A collection of books which help kids understand both normal feelings like grief, frustration and sadness as well as mental disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.
1) Sad Days, Glad Days
Ages 5-8. A story of a girl who must learn to cope with the effects of her mother's depression on her life. A great tool for explaining clinical depression to your own child.
4) The Saddest Time
This books explains the realities of death and offers three situations where children face a loss in their life and feel sad.
5) The Face at the Window
Ages 6-8. A child named Dora learns an important lesson of compassion and understanding when she meets her mentally ill neighbor.
6) Ian's Walk: A Story about Autism
Grades 2-3. Appropriate as as read aloud story for younger children. A beautiful illutration of the complex feelings of resentment and love that children may feel when a sibling is "different".
8) I'm Frustrated (Dealing with Feelings)
Be sure to look up the entire series of "Dealing with Feelings" books by Elizabeth Crary for aids to teach your child about coping with various emotions.
9) Joey Pigza Loses Control
The adventures of a kid named Joey who has Attention Deficit Disorder. 2001 Newbery Honor Book.
10) Help Me Say Goodbye
An art therapy and activity book for helping children cope with the death of someone special.
