Mental Illness, the Invisible Elephant

Children’s books dealing with mental illness have finally broken the silence that shrouds many “forbidden topics.” Mental illness touches all families, and suicide is the second leading cause of death of teen-agers. The right book at the right time in a young reader’s life can help normalize the experience of struggling with mental illness, diminish the stigma and break the silence. This can make it possible for a reader to reach out with the hope that someone will listen, not judge, and offer help. This workshop will discuss a number of these remarkable books that present mental illness in an age-appropriate, realistic and hopeful way, including picture books, MG and YA fiction, and nonfiction.