powerful, unforgettable graphic memoir from Jarrett Krosoczka, about growing up with a drug-addicted mother, a missing father, and two unforgettably opinionated grandparents.
Butterflies in Me: An anthology bringing awareness to mental health by Denisha Seals
Each of the four stories in this collection centers around an emotionally vulnerable child. There is 7-yeard old Kenya, who struggles with anxiety. Permanently scarred from an accident, the stares and sneers she endures shatters her self-worth. There is Lulu, who falls into depression following the death of her beloved Grandmother. Will she ever be happy again? Abbas is a new arrival to America. Adjusting to school proves difficult because he can't concentrate or sit still. He wonders if he's just a "bad" boy. And then there is Javier, the captain of the soccer team. At school, he's a star. At home, he's a punching bag. With guidance, support and love from caring adults, each child finds their voice and turns their troubles into triumphs. Through their journeys, they realize three simple truths: They are special. They are strong. They did nothing wrong.
Tools for Children to Embrace Their Mental Health Anthology by Denisha Seals
This toolkit was designed to accompany Butterflies in Me: An anthology bringing awareness to mental health. Professionals working with children will gain greater detail about the mental health diagnoses being managed by the main characters in each story, along with diagnostic criteria according to the DSM-V. The author has included activities and questions to complete prior to and after reading the short stories. Before reading the stories, use designated activities to help prepare children who have extra energy, a short attention span, trauma history, and/or other symptoms which may manifest as challenging behavior. Then, after reading the stories, use specified activities to help children identify similarities with their own experiences, or those of others in their lives.
Learning to Love Your Butterfly: A Workbook Building Self-Esteem and Resilience
Engaging, attention-grabbing activities to help children realize just how special and strong they truly are! Poet and author Maya Angelou famously said, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” This inspiring workbook allows children, especially those who are emotionally fragile or have a mental health diagnosis, to discover, nurture and celebrate the special gifts and talents they possess.
Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
Wemberly worried about spilling her juice, about shrinking in the bathtub, even about snakes in the radiator. She worried morning, noon, and night. "Worry, worry, worry," her family said. "Too much worry."And Wemberly worried about one thing most of all: her first day of school. But when it's time to go back to school and she meets a fellow worrywart in her class, Wemberly realizes that school is too much fun to waste time worrying!
There’s a Bully in My Brain
Justin constantly feels worried and afraid to try new things until he realizes that a bully is living in his brain! He has the choice to allow his bully to continue to scare him, or finally stand up to it and face his fears. What do you think he will do?
Join Justin as he navigates his anxious thoughts, learns to identify, challenge and cope with them.
The 7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey
For the Seven Oaks friends, there is always something to do. Whether they're singing along with Pokey Porcupine's harmonica or playing soccer with Jumper Rabbit, everyone is having fun and learning all sorts of things. These seven stories show how practicing the 7 Habits makes this possible for the whole Seven Oaks Community. From learning how to take charge of their own lives to discovering how balance is best, the Seven Oaks friends have tons of adventures and find out how each and every kid can be a happy kid!
Have your child check them out at the Margaret Halley Library or contact the school for more ideas.