May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which raises awareness for various mental illnesses and mental health struggles that many people around the world face on a daily basis. What better way to expand our understanding of others’ journeys with mental health than through reading? That’s why we’ve compiled a list of ten books that explore themes of mental health and mental illness that you should check out in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month!
Content warning: The Honey POP encourages mindful reading and always checking the author’s website for any additional content warnings.
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Billion Dollar Girl By Megan Shull
Touted as “luminous” and “stunning” by The Princess Diaries author Meg Cabot, this story is about 13-year-old River, who goes on the run in search of a new life after a bad experience with Social Services. Along the way, River grows and learns throughout her heartwarming and heart-wrenching journey.
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The Quiet and the Loud By Helena Fox
Acclaimed YA author Helena Fox’s latest novel follows George, who has a lot on her plate. Her best friend is about to be a teen mom, the climate crisis, taking care of her gramps, and her mom is complicated. George’s journey explores friendship, trauma, family, and more.
Content warnings: complex PTSD, trauma, parent with alcoholism, toxic friendships, teen pregnancy (not MC but a main component of the book), anxiety, fire (bushfires), gaslighting, manipulation, racism.
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Ever Since By Alena Bruzas
This important story follows 17-year-old Virginia, who falls in love with Rumi in secret and discovers that her little sister, Lyra, is being groomed by a once-trusted adult. Only Virginia knows who the abuser is and what is happening, and she must find her voice to save her sister from becoming a victim of his abuse.
Content warnings: sexual assault, sexual violence, child sexual assault, child grooming, drug and alcohol abuse, physical/mental abuse, sexual harassment, suicidal thoughts, child neglect.
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Not Everyone Is Going To Like You By Rinny Perkins
Comedian Rinny Perkins dives into mental health, work, sex, and dating in this hilarious collection of mini-essays that covers everything from antidepressants to Telfar bags, friendship, and beyond.
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The Order of Things By Kaija Langley
This lyrical novel-in-verse tells the story of 11-year-old April, a drummer, and her best friend Zee, a violinist. When Zee suddenly dies, April must deal with the crushing grief that takes over her life while still chasing her drumming dreams.
Content warnings: death, grief.
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Huda F Cares By Huda Fahmy
This graphic novel sequel to Huda F Are You? sees Huda and her sisters on a family trip to Disney World. During their vacation, Huda bonds with her sisters, makes new friends, grapples with her feelings about her family’s Muslim religion, and deals with trying not to care about what others think.
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The Glass Scientists: Volume 1 By S.H. Cotugno
This collection of chapters 1-7 of this fun, humorous webcomic follows mad scientist Henry Jekyll, who founded the Society for Arcane Sciences. After the arrival of a stranger, Jekyll’s life begins to spiral out of control. If you’re looking for a fun, adventurous graphic novel series, this middle grade is great choice!
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If You’ll Have Me By Eunnie
This charming sapphic love story deals with anxiety as we follow Momo, an introvert, and PG, her total opposite. After a meet-cute brings the two together, a romance ensues, including all the ups and downs that come with new love.
Content warnings: racism, anxiety, bullying, gaslighting.
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I Am Not Alone By Francisco X. Stork
This upcoming novel follows Alberto, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico who is living with his sister’s abusive boyfriend and hears a voice he calls Captain America, who tells him that he can achieve more. When Alberto meets Grace, they have an immediate connection, but when he becomes a suspect in a crime, he struggles with trusting himself due to his developing schizophrenia.
Content warnings: mental illness, violence.
Preorder here!
White Smoke By Tiffany D. Jackson
This psychological thriller from YA horror genius Tiffany D. Jackson is a modern take on the classic haunted house tale that will chill you to your bones. Plus, it tackles themes of addiction and the main character’s bed bug fear and unhealthy ways of coping.
Content warnings: drug use, addiction, bed-bug phobia, arson, police violence, racism, horror themes.
Order here!
May might be Mental Health Awareness Month, but it doesn’t stop there. Let these books carry you throughout the year and expand your knowledge of mental health and how you can support yourself and your loved ones!
What books are you planning on reading this month? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter @thehoneypop!
Want more book recs? We gotchu.
