Fostering Mental Health Literacy Through Curriculum and Classroom Conversation on Ab(solutely) Normal

This chapter centers the young adult anthology Ab(solutely) normal: Short stories that smash mental health stereotypes (2023) as a means of integrating mental health literacy (MHL) within an English language arts literature-focused curriculum at the middle and high school levels. The need for increased mental health programming in schools to address rising adolescent mental health concerns is presented, and a recommended framing for related in-class activities is offered. Instructional strategies featured within the chapter are designed to aid teachers in utilizing mental health-themed literature to promote MHL and student advocacy that normalizes the conversation surrounding mental illness and mental health.