Reading List | Psych With Gem

ENRICHMENT HUB

Age 12 and under

Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak: Explains brain plasticity in child-friendly terms, encouraging a growth mindset and resilience. Great for linking psychology to science.
Wonderfully wired brain by Louise Gooding: an empowering, child-friendly guide to neurodiversity that celebrates the unique ways brains work. Through vibrant illustrations and real-life examples, it encourages understanding, acceptance, and pride in being different.
What’s Going On Inside My Head? by Molly Potter: Covers emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, and mental health in a clear, age-appropriate way. Includes practical tips and reflection prompts.
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig: A powerful story about social exclusion, empathy, and the importance of kindness. Encourages perspective-taking and inclusion.
Big Life Journal by Alexandra Eidens: A guided journal that promotes self-reflection, goal-setting, and positive psychology principles like gratitude and perseverance.

Psychology for Beginners by Lara Bryan, Eddie Reynolds, and Rose Hall: is a fully illustrated, accessible guide that introduces young readers to how people think, feel, and behave, and how psychologists study these processes. Using real-world examples and engaging visuals, it explores key topics like brain function, development, mental health, and social behaviour in a clear and relatable way.
Being You: Poems of Positivity by Daniel Thompson: A collection of uplifting poems that explore identity, self-worth, and emotional resilience—ideal for teens navigating self-discovery
You Are Awesome by Matthew Syed: Combines psychology and personal development to help teens build confidence, embrace failure, and develop a growth mindset.
Mindful Me: Mindfulness and Meditation for Kids by Whitney Steward: Introduces mindfulness practices and emotional regulation strategies, grounded in psychological research.
Blame My Brain by Nicola Morgan: A teen-friendly guide to brain development and behaviour, explaining why adolescence feels intense and how to manage it.