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Overview
Bibliotherapy uses books to address mental health. This list is of books mentioned in Emely Rumble's 2025 release Bibliotherapy in the Bronx. This collection is broad and deep, covering many genres and demographics. In cases where authors are mentioned without a specific book, a book has been selected. No time limit because this list is enormous.
Poems are referenced in collections they can be found in. Non-fiction books are specifically labeled as such. I tried to identify the kinds of issues brought up in each book per the original text. They also are useful as content warnings if something hits too close to home.
Poems are referenced in collections they can be found in. Non-fiction books are specifically labeled as such. I tried to identify the kinds of issues brought up in each book per the original text. They also are useful as content warnings if something hits too close to home.
Bibliotherapy in the Bronx Reading List
48 participants (69 books)
Overview
Bibliotherapy uses books to address mental health. This list is of books mentioned in Emely Rumble's 2025 release Bibliotherapy in the Bronx. This collection is broad and deep, covering many genres and demographics. In cases where authors are mentioned without a specific book, a book has been selected. No time limit because this list is enormous.
Poems are referenced in collections they can be found in. Non-fiction books are specifically labeled as such. I tried to identify the kinds of issues brought up in each book per the original text. They also are useful as content warnings if something hits too close to home.
Poems are referenced in collections they can be found in. Non-fiction books are specifically labeled as such. I tried to identify the kinds of issues brought up in each book per the original text. They also are useful as content warnings if something hits too close to home.
Challenge Books
61
The House on Mango Street
Sandra Cisneros
Semi-autobiographical novel of coming of age in Hispanic Chicago.
62
The Library Book
Susan Orlean
Non-fiction exploration of the unsolved library fire at the Los Angeles Public Library on April 29, 1986 and a love letter to libraries in general.
63
How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family, Friendship, and Community
Mia Birdsong
"The pressure to appear functional in a capitalist society leads to concealing struggles, creating social disconnect." - Emely Rumble. This book is about healing those relational wounds. (Non-fiction)
64
My Song: A Memoir
Michael Shnayerson, Harry Belafonte
"Harry Belafonte ... reminds us of our place in an ever-changing world marred by cruelty, emphasizing the the remedy lies in communal connection and the relationships that we forge with ourselves and with one another." - Emely Rumble
65
Esperanza Rising
Pam Muñoz Ryan
A trauma-informed middle grade story of a Mexican family forced to flee their home country with explorations of the parent-child relationship in the immigrant experience.
66
Decolonizing Therapy: Oppression, Historical Trauma, and Politicizing Your Practice
Jennifer Mullan
"We are not broken beyond repair; we are awaiting to be reminded that we can return Home. Acknowledging the embodied legacy of oppression and colonization is not at odds with healing, but is an essential step on the journey toward healing." - Jennifer Mullan (Non-fiction)
67
Enrique's Journey: The Story of a Boy's Dangerous Odyssey to Reunite with His Mother
Sonia Nazario
An adult match to Esperanza Rising for the parent perspective.
68
Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma
Mariel Buqué
Non-fiction describing therapeutic clients who never experienced attunement from their caregivers.
69
The Snowy Day
Ezra Jack Keats
The first picture book with an African-American protagonist to win a major children's award. By showcasing an African-American protagonist without the negative stereotypes that were prominent at the time, Keats paved the way for greater tolerance and diversity in children’s literature. (This book has also been criticized for tokenism and the Mammy stereotype.) - Wikipedia.
70
Corduroy
Don Freeman
A stuffed bear with a missing button in a department store tries to earn a friend.
71
(bonus)
Sensual Faith: The Art of Coming Home to Your Body
Lyvonne Briggs
Overcoming body and sexual shame. Non-fiction. Bonus because not all readers will be comfortable engaging with this topic.
72
(bonus)
The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love
Sonya Renee Taylor
Overcoming body and sexual shame. Non-fiction. Bonus because not all readers will be comfortable engaging with this topic.