14 Books About Teen Suicide That Shouldn't Go Unread
Mandatory reading for parents.
14 Books About Teen Suicide That Parents Need To Read
Attention parents!
It is vital you talk to your teenagers about self-harm and suicide. Whether or not you think your children are having suicidal thoughts, it's important to discuss mental health and suicide prevention. If you are unaware or need more insight into the problem, read these books about teen suicide.
Fiction, or not, these stories will shine light on what causes teen suicide, the guilt and pain the living may feel, and what young people go through to end their own life. They serve as reminders to be kind, supportive, and loving to teenagers. Use these books as a way to remember your childhood, or let them serve as a wake up call. And most importantly, remember that mental health should be exercised and maintained in a positive and healthy manner. If you work out for your body, what do you do for your mental health and mind?
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. There are many resources out there as well. For more information on prevention, discussion, and statistics visit these sites:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
If you are thinking or have thought about suicide, if you are worried about someone you know, or if you just need someone to talk to, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or chat with their counselors online here. All services are free and available 24/7. You are not alone.
1. Thirteen Reasons Why
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Yes, the Netflix show was based on a novel. The show has caused quite the stir but the novel will omit some controversy. When a mysterious package full of tapes lands on Clay Jensen's front door, the mystery behind his crush's suicide is called into question. Parents, it might give you perspective on how talking to your kids about self-harm and suicide isn't something to shy away from.
2. The Pact
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When two best friends agree to a suicide pact, their families struggle with the aftermath but the pact isn't all what it seems.
3. All The Bright Places
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Two characters unite and realize that they both saved each other. A must-read for parents to remember how it feels to be an outcast during a time of uncertainty, adolescence.
4. The Virgin Suicides
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Sofia Copolla adapted this book into a haunting movie but the novel is worth the read. The novel is an obvious reminder to parents; putting intense pressure on children is an unfair, and unnecessary part of their childhood.
5. The People Like Us
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Set in a fictional prep school, skeletons come out when a girl is found in the lake. Now, perfect Kay Donovan must decode clues left behind before she becomes a suspect in the murder.
6. The Book of Essie
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Religion, pregnancy, and fame come into question when Essie Hicks, the daughter of a celebrity preacher gets pregnant. While her parents decide what to do about her pregnancy, she cozies up to Roarke Richards, a high schooler who has secrets of his own.
7. How To Behave In A Crowd
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This book will serve as a reminder to parents that even adults don't have all the answers. A perfect French family is hit by tragedy and 11 year-old outcast, Isidore Mazal tries to keep the family together.
8. I'm Supposed To Protect You From All Of This
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In this heartbreaking memoir, Nadja Spiegelman tries to understand the relationship between her mother and grandmother, and how the truth can be lost generation by generation.
9. My Heart and Other Black Holes
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When Aysel's life turns upside down, she feels she wants to end it. But she isn't sure she can follow through with death and turns to an online forum called Suicide Partners, which connects people to one another. But when she starts to befriend her partner, she's unsure she wants to end her life.
10. What Made Maddy Run: The Secret Struggles and Tragic Death of an All-American Teen
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Even if life seems to be "perfect", that is often not the case. Star athlete, Maddy Holleran took her own life which rocked the community. How could such a bright person do such a thing? Journalist, Kate Fagan writes about the pressures put on young people, especially athletes, and the struggle with mental health.
11. Falling Into Place
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The novel calls into question, how do we impact each other? What does it mean to be a friend? And other questions humans should ask themselves.
12. The Last Time We Say Goodbye
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Lex must come to terms with her brothers suicide, and the new life she is living. An important read for parents and a reminder that one person's choice, affects the entire family.
13. Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide
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Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison waves personal essays and scientific studies in this must-read novel. Suicide is on the rise and Dr. Jamison dissects why. This should be mandatory reading for parents with adolescent teenagers in the house.
14. Tragedy Plus Time
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You will have a hard time putting this "tragi-comic" memoir down. Comedian, Adam Cayton- Holland gives us insight into his upbringing in suburban Denver, his close-knit family, and the untimely and heartbreaking suicide of his youngest sibling. The love and pain is tangible and it's a necessary read regarding depression and helping those who need it before it's too late.