books & games
Novels
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A List of cages, by robin roe
Adam Blake, a high school senior, reconnects with his former foster brother, Julian, who is dealing with the aftermath of abuse and trauma. The story touches on PTSD, friendship, and healing through connection and support.
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All the Bright Places, by Jennifer Niven
Two high school seniors embark on a school project, leading them to visit unusual sights and they develop a close relationship. Violet is struggling with the recent death of her sister and Theodore is depressed and bipolar. Their story is sad but beautiful and sends a message that there are always bright places in dark times.
Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community, BY LADY GAGA
For Lady Gaga, kindness is the driving force behind everything she says and does.
The quiet power of kindness can change the way we view one another, our communities, and even ourselves.
Within these pages, you’ll meet young changemakers who found their inner strength, who prevailed in the face of bullies, who started their own social movements, who decided to break through the mental health stigma and share how they felt, who created safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, and who have embraced kindness with every fiber of their being by helping others without the expectation of anything in return.
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Dumplin, By julie murphy
Willowdean Dickson, a plus-size teen, struggles with body image and self-esteem while dealing with the death of her aunt. Through participating in a beauty pageant, she learns to accept herself and challenge society's expectations.
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Fangirl, Rainbow rowell
Cath, a college freshman, struggles with social anxiety and her relationship with her family, especially her twin sister. As she navigates new experiences and challenges, the book addresses anxiety and how Cath learns to cope with her emotions.
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Girl, interrupted, Susanna kaysen
Although originally a memoir, this book has been widely read by young adults. Kaysen shares her experiences as a young woman diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and her time in a psychiatric institution, offering a candid view of mental health treatment.
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Incorrigible, by Wendy Adamson
Adamson's memoir recounts a girl's spiral of self-destruction in the throes of unspoken grief after her mother's suicide. Depressed and constantly at odds with an overwhelmed father, she runs away until she's arrested by the police. At fourteen years old she finds herself plucked from a privileged life and forced to navigate the criminal justice system of probation officers, juvenile halls and foster homes.
Incorrigible is a raw, gripping, coming-of-age story of teenage struggle with familial dysfunction, addiction, and incarceration, until finally, against nearly insurmountable odds, the author survives, later finding empowering new purpose in her life.
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It's Kind of a funny story, By ned vizzini
Craig Gilner checks himself into a psychiatric hospital after contemplating suicide. The novel focuses on his experiences and interactions with others in the hospital, offering a humorous yet poignant portrayal of mental health struggles.
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Speak, by laurie halse anderson
After a traumatic event, Melinda Sordino withdraws from her social circle and faces the struggle of dealing with the emotional aftermath. The novel explores the impact of trauma on mental health and the importance of finding one’s voice.
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The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet, BY John Green
The Anthropocene is the current geologic age, in which humans have profoundly reshaped the planet and its biodiversity. In this remarkable symphony of essays adapted and expanded from his groundbreaking podcast, bestselling author John Green reviews different facets of the human-centered planet on a five-star scale—from the QWERTY keyboard and sunsets to Canada geese and Penguins of Madagascar.
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
This one is very popular, it's about a high school freshman suffering from PTSD and anxiety after his friend commits suicide. He struggles to make friends until a group of seniors take him under their wings and it's a cute coming of age story.
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Turtles All The Way Down, by john green
The story follows Aza Holmes, a teenage girl struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder while trying to solve a mystery about a missing billionaire. The book delves into the emotional toll of mental illness and how it affects relationships.
under rose-tainted skies, by louise gornall
Norah, a teenager with OCD and agoraphobia, is mostly confined to her home. When a new neighbor enters her life, she has to confront her fears and try to step out of her comfort zone. The book provides a nuanced portrayal of living with mental health conditions.
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August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. Beginning from Auggie’s point of view and expanding to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others, the perspectives converge to form a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope.
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Informative Books
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A Better High: laugh, help, run, love...and other ways to get naturally high, by Matt Bellace
Young people need to feel empowered in their schools and communities-it's not enough to ask them to stay away from drugs and alcohol, we need to show them positive things they can do instead, both for themselves and others! A BETTER HIGH is a powerful tool for everyone, especially students, teachers and parents.
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An Unquiet Mind; A Memoir of Moods and Madness (bipolar), BY KAY REDFIELD JAMISON
A deeply powerful memoir about bipolar illness that has both transformed and saved lives
An Unquiet Mind; A Memoir of Moods and Madness (bipolar)
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Bullying Prevention Tips For TEENS: 18 Powerful ways to protect yourself through high school by YVonne Brooks & Stephanie Bien
This guide provides teenagers and the adults around them with resources and advice to assist them in dealing with the issue of bullying.
Bullying Prevention Tips For Teens: 18 Powerful Ways To Protect Yourself Through High School
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Brain XP: Living with Mental Illness, A young Teenager’s Perspective, by Christine Frye
This is the personal, unashamed, and brave story of Christine Frey. In her own teenage writing style, Christine describes her struggle with early onset psychosis. Christine embraces the challenge to educate and lead others to understanding and confronting the brain disorder called "mental illness". Rather than hide, isolate, and feel embarrassed, she tackles stigma head on.
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Depression a teens guide to survive and thrive, By Jacqueline B. Toner, PHd & Claire A.B. Freeland, Phd
Depression: A Teen’s Guide to Survive and Thrive is a guidebook for teenagers who are depressed or at risk for depression. This guide discusses depression and provides guidance on cognitive—behavioral therapy principles to help teens take a problem-solving, strategy-based approach to deal with depressed moods, thoughts, and behavior. Intended to serve as an adjunct to therapy, this is a very practical and easy-to-read book that is not overwhelming for teens.
Depression A teens guide to survive and thrive
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Life is Disappointing and other Inspiring Thoughts, by Matt Bellace
Life is Disappointing and other Inspiring Thoughts’ is an important (and yes, sometimes funny) look into how challenges and pain are opportunities for personal growth, even an essential part of a full and meaningful life.
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Living, Loving and Learning, by Leo Buscaglia
This is a delightful collection of Dr. Buscaglia's informative and amusing lectures, which were delivered worldwide between 1970 and 1981. This inspirational treasure is for all those eager to accept the challenge of life and to profit from the wonder of love.
Living, loving, and learning​
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My Anxious Mind: A Teen's Guide to Managing Anxiety and Panic, By Michael A. Tompkins, PH D and Katherine A. Martinez, PSY D
My Anxious Mind helps teens take control of their anxious feelings by providing cognitive behavioral strategies to tackle anxiety head-on.
My Anxious Mind: A Teen's Guide To Managing Anxiety and Panic
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Spoiler Alert: She was Right, by Lisa Snow
The journey to self-acceptance is not always easy and uniform. We don’t ever know what to expect, and when I was coming out, I often times found myself saying, “I wish there was a book about this.” I would read great books that were coming from the lives of people like Ellen DeGeneres’ mom or watch TV shows that showed LGBTQ representation, but they didn’t often talk about the little things that go on in your mind when coming out.
spoiler alert: she was right​
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The Upside to Your Darkside, by Todd Kashdan & Robert Biswas-Diener
Happiness experts have long told us to tune out our negative emotions and focus instead on mindfulness, positivity, and optimism. Researchers Todd Kashdan, Ph.D., and Robert Biswas-Diener, Dr. Philos., disagree. Positive emotions alone are not enough. Anger makes us creative, selfishness makes us brave, and guilt is a powerful motivator. The real key to success lies in emotional agility. Drawing upon extensive scientific research and a wide array of real-life examples, The Upside of Your Dark Side will be embraced by business leaders, parents, and everyone else who’s ready to put their entire psychological tool kit to work.
the upside to your darkside​​
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Think like a monk, by Jay Shetty
Think like a monk
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Yes, Your Parents Are Crazy, by Michael Bradley
In this new companion book to Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy!, teen psychologist Michael Bradley turns the tables, talking to teens about parents―why adults behave the way they do, how to handle their parents and other adults in life's confusing and difficult situations.
yes, your parents are crazy​
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You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health―With Advice from Experts and Wisdom from Real People and Families, BY KEN DUCKWORTH, MD
Written with authority and compassion, this is the essential resource for individuals and families seeking expert guidance on diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, featuring inspiring, true stories from real people in their own words.
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Journal
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MINDFULNESS AND ME, BY RILEY PAIGE
Mindfulness & Me is a 365-day journal consisting of 12 monthly check-in and check-outs, 12 pop-up pages to provide comfort and positive distractions, as well as 48 weekly check-ins that ask you the truly important questions.
This journal is a unique outlet designed to be there for you through both the good and the bad. This journal is a place to seek comfort. An outlet for you anytime, any day. A friend. A tool. A support system.
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Games
Unlock your best self with this deck of 50 cards
Questions for deeper discussion
Self Improvement board game
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