January 28 is Bell Let’s Talk Day 2015, an initiative focused on raising awareness and encouraging dialogue about mental health. To encourage discussion, our librarian has put together the following list of fiction and non-fiction children’s and YA books that feature themes relating to mental health. Pick up these titles at your local bookstore or library.

Picture Books
Edward the “Crazy Man” written and illustrated by Marie Day Annick Press, 2002 ISBN 978-1-55037-720-0 IL: Ages 8 and up  RL: Grades 1-2 A young boy makes an effort to help one man and change perceptions about homelessness and schizophrenia. Issued in 2002, the book was recently adapted for theatre by the noted playwright, Emil Sher. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers	Virginia Wolf Written by Kyo Maclear Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault Kids Can Press, 2012 ISBN 978-1-55453-649-8 IL: Ages 5-10  RL: Grades 2-3 One day Virginia wakes up in a wolfish mood, and when her sister Vanessa tries to cheer her up, nothing works — not even making funny faces at their brother. Finally Vanessa decides to bring the outside inside by painting trees, strange candy blossoms, green shoots and frosted cakes on the walls of their room. This is a tale that looks at depression and celebrates the transformative power of art. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
Junior & Intermediate Fiction
Almost Eden written by Anita Horrocks Tundra Books, 2006 ISBN 978-0-88776-742-5 IL: Ages 11-14  RL: Grades 6-8 Elsie’s mother has been hospitalized with depression. Mental illness is not discussed in her close-knit Mennonite community. Elsie thinks that the breakdown is her fault. She bargains with God to make her mother well again. Her conversations, her struggle to overcome guilt and her desire to prove herself are laced with a wicked wit and clarity of vision. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers	The Crazy Man written by Pamela Porter Groundwood Books, 2005 ISBN 978-0-88899-695-4 IL: Ages 10 and up  RL: Grades 6-8 Emaline’s family has been devastated by a terrible farm accident, and her mother hires Angus, a patient from the local mental hospital, to work their fields. Though the small town’s prejudice creates a cloud of suspicion around Angus that nearly results in tragedy, in the end he becomes a force for healing. Winner of the 2006 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
Finding Grace (A Gutsy Girl Book) Written by Becky Citra Second Story Press, 2014 ISBN 978-1-927583-25-8 IL: Ages 9-12  RL: Grades 4-6 It is 1954, and 11-year-old Hope has been writing to her imaginary friend, Grace, all her life. She keeps the letters hidden because her mom, who isn’t very happy and often doesn’t get out of bed, seems to hate her. When her grandmother dies, a long-held family secret is revealed — Grace is real. Hope convinces her mother they must find Grace — that she is the missing piece that binds their family together. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers	Meeting Miss 405 (Orca Young Readers) written by Lois Peterson Orca Book Publishers, 2008 ISBN 978-1-55469-015-2 IL: Ages 8-10  RL: Grades 3-4 Life is hard for Tansy — her depressed mother goes away, and her dad is making a mess of things at home. The new babysitter, Miss Stella, has a unique perspective on life, and Tansy eventually warms to the changes she’s experiencing. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
Odd Man Out written by Sarah Ellis Groundwood Books, 2006 ISBN 978-0-88899-703-6 IL: Ages 9-12  RL: Grades 4-6 Summering with his grandmother and five eccentric cousins, Kip finds a mysterious report in a binder — and eventually discovers disturbing news about his late father. Quirky, funny, insightful and multi-layered, Odd Man Out won the 2007 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers	Out of the Box written by Michelle Mulder Orca Book Publishers, 2011 ISBN 978-1-55469-923-3 IL: Ages 9-12  RL: Grades 4-6 Staying with her aunt in Victoria, Ellie gains independence and friendship but also reluctantly realizes that her mother has a mental illness — and that it is beyond Ellie’s capabilities to solve this herself. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
A Perfect Gentle Knight by Kit Pearson Penguin Books, 2008 ISBN 978-0-670-06682-7 IL: Ages 9-13  RL: Grade 5 The Bell children are trying to deal with their mother’s death and their father’s benign neglect. Fourteen-year-old Sebastian starts a game of Knights of the Round Table with his siblings as a form of escape. But his younger sister, Corrie, gradually starts to wonder if Sebastian is losing his grip on reality. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers	The Sewing Basket Written by Susan White The Acorn Press, 2013 ISBN 978-1-894838-99-3 IL: Ages 10-13  RL: Grades 4-5 It is 1967, and 12-year-old Ruth Iverson’s world pretty much revolves around her friends, a boy she likes, the Monkees and spending time with her dad, doing special stuff like watching the Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup. But she is soon to realize that her mom’s strange behaviour, which has become an embarrassment, is a symptom of a disease that will affect the family’s life, and possibly Ruth’s future. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
Young Adult Fiction
After written by Francis Chalifour Tundra Books, 2005 ISBN 978-0-88776-705-0 IL: Ages 12-16  RL: Grades 6-8 Time, counselling, family and friends help 15-year-old Francis heal after his father’s suicide. An acclaimed autobiographical first novel, this story is steeped in sadness, but ultimately ends in hope. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers	Baygirl Written by Heather Smith Orca Book Publishers, 2013 ISBN 978-1-4598-0274-2 IL: Ages 12 and up  RL: Grades 7-9 Growing up in a picturesque Newfoundland fishing village should be idyllic for 16-year-old Kit Ryan, but living with a mother who won’t stand up for herself and a father who’s an alcoholic, Kit’s day-to-day life is unpredictable. When her dad loses his job, the family is forced to move to the city. Life seems almost intolerable until Kit meets Elliot and starts to see beyond her own misery. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
Betsy Wickwire’s Dirty Secret Written by Vicki Grant HarperCollins Canada, 2011 ISBN 978-1-55468-182-2 IL: Ages 13 and up  RL: Grades 8-10 Determined to avoid everyone and everything from the life she knows, Betsy Wickwire stumbles into an unusual café and meets an even more unusual girl, Dolores Morris. Tricked into starting a housecleaning service, she thinks she’s hit an all-time low until she finds love and friendship and discovers that not all dirty secrets can be swept under the rug. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers	The Blue Helmet written by William Bell Random House of Canada, 2006 ISBN 978-0-385-66246-8 IL: Ages 12 and up  RL: Grades 7-9 Lee, in trouble with the police and feeling lost, struggles to mend his broken world. An unlikely friend — a peacekeeping veteran plagued by his own demons — shows him that he must face the war inside himself. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
Gravity Journal written by Gail Sidonie Sobat Great Plains Teen Fiction, 2008 ISBN 978-1-894283-78-6 IL: Ages 13 and up  RL: Grade 8 Struggling with anorexia and living in the psych ward, Anise wonders about the point of it all. She turns to her journal to make observations, to dream and to decide whether to live or die. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers	Me, Myself and Ike written by K.L. Denman Orca Book Publishers, 2010 ISBN 978-1-55469-086-2 IL: Ages 14 and up  RL: Grades 9-10 Kit’s friend Ike is urging him to become the next Ice Man — the ancient hunter whose frozen body was discovered in 1991. Increasingly alienated, paranoid and confused, Kit finds Ike’s arguments very persuasive. A powerful picture of schizophrenia and a Governor General’s Literary Award nominee. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
Objects in Mirror Written by Tudor Robins Red Deer Press, 2013 ISBN 978-0-88995-497-7 IL: Ages 12 and up  RL: Grades 7-9 Grace will be spending her summer working with horses in her new job at the stables. With a handsome new co-worker named Matt and a fragile, damaged mare that needs extra-special care, Grace figures this summer will be perfect. But when Grace’s eating disorder rears its ugly head, Grace wonders if she’ll be able to heal herself as well as the horse she’s caring for. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers	The Opposite of Tidy Written by Carrie Mac Toronto: Razorbill, 2012 ISBN PB 978-0-14-318091-3 IL: Ages 13 and up  RL: Grades 8-9 Junie’s mom is a hoarder, and Junie is embarrassed to let Wade, the hot new guy at school, know where she lives. She pretends she lives at her best friend Tabitha’s house, and Tabitha and her mom are willing to play along for the time being. But when Junie and her mother’s world gets turned inside out for the whole world to see, they must face the consequences of all their lies. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
The Perfect Cut written by Julie Burtinshaw Raincoast Books, 2008 ISBN 978-1-55192-816-6 IL: Ages 15 and up  RL: Grade 9 After the death of his sister, Bryan feels alive only when he cuts his skin with a razor. He hasn’t cut deep enough to cause any real damage… yet. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers	Pieces of Me written by Charlotte Gingras translated by Susan Ouriou Kids Can Press, 2009 ISBN 978-1-55453-432-6 IL: Ages 12 and up  RL: Grades 7-8 Desperately lonely, Mira struggles with a mentally ill mother and with her own depression. Her new friend Catherine opens up her world, but friendship doesn’t come easily. Then, shattered by her father’s sudden death, she must learn to fit together the “pieces of me.” Beautifully written and powerful. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
Scars written by Cheryl Rainfield WestSide Books, 2010 ISBN 978-1-93481-332-4 IL: Ages 14 and up  RL: Grades 9-10 Kendra cuts herself to forget the horrific sexual abuse she endured as a child but she cannot remember her abuser’s identity. She needs to explore her past in order to set herself free. An edgy, realistic and hopeful novel and a Governor General’s Literary Award nominee. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers	Schizo (SideStreets) Written by Kim Firmston James Lorimer, 2011 ISBN 978-1-55277-871-5 IL: Ages 13 and up  RL: Grade 4 Dan wants to lead a normal life like other 15-year-olds — spending time with his friends, dating and going to school. But with a schizophrenic mother who has stopped taking her medication, his home life is anything but normal. As things get harder, how will he manage to keep his family intact and safe, and who will be there for Dan? Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
Shadow Boxing written by Sherie Posesorski Coteau Books, 2009 ISBN 978-1-55050-406-4 IL: Ages 14 and up  RL: Grades 8-9 As Alice struggles to deal with her mother’s death, her father’s rejection and her aunt’s coldness, she begins to cut herself. Her cousin has her own self-esteem issues, and Alice must find the strength to get them both out of their downward spiral. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers	thinandbeautiful.com written by Liane Shaw Second Story Press, 2009 ISBN 978-1-897187-623 IL: Ages 14 and up  RL: Grades 8-9 Maddie is in rehab to overcome her eating disorder. She doesn’t believe that anything is wrong with her nor that she needs help. Will a tragedy change her mind? Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
Tyranny written and illustrated by Lesley Fairfield Tundra, 2010 ISBN 978-0-88776-903-0 IL: Ages 12 and up  RL: Grade 5 This graphic novel tells the story of Anna’s battle with an eating disorder. Personifying her tormentor as Tyranny, she struggles to rise from the abyss and find answers that are far from simple. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers	The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B Written by Teresa Toten Doubleday Canada, 2013 ISBN 978-0-385-67834-6 IL: Ages 12 and up  RL: Grade 6 When Adam meets Robyn at a support group for kids coping with obsessive-compulsive disorder, he is drawn to her almost before he can take a breath. But when you’re almost 15 and the everyday problems of dealing with divorced parents and step siblings are supplemented by the challenges of OCD, it’s hard to imagine yourself falling in love. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
Non-Fiction
Anxiety and Phobias (Understanding Mental Health) Written by Carrie Iorizzo Crabtree Publishing, ISBN 978-0-7787-0088-3 IL: Ages 10-13  RL: Grades 5-7 Anxiety disorders, such as phobias, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, form the most common group of mental illnesses. This informative title examines different anxiety disorders, including their causes, symptoms, effects and treatment options. A chapter on caring for others discusses how anxiety and phobias affect young people with siblings and parents who have the disorder. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers	Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Understanding Mental Health) Written by Harry Tournemille Crabtree Publishing, 2013 ISBN 978-0-7787-0086-9 IL: Ages 10-13  RL: Grades 5-7 This insightful title provides an overview of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other emotional and behavioural disorders, including Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Symptoms, causes and treatment options and management are discussed. Behavioural, emotional and learning difficulties are explored and discussed from the perspective of individuals living with ADHD, as well as from the perspective of family and friends who know someone with the disorder. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
Autism Spectrum Disorder (Understanding Mental Health) Written by Marguerite Rodger Crabtree Publishing, 2014 ISBN 978-0-7787-0087-6 IL: Ages 10-13  RL: Grades 5-6 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of disorders that affect brain development. The syndromes within ASD include autism, Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorders and others. This informative book provides insight into how people diagnosed with an ASD experience the world and promotes understanding and acceptance. A chapter titled “ASD Toolbox” gives positive tips and tricks to cope with the daily realities of living with an ASD. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers	Can I Catch It Like a Cold? Coping With a Parent’s Depression written by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, illustrated by Joe Weissmann Tundra Books, 2009 ISBN 978-0-88776-956-6 IL: Ages 8 and up  RL: Grade 3 Alex’s father has begun to suffer from depression. Alex’s questions are those often asked by children in this situation. In simple, straightforward language, the book explains what depression is and how it is treated, prepares a child for working with a helping professional, and, most importantly, it tells a child that he or she is not alone. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers
Depression and Other Mood Disorders (Understanding Mental Health) Written by Jon Eben Field Crabtree Publishing, 2014 ISBN 978-0-7787-0090-6 IL: Ages 10-15  RL: Grades 5-6 Depression and mood disorders are common but serious mental illnesses that occur across all age groups, genders, economic classes and ethnic groups. This enlightening title examines the causes and symptoms of depression and other mood disorders and provides information about treatment options. There is a chapter on caregiver support as well as one titled “Depression Toolbox” that offers useful coping strategies for daily challenges. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers	My Kind of Sad: What It’s Like to Be Young and Depressed written by Kate Scowen illustrated by Jeff Szuc Annick Press, 2006 ISBN 978-1-55037-940-2 IL: Ages 13 and up  RL: Grade 7 Adolescent depression has only been medically recognized in the past 25 years. This book lays out the facts on moodiness, depression and being a teen. From the factors that affect how you feel to the signs of serious depression, it explores youth-specific mental health issues and gives expert advice on how to help a friend or where to find help for oneself. Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers