BIBLIOTHERAPY
What is bibliotherapy? It’s accessing the scientifically researched power of story on the brain. When a reader reads, their brains light up and goes along for the ride with the main character, making actual structural changes. The reader learns as the main character learns, all from the safety of their reading nook. Often, adults are concerned about exposing young minds to literature featuring tough topics for fear it will traumatize them, but the opposite happens. Readers gain knowledge, increasing their power to make informed decisions. Decisions to avoid drugs and alcohol for example, after seeing how it destroyed a character’s life or family; or learn how to be a better friend and advocate for someone they know who is a victim of sexual abuse.
Stories featuring mental health and resiliency build much needed empathy to bring people together and create a platform from which they can build a frame of reference to have the language to address tough topics. For readers who have never experience the challenges below, they will gain insight into how to support others who have. They will build compassion when they might not otherwise understand why someone is acting in a way that they don’t understand. For those brave individuals who are experiencing the challenges of these characters, they will gain the support they need to reach out to resources that are often featured in these books, or listed in the back pages. They will see that they are not alone.
These lists continue to grow. Check back periodically.
Young Adult Novels
Favorite Middle Grade Novels
It’s hard to point at just one book, but these are pretty spectacular middle and lower grade picks. You can’t go wrong with these stories.
Graphic Novels
Books with pictures are near and dear to my heart. I admire anyone who tackles these themselves. They’re so good for reluctant readers.
Picture Books
While these short books look so simple you probably think you could have written them yourself…you didn’t. And neither did I. They are hard, people! They’re the most complex form of storytelling there is. Here are some of my favorites that make me laugh, cry, or both!
