Pre-Teen (9–12 years)

Nonfiction / Educational

What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety – Dawn Huebner
An interactive workbook teaching kids healthy coping strategies for worries.
Mindfulness for Kids: 30 Fun Activities to Stay Calm, Happy, and In Control – Carole P. Roman
Practical coping tools in a kid-friendly format.
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook – Janine Halloran
Engaging activities, games, and coping strategies tailored to younger readers.

Fiction / Stories

Blubber – Judy Blume
Addresses bullying and how kids cope with shame, embarrassment, and friendship struggles.
Smile – Raina Telgemeier (graphic novel)
Explores self-esteem, identity, and healthy/unhealthy ways of coping with challenges.
Inside Out and Back Again – Thanhha Lai
Novel in verse about a young girl finding resilience and healthy coping after major life change.

Teen (13–18 years)

Nonfiction / Educational

Stuff That Sucks: A Teen’s Guide to Accepting What You Can’t Change and Committing to What You Can – Ben Sedley
Accessible CBT-based coping strategies.
Mind Your Head – Juno Dawson
Explains mental health in a teen-friendly way, including healthy coping habits.
The Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens – Lisa M. Schab
Practical exercises that promote healthy self-talk and coping skills.

Fiction / Stories

Turtles All the Way Down – John Green
Explores anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and coping strategies (both healthy and unhealthy).
The Perks of Being a Wallflower – Stephen Chbosky
Coming-of-age story dealing with trauma, coping, and finding support.
Speak – Laurie Halse Anderson
Addresses trauma, silence, and finding healthy ways to process and heal.
Holding Up the Universe – Jennifer Niven
Focuses on identity, acceptance, and coping with self-image struggles.