Books for Young Carers

There are an estimated one million young carers in the UK and almost half of them say they face mental health challenges. Getting access to support or resources can be incredibly difficult for young people and particularly so when you're responsible for someone else's care.

A report from the All Party Parliamentary Group on Young Carers and Young Adult Carers in November 2023 identified that young carers can have to wait 10 years before being identified and the average waiting time to be identified for support was three years.

Reading is a wonderful tool for nurturing a child's mental health and emotional growth - enhancing imagination and empathy, as well as encouraging a lifelong love of learning. It's crucial for young carers to see themselves represented in the stories they read, as it can provide comfort and validation.

One such book is Young Carers in Bunnyland, a picturebook which is part of the Young Carers Illustrations Project, written and illustrated by Ana Graça. The book was developed through workshop sessions with children from Kingston Carers Network. It is a touching story that follows character Honey and celebrates the resilience and compassion of young carers, offering a comforting reminder that they are never alone.

Each of our Honeypot houses has a library filled with books for young carers. We like to include a range of titles which will appeal to the different ages and tastes of the young carers who visit. We know that the children love to read books that feature young carer characters just like them.

Whether your child is a young carer, dealing with anxiety or stress, or simply wants to understand more about the experiences of young carers, here are some of our favourite books to start conversations about coping with life's challenges.

Young Carers in Bunnyland by Ana Graça

Meet Honey, a 6-year-old young carer with a big heart and a lot of responsibility who's part of a local community of other young carer children like her. One day, when everything felt too much to handle, a mischievous fairy decides to play a trick and turn their lives upside down. Join Honey and her friends on their magical adventure and discover the hardships, challenges, and joys of being a young carer. (Age 6-10)

The Late Crew by Rab Ferguson

Tyler cares a lot. He cares for his mum (who gets very tired) and for his little brother (who needs to follow a specific routine). He cares so much that he gets caught being late (again) by 'The One Who Doesn't Understand'. In detention something out of this world happens - an alien gives him his egg! The only question is, can Tyler care for it too? (Age 8-12)

When My Worries Get Too Big by Kari Dunn Buron

We know that anxiety can be a serious issue for young carers, who have to deal with worrying situations every day. The story follows main character Nicholas as he reacts to situations and overcomes challenges in his life. When My Worries Get Too Big provides advice and coping techniques that will help children to combat anxiety and stress. (Age 6-12)

Can I Tell You About Being a Young Carer? by Jo Aldridge

This book explores Carly’s worries as she cares for her mother who lives with depression and multiple sclerosis. It provides signposts to accessible support and raises awareness about the positive and negative impacts that caring has on home life, education and childhood. (Age 8-12)

When Worry Takes Hold by Liz Haske

A must have for any child who struggles with anxiety, this book tells the story of a girl called Maya who learns to cope with feelings of worry. Helps children approach their anxieties in a mindful way and understand how they can change thought patterns in a positive way. (Age 8-12)

Guide Book for Young Carers by Mike Raynor

Written by a former young carer, this guidebook uses first-hand experiences to offer advice and support for children facing the daily challenges of caring for a family member. The author describes the impact that his role had on his early life and into adulthood. (Age 10+)

Jade’s Story by Helena Pielichaty

The story follows a model student whose life unravels after her father suffers an emotional breakdown. Struggling to keep her education and friendships in check, the author details Jade’s experiences as she learns to navigate life’s challenges. (Age 9 -14)