Central Bedfordshire Council: Reading Well for Teens
Date Added: 11/10/2022
Young peoples mental health
Reading Well for young people recommends expertly endorsed books about mental health, providing 13 to 18 year olds with advice and information about issues like anxiety, stress, identity, body image,sexuality, gender issues, neurodiversity and so much more.
The books have all been recommended by young people and health professionals and are available to borrow for free from public libraries. To borrow these click on the titles to link to the Catalogue entry in Arena. You can use our free reservation service or collect it from your local library.
You can also download some of these titles on Libby look for the reading well list on the opening page. If you do not have a library membership click here. Lost your PIN? request a replacement.
Neurodivesrsity books
Frankie's World by Aoife Dooley- Frankie knows she’s not like anyone else in her class: she’s different, but she can’t quite figure out why.
Wired Differently 30 Neurodivergent People You Should Know by Joe Wells - Showcasing 30 incredible people, who have achieved, created and inspired others because they are different.
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Healthy Minds
One in a Hundred Thousand by Linni Ingemundsen- a fiction story coping with bereavement, growth disorder and learning what us acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
Be Happy Be You by Penny Alexander and Becky Goddard-Hill - be in control of your own wellbeing and happiness, tons of ideas to try.
Be Resilient by Nicola Morgan - positive and practical advice for
preparing for, coping with and bouncing back from the toughest of times.
You Can Change the World! by Margaret Rooke- Interviews cover race, sexuality, violence, grief, neurodiversity, bullying and other issues.
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Managing feelings
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Workout for Teens by Paula Nagel - arms teens with healthy thinking habits and coping strategies for staying on top of their mental health.
My Intense Emotions Handbook by Bridie Gallagher - a guide to the emotional and interpersonal issues that you may encounter as a young adult.
Anxiety and depression
Anxiety is Really Strange by Steve Haines - engaging graphic format with tips
and strategies to relieve anxiety, and change the mind's habits for a more positive outlook.
My Anxiety Handbook by Bridie Gallagher - this anxiety survival guide teaches young people aged 10+ how they can overcome their biggest worries.
Hope by Rhian Ivory - in this story Hope is struggling with anger, grief for the loss of her father, and a sense that her own body is against her. She needs to try new experiences and have the courage to ask for help.
Depression by Holly Duhig - readers can learn about causes symptoms
and practical coping strategies including mindfulness and talking therapies.
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Body Image
The Body Image Book for Girls by Charlotte Markey - how to nurture mental and physical health and go into the world feeling fearless.
Being You by Charlotte Markey - covers all the facts on puberty, diet, exercise, self-care, mental health, social media, and everything in-between.
Appearance Anxiety - explains the causes and impact of body dysmorphic disorder this book gives advice on treatment including CBT and medication, and shows where to get help.
Jemima Small Versus the Universe by Tasmin Winter - a very sympathetic and honest portrayal of a very intelligent young girl’s struggle with how she is seen by others and how some people treat her because of being overweight.
The Year I Didn't Eat by Samuel Pollen - Drawing on Samuel Pollen's own experiences, this is an uplifting story of one boy's battle with anorexia.
Bereavement and loss
You Will Be Okay by Julie Stokes- Julie provides readers with the tools they need to navigate the loss of a parent sibling or friend.
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - an extraordinary and heartbreaking tale of mischief, healing and above all, the courage it takes to survive.
When Shadows Fall by Sita Brahmachari - when Kai is drawn into a dangerous crowd his classmates are determined to help him find his way back.
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Learning About Life
Booked by Kwame Alexander a novel written in free verse, when his mum leaves home things start to go wrong in his life.
Stay A Little Longer by Bali Rai - Aman's dad has gone, she befriends Gurnam who saves her from bullies, but he has a sadness of his own to cope with.
Boost your Confidence
Social Anxiety Relief for Teens by Bridge Flynn Walker - this presents a five-step Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program to help teens gain confidence and stop living in fear of social situations.
Surviving Online
Social Media Survival Guide by Holly Bathie - answers questions about all aspects of social media, the good AND the bad, making it a must-have tool for young people.
Sexuality Gender and Mental Health
Coming Out Stories by Emma Goswell - based on the Coming Out Stories podcast, this empowering, humorous and honest book invites you to share one of the most important moments in many LGBTQ+ people's lives.
Queer Up by Alexis Caught - alongside the author's personal experiences are first-hand stories from notable LGBTQ+ figures, providing a inclusive account of what it means to grow up queer, a thoughtful and reassuring book.
Welcome to St Hell by Lewis Hancox - this graphic novel takes readers on the hilarious, heartbreaking and healing path he took to make it past trauma, confusion, hurt and dubious fashion choices in order to become the man he was meant to be.
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online resources
Childline childline.org.uk
On My Mind annafreud.org/on-my-mind
Mind mind.org.uk/information-support/for-children-and-young-people/
Talk to Frank talktofrank.com/
The Mix themix.org.uk