Books about anxiety

Best Friends by Shannon Hale is a poignant and relatable graphic memoir that perfectly captures the whirlwind of emotions that come with navigating sixth grade. Following the success of Real Friends, Shannon finds herself in the "Group," the most popular circle of friends in school. However, staying on top is harder than it looks. Shannon must navigate the unspoken rules of popularity, the pressure to be funny and cool, and the constant anxiety of wondering if she truly belongs. It is a must-read for children who love Raina Telgemeier or Victoria Jamieson.

This graphic novel is ideal for readers interested in realistic stories about the ups and downs of middle school life. Shannon Hale’s honest portrayal of social anxiety and the quest for authentic connection makes this a great choice for parents looking to help their children understand complex social dynamics. The vibrant illustrations by LeUyen Pham bring Shannon’s internal world to life, making the story accessible and deeply engaging for middle-grade readers.

Highlights:

• Relatable exploration of middle school social hierarchies and popularity.
• Honest depiction of childhood anxiety and the pressure to fit in.
• Beautifully illustrated graphic novel format that appeals to visual learners.
• A powerful lesson on finding true friends and being yourself.

Guts is a powerful and deeply relatable graphic memoir from the beloved author Raina Telgemeier. The story follows young Raina, who wakes up one night with a terrible stomach bug. While she initially thinks it is just a passing illness, she soon realizes that her tummy troubles are tied to something deeper: her anxieties about school, food, and shifting friendships. As she navigates the ups and downs of fifth grade, Raina must learn to understand her body and find the courage to face her fears head-on.

This book is perfect for children who love graphic novels that feel like a conversation with a best friend. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in mental health, emotional well-being, and stories about growing up. Parents will appreciate how Telgemeier handles the topic of anxiety with humor and sensitivity, making it a great choice for starting conversations about stress and physical health. It is a must-read for fans of Smile and Sisters, or anyone looking for a story that proves it is okay to not be okay sometimes.

Highlights:

• A brave and honest look at childhood anxiety and panic attacks.
• Relatable middle school dynamics involving friends and classmates.
• Engaging, expressive illustrations that bring Raina's internal world to life.
• Encouraging message about seeking help and practicing self-care.

Turtles All the Way Down is a deeply moving and unflinching look at the life of sixteen-year-old Aza Holmes. While the plot kicks off with the mysterious disappearance of a fugitive billionaire and a hundred-thousand-dollar reward, the heart of the story lies within Aza’s own mind. As she and her fearless best friend, Daisy, navigate the complexities of the investigation and Aza’s growing connection with the billionaire’s son, Davis, Aza must also contend with the ever-tightening spiral of her own obsessive-compulsive thoughts.

This novel is perfect for readers who love character-driven stories that tackle heavy subjects with grace, humor, and honesty. John Green provides an illuminating glimpse into the realities of living with mental illness, making it an ideal choice for teenagers and parents looking for authentic representation of OCD and anxiety. It is a brilliant exploration of resilience, the power of lifelong friendship, and the struggle to be a 'good' person when your own mind feels like it is working against you.

Highlights:

• A raw and authentic portrayal of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• A focus on the strength and evolution of female friendships.
• A compelling blend of contemporary mystery and philosophical reflection.
• Thought-provoking themes regarding identity and the nature of the self.

Wayside School is back in session with the long-awaited fourth installment of Louis Sachar's beloved series. In Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom, the students of Mrs. Jewls's class on the thirtieth floor face their strangest challenge yet: a giant, ominous Cloud of Doom hovering directly over the school. While the kids deal with the usual absurdity of Wayside—like collecting a million toenail clippings and dealing with 'oppositosis'—they must also prepare for the high-stakes Ultimate Test. This book perfectly captures the silly, surreal, and heartwarming essence that has made the series a staple for generations.

This story is an ideal choice for readers who enjoy wacky humor and unconventional school settings. It is perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Captain Underpants series but are looking for something with a touch of magical realism and clever wordplay. Parents will appreciate how Sachar uses humor to explore relatable childhood anxieties about testing and the unknown. Whether your child is a long-time fan or new to the thirtieth floor, this book offers a fast-paced and hilarious reading experience.

Highlights:

• Features the return of fan-favorite characters like Sharie, Kathy, and Jason.
• A hilarious and relatable exploration of school-related stress and the 'Ultimate Test.'
• Perfect for fans of absurd humor, wordplay, and short, engaging chapters.
• Ideal for middle-grade readers who enjoy stories that blend reality with the fantastical.

You Started It is a sparkling Young Adult romantic comedy that follows seventeen-year-old Jamie Taher-Foster during her high-stakes senior year in Toronto. Jamie is a "Type A" planner with a detailed list of experiences to complete before graduation, but her world is turned upside down when her long-term boyfriend breaks up with her unexpectedly. In a desperate bid to win him back, Jamie enters into a fake-dating arrangement with Axel Dahini, a carefree TikTok dancer she met after a literal bicycle collision. This book is perfect for fans of Olivia Rodrigo's Sour and readers who enjoy the "fake dating" trope with deep emotional resonance.

Beyond the romance, Jackie Khalilieh weaves a nuanced story about identity, anxiety, and the pressure of perfection. As Jamie and Axel spend time together, they bond over their shared Arab heritage and realize that life’s best moments often happen when you stop following a checklist. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in diverse contemporary stories that balance humor with heartfelt explorations of mental health and self-discovery. Fans of Becky Albertalli and Ann Liang will find themselves rooting for these endearingly flawed characters.

Highlights:

• Engaging "fake dating" trope set against a vibrant Toronto backdrop.
• Authentic representation of Arab-Canadian identity and culture.
• Relatable exploration of high school anxiety and the pressure to be perfect.
• A charming, slow-burn romance between two beautifully contrasted protagonists.