Audience: Teens, caregivers, school staff.
Purpose: Offer age‑appropriate information about substances, decision‑making, stigma, and how to help a friend—or get help yourself. Center YA fiction & nonfiction that opens conversation.
What you’ll find in this collection:
- Short, credible guides on teens & substances, consent and safety
- YA novels and memoirs that portray consequences without glamorizing
- Practical tools for handling stress, anxiety, grief, and peer pressure
- Materials for trusted adults (parents/guardians/coaches)
Suggested subject headings & search tips:
Dewey: 613.8 (Health for young people); 362.29 (Teen substance use); 616.85–616.89 (Mental health)
Keywords: Substance use—Prevention—Teenagers; Alcohol—Teen use; Vaping—Prevention; Fentanyl awareness; Coping skills—Adolescence; Friendship & belonging; Grief—Young adult literature
Examples of Starter titles:
- Nonfiction/Guides:
- The Teen Guide to Mental Health & Wellness – Kev Chilton
- Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety – Christopher Willard
- Substance Abuse: The Ultimate Teen Guide – Sheri Mabry Bestor
- Fiction/Memoir:
- Hey, Kiddo – Jarrett J. Krosoczka
- Tweak – Nic Sheff
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part‑Time Indian – Sherman Alexie
- Crank – Ellen Hopkins
- Go Ask Alice (historical context; discuss critically)
- The Glass Girl – Kathleen Glasgow
- Hey, Kiddo – Jarrett J. Krosoczka (graphic novel)
- For adults who help teens:
- The Addiction Inoculation – Jessica Lahey
- Beautiful Boy – David Sheff
- Power of Moments – Chip Health & Dan Heath (for coaches/mentors creating protective factors)
Display idea:
Mix nonfiction with fiction on the same teen display under the banner “Decisions, Stress & Substance Use: Real Talk.” Include a card that says “Not sure where to start? Ask—no lectures.”
Where to get help (teen‑friendly):
- Call or text 988 for confidential support — https://988lifeline.org/
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1‑800‑662‑HELP (4357) — https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines
- Teen‑friendly info hub (state/local): Add your state’s teen health portal and school district resources.
Care & privacy notes:
- Provide book‑cover privacy sleeves for sensitive titles.
- Offer anonymous question forms routed to a teen librarian.
- Add content notes (not warnings) to help readers choose safely.
- Consider adding a sensitive topics poster with appropriate call numbers so teens who are uncomfortable asking can easily locate materials.