15 wise and witty self-help books for teens

Journaling is a great way to process your thoughts and reflect on things that are bothering you, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. This journal is full of prompts, breathing exercises, and meditations teens can use to combat anxiety and cope with whatever life throws at them, from schoolwork to socializing.

Puberty is hard to negotiate for everyone, but in this book, Dr. Christian Jessen breaks down and demystifies all the physical changes (and the mental and emotional impacts they can have) for teenage readers. Young people who feel uneasy about their bodies can find reassurance in these pages that no matter what they are feeling or what is happening, they are not alone.

This journal-based book is especially for black girls and young women, offering daily self-reflection and affirmation exercises to guide you through the year. Relying on visualization, CBT and mindfulness, A Year of Black Girl Magic examines everything from facing your fears to setting boundaries, and is full of inspirational quotes and thoughts from black women.

Written by two best friends who have known each other since they were teenagers, totally me is a guide for teenage girls to friendships, relationships, schoolwork, and dealing with your parents. Each section of the book deals with a different topic, and there are a host of quizzes teenage readers can solve on their own or with friends.

Full of fantastic quotes, uplifting journal prompts and plenty of affirmations to get you through the bad times, badass black girl is a brilliant choice for black teenage girls tackling issues like body image, stereotypes, schoolwork, and what they want to achieve for the future.

Another journal-based self-help book, this one is a bit of a curse, but a great resource for teens who want to start battling anxiety. Full of coping strategies, mood tracking and methods to manage triggers, Drop that shit is an excellent textbook for anxious young people.

Many teenagers (and adults!) find confidence and self-esteem difficult. Think confident, be confident for teens uses CBT techniques to help readers reframe negative thoughts, feel calmer in social situations, and combat self-doubt.

This beautifully illustrated book, written by the founders of the Black Girls’ Book Club, is described as a ‘celebration of black British youth’ and aims to empower and nurture young black girls in a world where they are often either deformed or not shown at all. Full of quotes from inspiring black women (including brilliant author Candice Carty-Williams and former Spice Girl Mel B), Cultivated includes writing on topics ranging from hair politics to determining your future career.

Brains can be confusing for everyone, and that’s especially true in a time when your hormone levels are constantly changing and so much about your body and your life is changing. blame my brain takes the reader through the developments that occur in the brain during adolescence, examining strong emotions, risk taking, and why teens need so much more sleep.

More and more teens are coming out as trans and non-binary, but sadly in many places the world hasn’t realized they exist and information is scarce or completely absent. Fortunately, What’s the T? gives a comprehensive and in-depth dive into what it’s like to be trans, looking at identities, dating and relationship advice, among other topics. A great read for trans kids and cis allies, What’s the T? is frank, funny and informative.

Written by footballer and campaigner Marcus Rashford, You are a champion is part memoir and part advice book, combining stories from Rashford’s life with advice on how to learn from your mistakes, stand up for others, and be comfortable with yourself . With a focus on empathy, community and positive thinking, You are a champion is essential reading for teens, especially sports fans, who are trying to figure out who they are.

Another helpful resource for trans and non-binary teens, The Trans Teen Survival Guide is full of tips and advice for navigating adolescence as a trans person. This guide covers self-care, coming out, family relationships and friendships, and also looks at some of the medical and physical aspects of transitioning, such as accessing blockers and hormones.

Everyone loves one Hitchhiker’s Guide reference, and this self-help guide for teenagers retains the same spirit of irreverence as the work of Douglas Adams while providing useful advice for young readers. Cope insists you don’t need to change yourself to be happy – you’re already awesome – but gives advice on how to develop the things about yourself that you really love and approach the things that feel more negative to you, so you can live the happiest life possible.

Aimed at questioning gay, bi and teenage boys, Yay! You are gay! Now what? covers relationships, mental health, sex and consent, and many other topics that young LGBTQ+ men can seek advice on. As well as being a great guide for teens, there’s also a section for parents, written by the author’s mum and dad, which gives advice on how people can support LGBTQ+ teens. in their family.

Procrastination, especially on homework, is something a lot of teens struggle with (and not just teens *cough, look away awkwardly*). Being late for homework can increase stress and anxiety in what is already a stressful enough time in your life, but this book shows teens how to beat procrastination and tackle their workload while they’re on the go. still in school, which facilitates the experience and sets them up. for their future studies.