Families who loved Your Brain Needs a Hug by written and illustrated by Rae Earl often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager begins to feel overwhelmed by the relentless pressure of social media or shows signs of chronic anxiety. Unlike a clinical textbook, Rae Earl uses her own history with mental health to create a warm, non-judgmental guide that feels like a conversation with a trusted, slightly older friend. It covers everything from digital detoxing and managing panic attacks to the importance of sleep and self-compassion. You might choose this book because it successfully bridges the gap between memoir and practical toolkit for the 12 to 18 age range. By normalizing the messy parts of growing up, Earl provides teenagers with actionable coping strategies while reinforcing that they are not broken. It is an essential resource for fostering resilience and opening up honest, low-pressure dialogue about mental wellbeing within the family.
