Reading stories is an important part of development – not just for literacy, but also because books become part of readers, quietly shaping views about themselves and the world.
Books are sometimes the only safe escape. Words and pictures can give comfort. Characters can provide friendship and family. They can provide understanding in self and in others. And most importantly, stories can provide hope.
Books Change Direction, a new initiative of the campaign, educates about the importance of responsibly representing mental health and illness in stories, identifies and promotes books and authors that contribute to the culture of mental health, and helps people in need access these books.
As we work with authors, publishers, agents, librarians, teachers and communities across the country, we look forward to sharing books with you that change how we think about, feel about and care for our emotional well-being.
Here are a few sites and resources that we have found helpful when it comes to mental health and books for our young populations.
