I’m not quite sure this month’s topic constitutes “resistance,” except maybe resistance to the societal stigmas surrounding mental health. Since September 10th is National Suicide Prevention Day, I thought this topic for this month was fitting. There are plenty of young adult books that deal with this issue, though not all of them do it in the most graceful manner (or in the most helpful way for teens). But never fear! There are lots of authors that grapple with the topic in positive ways.
Giving teens books that deal with issues that are relevant to them help to show them that they are not alone. When it comes to mental health, teens especially need to be shown that they aren’t alone, as anxiety and depression in teens has steadily risen over the last decade. These five books all deal with suicide in a way that’s helpful to teens rather than harmful.
1. It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
Inspired by Vizzini’s own hospitalization for depression, Craig checks himself in after becoming overwhelmed with work for getting into one of the most prestigious high schools. One of the best things about this book is the way it talks about getting help, something that isn’t seen in a lot of YA. It’s Kind of a Funny Story works toward de-stigmatizing the idea of getting help.
2. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Finch and Violet meet each other when they’re both contemplating jumping off the bell tower at school. The best thing about this book is it offers us two different perspectives of teens dealing with depression: one who is slowly getting better and one who isn’t. The multiple perspectives are useful for teens who find themselves in either situation.
3. Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
On Leonard Peacock’s birthday, he’s decided he’s going to kill his former best friend. As he says goodbye to his friends, Leonard reveals details about his past that explain the why behind his actions. As always, Matthew Quick deals with mental health in an unflinching and realistic way.
4. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
Though most of the book is focused on Lia’s struggle with anorexia, she also has to learn to deal with the suicide of her friend, Cassie. As Cassie’s death spins Lia out of control. As she learns to cope with her own demons, Lia has to learn what it means to ask for help. As always, Laurie Halse Anderson writes in a very real way, giving a voice to a popular that is often silenced.
5. Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira
In what begins as a school assignment, Laurel quickly finds that writing letters to dead people helps her to cope with her own sister’s death. A novel about coping with grief and accepting a new reality without someone you love, many teens will relate to the struggles that Laurel is going through.