May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and here at The Storyteller’s Shelf, we believe stories have the power to do more than entertain: they can support, inspire, and comfort. In the world of children’s literature, this has never been more needed. With rising concerns about anxiety, overstimulation, and emotional wellness in kids, we wanted to speak directly to someone who lives at the intersection of storytelling and psychology. As our storyteller family knows, hosts Theresa and Jackie are neurodiverse with ADHD and AUDHD, respectively. We strive to include healthy narratives with characters in our books to boost mental wellness techniques. Before we bring you our own technqiues, we wanted to bring in someone trained in psychology to share their thoughts with you!
Enter Lisa Jacovsky—author of the Let’s Talk! series, Purrfect as I Am, and Spooky Ooky Dance Party, as well as a psychology professor at Union College of New Jersey and Southern New Hampshire University. We spoke with Lisa about writing with heart, representing neurodivergence authentically, and how picture books and middle grade fiction can play a powerful role in mental health advocacy.
Q: How does your background in psychology help you develop authentic characters with emotional depth in your stories for children and teens?
A: Working in the field has given me a strong background and understanding of individuals with autism. I draw on my experiences from the field to be able to write authentically. I’ve based some of my characters loosely on clients I have worked with as well. I draw a lot of my inspiration from my own life for my books.
Q: In your professional opinion, what emotional or psychological themes are underserved in today’s children’s books — and what stories do kids need more of right now?
A: There are unfortunately way too many. We need more books and stories where kids can relate and see themselves. We need to show that being different is beautiful. We are all individuals, and that should be shown in books too. We definitely need more diverse main characters—characters who use picture exchange communication systems to speak, or who are deaf or blind. We also need more diversity in cultures that are shown. It’s more than just having a character of a different ethnicity; we need to show the beautiful culture that goes along with the color of their skin too. We need more books that focus on LGBTQ+ as well, showing the beauty in that culture.
When I went to write my first book in my Happy Thoughts series, I could not find one single book where the narrator and main character did not use their mouth to talk. That is what needs to be changed. If we are going to be an open country to DEI, we need to prove it more than we already are.
Q: What advice would you give to authors and illustrators who want to include neurodiverse or emotionally complex characters, but are unsure how to do so respectfully and accurately?
A: Do your research. For my characters, it is easier because I work in the field. But there have been a few characters I needed to research. I have friends I was able to talk to about things for the characters, which helped me write them authentically. One other thing you can do is, when you are done, have your friends and family read the book before publishing. Get their opinions on the feel of authenticity—especially if you have a friend or family member who can speak on the diversity of your characters. Being authentic is very important, and doing your due diligence comes with that.
Q: How can emerging writers balance storytelling with meaningful mental health messages without sounding too preachy or didactic?
A: I think that is in the story itself. I was concerned with that too, but I found that if you weave it correctly in the story, you can make a connection without being too preachy. I also think reading other stories and books by authors that have neurodivergent characters and carry mental health messages is a great way to gain an understanding of how to do it in a way that will create a connection and not push back.
Q: In a time when anxiety, self-doubt, and overstimulation are rising among children, what role can picture books and middle grade fiction play in nurturing emotional resilience?
A: One of my favorite things about reading in general is that you can become a part of a different world. You can learn to relate to what you are reading. You can see yourself in a book in a way that is meaningful to you. There are many lessons in books, and through reading, we can foster understanding.
I think that in relating to a character or a story, there is motivation that helps individuals. I think, too, that through storytelling, we can help others understand mental health and neurodivergence in a way they could not before. There is a power in reading and storytelling that most don’t realize. That is something that needs to be discussed and pushed more. Through books, we can create a more inclusive, open, and understanding world. These children and adolescents are that foundation. If they can see themselves in a story, they can find motivation or new techniques to use to support their mental health. If they find a book that helps them understand mental health and neurodivergence more, we will raise children who become adults that are more accepting—leading to less bullying.
Q: What do you think publishing professionals and agents should be looking for when evaluating stories that deal with emotions, identity, or mental health?
A: I really wish that publishing professionals and agents had more of an understanding of mental health and neurodivergence. I feel that if they did, they would see more in the story. Most times, they are just looking for that next great hit or their opinion of the next great story. Publishing professionals and agents have subjective and biased opinions. You could have the most amazing story that connects with mental health or neurodivergence, but if that professional is not open to mental health, they are going to reject it. They need to see beyond the story, beyond their own biases and opinions, and see how this story can impact others.
Q: What are some practical ways creatives—authors, illustrators, and librarians can make space for emotional wellness in their work or programming?
A: Turn it into a game, make it something enjoyable where they are learning and don’t know it. Bring in speakers and authors to talk to the schools or classes. Also, mindfulness can take all of five minutes a day to complete. That doesn’t take much time and it really does work and help. I have seen that happen when observing a teacher. The kids enjoyed it too. Why not make it a priority to spend five minutes a day working on your mental health with the classes using mindfulness techniques?
Q: In your experience, how can storytelling itself be a healing tool for both the creator and the child reader?
A: I think the escape into a story is a great way to heal. It gives you a break and a way to focus on something else. I think it also is such a great way for children to see themselves in another character—to help them realize they are not alone. Having mental health difficulties and being neurodivergent can be lonely. Seeing a character similar to them can let them know they are not alone. I’ve had children say my characters are their best friends. Because sometimes, a book and a story are more welcoming and accepting than their own world.
Lisa Jacovsky reminds us that when we tell stories with authentic emotional depth, we’re doing more than creating a good read—we’re creating a lifeline. Whether you’re a teacher looking for ways to support social-emotional learning, a parent navigating your child’s emotions, or a writer hoping to build characters that resonate, Lisa’s insight is clear: stories matter. Representation matters. And emotional wellness is essential, not extra.
Want to keep the conversation going?
Join our Facebook Group: The Storyteller’s Shelf Community, where we swap ideas, share inspiration, and connect over the books that change lives.
Keep up with Lisa by visiting her on:
- Facebook: booksbylisajacovsky
- IG/Threads: diverseinkbooks
- TikTok: lisajayauthor
- Her Website
