Ab(solutely) Normal: Short Stories That Smash Mental Health Stereotypes
Edited by Nora Shalaway Carpenter and Rocky Callen

Sharing their own unique experiences with various aspects of mental health, sixteen authors bravely subvert mental health stereotypes in this empowering and thought-provoking collection. Stories are by turns heart-breaking and heart-lifting, and readers are reminded that living with a mental health condition does not mean being defined their diagnosis. An honest and unflinching look at what it means to be a teen living with a mental health disorder, this sensitive anthology reminds readers that they are not alone, and that each person matters exactly as they are.

Agoraphobia:
Forever is Now
By Mariama J. Lockington

This touching and lyrical novel in verse focuses on Sadie, a teen with chronic anxiety who is also diagnosed with agoraphobia. After witnessing a violent incident of police brutality, Sadie desperately wants to bring about change in her neighborhood but doesn’t see how she can make a difference when she’s afraid to leave her house. A Schneider Family Book Award winner, this unforgettable story highlights the power of a strong social support system and will undoubtedly inspire readers to find and use their own voices in a world that is too often cruel and unforgiving.

Anxiety:

Our Shouts Echo
By Jade Adia

Sixteen-year-old Niarah just wants to get through life unnoticed, and the only thing that keeps her one step ahead of her constant anxiety and dread is the mantra: Be prepared. But Niarah wasn’t prepared for Mac and now, thanks to him, she’s realizing there may be more to life than ignoring the demons of her past, avoiding the problems in her present, and preparing for catastrophes in the future. This thought-provoking story about overcoming trauma, healing, and giving love a chance offers is written with exquisite honesty and vulnerability.

Anxiety and Depression:

Everything is OK
By Debbie Tung

This gently humorous and immensely poignant graphic memoir chronicles the author’s personal struggles with anxiety and depression. Readers share in Debbie Tung’s daily ups and downs and discover that it’s alright to be vulnerable because no one is defined solely by their mental health. Relatable themes of overthinking and feeling like all hope is lost combine perfectly with a tender message of self-love and the importance of recognizing that difficulties don’t last forever. A fantastic message of hope and perseverance those struggling with anxiety and depression will connect with deeply.

Depression:

We Are All So Good at Smiling
By Amber McBride

Whimsy has returned to the hospital to treat her clinical depression, which is where she meets a boy named Faerry. As they grow closer, they find the courage to face their individual fears together, which is expertly explored with metaphors, fairy tales, and folklore. This lyrical and hope-filled novel in verse addresses issues of depression, grief, and healing from trauma through vivid imagery and intense magical realism that will have readers rapidly turning the pages to know what happens next.

OCD:

The Weight of Our Sky
By Hanna Alkaf

Set during the 1969 Malaysian post-election riots, this stunning book follows 16-year-old Melati, who struggles with obsessive compulsive disorder. Melati believes she is being tormented by a djinn who threatens her with horrible images of her mother’s death and can only be appeased by counting and tapping rituals. When violence breaks out in her city, Melati races to find her mother, terrified the djinn’s visions will come true. While this gripping and powerful tale explores undeniably heavy subject matter, the author’s immersive writing also highlights the beauty people are capable of through themes of sacrifice and unending love.

OCD:

History is All You Left Me
By Adam Silvera

Sometimes remembering the past is helpful. But sometimes, remembering the past can prevent you from living in the present or daring to dream of a future. This is where we find Griffin, a boy devasted by grief and struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder. A profound exploration of loss, the realities of living with mental illness, and the destructive consequences of keeping secrets, this novel is an explosive, character-driven story of adolescent self-exploration and finding the courage keep going.

PTSD:

The Felserpent Chronicles series
By Katie Keridan

Sebastian Sayre is the most sought-after assassin in the realm of Nocens, and the key to his success is being completely and utterly alone. Or so he thinks. Over the three books in this award-winning series, Sebastian must confront the traumas of his past and choose the kind of person he wants to be moving forward. With the help of his enemy-turned-soulmate and unexpected new friends, Sebastian learns important lessons about forgiveness, acceptance, and the power of healing in this spellbinding romantasy where remembering the past is the first step towards changing the future.

Schizophrenia/Psychosis:

Challenger Deep
By Neal Shusterman

Caden Bosch is just a regular teen…until one day, he isn’t. A deeply personal and unforgettable exploration of psychosis, paranoia, and schizophrenia, this book offers a piercing look into the daily experience of dealing with mental illness that will linger with readers long after the last page. Caden’s struggles are portrayed with both nuance and accuracy, and the intensity of the subject material is expertly balanced by moments of humor and warmth. Insightful, inspiring, and a must-read!

Anorexia:

Louder Than Hunger
By John Schu

This unflinchingly honest book is a fictionalized account of author John Schu’s experiences as a young teen with an eating disorder living in a residential treatment facility. Written as a novel in verse, this story of a boy named Jake working to overcome the destructive voices in his head explores powerful themes of identifying and expressing emotional pain, accepting the kindness and support of others, and the bravery of learning to love yourself.

Anxiety:

Drawing Deena
By Hena Khan

Deena constantly feels like she has a knot in her stomach, a knot that gets tighter when she can’t find the right words to say, thinks about her family’s money problems, or has to go to school. She makes it through each day with the help of her friends and the art she loves to make. But when her anxiety spills over into her artwork, Deena isn’t sure what to do. This is a powerful story of family dynamics, creative expression, and the importance of asking for help that presents anxiety in an accessible and relatable way. Readers will root for Deena and just might be inspired to find their own creative outlets thanks to the charming and inspiring words of author Hena Khan.

Trauma and Compliance Based Therapy: The Fire, the Water and Maudie McGinn By Sally J. Pla This Schneider Family Book Award winner follows autistic tween Maudie as she spends the summer with her dad in California. Offering a touching and insightful portrayal of autism, this book also features important lessons about bravery, as Maudie discovers the courage to surf and make friends, even as she struggles with whether to reveal a terrible secret about life with her mom and new stepdad. Inspiring and unforgettable.

Grief and Brain Injury:

Between Two Brothers
By Crystal Allen

Ice Abernathy adores his older brother, Seth, and can’t wait to spend as much time with him as possible before Seth leaves for college. But when Seth announces he’s leaving earlier than Ice thought, the two boys have a terrible fight. Filled with regret, Ice plans to apologize to Seth but never gets the chance, as Seth is involved in an accident he may never recover from. Overcome with fear and guilt, Ice fights to help his brother recover in a way only he can—by trusting in the undying love between two brothers. Inspired by real events, this is a must-read book about the bonds of brotherhood, forgiveness, and the power of a family’s unconditional love.

Depression:

How to Become a Planet
By Nicole Mellby

Pluto Timoney loves outer space almost as much as she loves summers on the boardwalk in her mom’s pizzeria. But this summer, Pluto has been diagnosed with depression, and everything’s different. This book offers a deeply realistic portrayal of what depression can look like in tweens/teens, and while at times Pluto’s struggles are heart-breaking to read, her tenacity and willingness to learn will have readers cheering for her the entire way. Highlighting the importance of therapy, family, old and new friends, this is a beautiful journey of self-discovery.

Loneliness and Loss:

Hello Universe
By Erin Entrada Kelly

Told from four interrelated points of view, it’s easy to see why this book is a Newberry Medal winner, as it proudly celebrates themes of bravery, being different, and the power of friendship. Featuring authentic and relatable characters and infused with humor, this story is perfect for anyone who has ever felt lost or alone and reminds readers about the importance of universal connection.

Bullying:

Weirdo
By Tony Weaver, Jr

A graphic novel that encourages readers to celebrate their own uniqueness, this story is perfect for anyone who has ever felt awkward, left out, or like they don’t belong. Witty and triumphant, Weirdo addresses important questions about bullying while also offering poignant reminders that sometimes acceptance is the best way to overcome obstacles. Realistic and empathetic characters practically leap off the colorful pages in this delightful tale of belonging and becoming your own hero.

Parental Addiction:

Shark Teeth
By Sherri Winston

A Schneider Family Book Award winner, this is the story of Sharkita, a 12-year-old girl whose mother is an alcoholic. Sharkita’s mother disappears for days on end, leaving Sharkita to care for her siblings, and Sharkita feels trapped between loyalty to her mother and getting the help her family needs from other adults in her life. The neglect Sharkita suffers is heart-breaking, but this is ultimately a hopeful and triumphant book about accepting insecurities, receiving help, and breaking a toxic generational cycle to create a better future.

Parental Addiction:

Racing the Clouds
By Sydney Dunlap

A powerful story of grief, loss, and healing, Racing the Clouds follows Sage, a 13-year-old girl struggling to navigate the dysfunctional relationships within her family. This bighearted book handles heavy themes of parental addiction in nuanced and accessible ways, and readers will be inspired by Sage’s stunning journey of forgiveness and acceptance, as well as the beauty to be found in releasing secrets, starting over, and rebuilding.

Victim Shaming and Diet Culture:

Starfish
By Lisa Fipps

A Printz Honor winner, Starfish follows Ellie through realistic days of bullying, anxiety, and shame about her body. Until she finds a place where she can love herself, and let the world fall silent around her. The role of Ellie’s mom shines a light on the diet culture that surrounds many children in today’s schools. Ellie finding support through her dad, therapist, and friends leaves readers with hope and healing.