Mental Illness in Young Adult Literature: Exploring Real Struggles through Fictional Characters

(Paperback)

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This book explores how mental illness is portrayed in 21st-century young adult fiction and how selected works can help teachers, librarians, and mental health professionals to more effectively address the needs of students combating mental illness. Mental Illness in Young Adult Literature: Exploring Real Struggles through Fictional Characters highlights American young adult literature published since the year 2000 that features characters grappling with mental illness. Chapters focus on mental disorders identified by the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, and OCD. Each chapter begins with a description of a mental illness that includes its prevalence, demographic trends, symptoms, related disorders, and treatment options before examining a selection of young adult texts in depth. Analysis of the texts explores how a mental illness manifests for a particular character, how that character perceives him- or herself and is perceived by others, and what treatment or support he or she receives. The connections between mental illness and race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and identity are examined, and relevant research from education, psychology, and adolescent health is thoroughly integrated. Each chapter also provides a list of additional readings. An appendix offers strategies for integrating young adult literature into health curricula and other programs.

Reviews

Mental Illness in Young Adult Literature is an excellent overview of common mental health struggles that many readers begin to face in their teen years and a solid introduction to the literature that addresses those same struggles. The clear structure of the book makes it easy to reference for any specific needs an information professional might have, but the narrative flow enables a smooth cover-to-cover read as well. Overall, Richmond's work provides an invaluable resource for teachers and librarians striving to understand and support the teens they work with. * The Library Quarterly *
Highly recommended should be added to every public library's professional collection and should be required reading for every public service librarian. The book can also serve as a resource for reading and discussion groups. * Public Library Quarterly *
Richmond has created an essential guide that will serve educators, counsellors, parents, caregivers, and youth workers well as they assist adolescents struggling with mental illness. * The Lancet *
Richmond's thorough and sensitive scholarship ultimately reaffirms hope: it argues, convincingly, that adolescents with mental illnesses are not alone in the world. YA novels, as always, can help them find themselves. * English Journal *

Author Bio

Kia Jane Richmond, PhD, is professor of English at Northern Michigan University, where she directs the English Education program. She was selected as the recipient of her university's Excellence in Teaching Award in 2014.