Adolescence can be one of the most stressful times for your child. These books can help with understanding the importance of mental health, learning to love themselves and increasing self-esteem.
Nelson, Hero of the Seas
Dominic SandbrookThis exciting series brings history’s greatest stories to life for young readers. Follow the incredible journey as Nelson grows from a young boy to a legendary naval hero during the Napoleonic Wars. Packed with vivid storytelling and thrilling adventures, making history feel alive and unforgettable.
Black Star
Kwame AlexanderBlack Star by Kwame Alexander is the second book in the Door of No Return trilogy, blending history and poetry to tell the story of Charley Cuffey, a determined 12-year-old girl chasing her dream to become a professional baseball pitcher in the segregated 1920s South.
Keep Your Friends Close
Cynthia MurphyThis thrilling novel is set in an elite boarding school where secrets run deep. When Chloe’s friend betrays her, mysterious events tied to a secret society begin to unfold. Packed with suspense, this story explores loyalty and ambition, with danger lurking beneath the surface.
The Smart Girls Handbook
Scarlett V ClarkFounder and CEO of Smart Girl Tribe, a female empowerment organisation based in the UK, Scarlett V Clark sets out her self-empowerment handbook for girls. Clark introduces exercises and tools useful for pushing boundaries and going for what you want.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teenagers
Sean CoveyBeing a teenager is fun but it's also challenging and stressful. Yet help is at hand. Covey speaks directly to teenagers in a language they understand, addressing the issues that concern them most: relationships, parents, peers, life choices and worries for the future.
The Teenage Guide to Stress
Nicola MorganA reassuring, eye-opening and comprehensive look at the stresses many teenagers face. This book explains the biology behind stress and, crucially, offers a huge range of strategies and suggestions to deal with it and prevent negative symptoms.
Heartstopper
Alice OsemanA graphic novel about life, love and everything in between that has become a hugely successful Netflix series. Heartstopper explores friendship, mental illness and loyalty and warms your heart from beginning to end.
Raybearer
Jordan IfuekoA bewitching, fantastical read to escape into, Jordan Ifueko's protagonist Tarisai is bound by a magical wish made by her estranged and distant mother. Tarisai won't allow herself to become a pawn and has to choose a different path for herself.
New Shoes
Donna MitchellNew Shoes addresses 16 of the most common lifestyle challenges, and each chapter offers steps for developing new skills and character qualities for success. A lifecoach for young adults and teens, Donna Mitchell will encourage you to begin your walk to success.
Fire Keeper's Daughter
Angeline BoulleyThis coming-of-age thriller follows a Native American teen who must fight to root out corruption in the community she cares so deeply for.
The House in the Cerulean Sea
TJ KluneFull of magic and whimsy, this heartwarming tale follows a lonely man who finds family and friendship in the most unexpected of places. It's a fantastical story with a lovely message.
Persepolis
Marjane SatrapiBoth funny and heartbreaking, this graphic novel by Satrapi is an autobiographical retelling of her childhood growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.
Mind Your Head
Juno DawsonWritten with a frankness that teens will find refreshing, Dawson offers a comforting a medically sound guide to understanding teenage mental health.
Holding up the Universe
Jennifer NivenThis life-affirming story of friendship and confidence by Niven reminds the reader how important it is to love yourself first.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Betty SmithThis timeless coming-of-age story is brimming with characters so real, they become a part of you and their important lessons on tenacity remain relevant today.
