The Trauma Survivors Network Library is a collection of books recommended by trauma survivors, caregivers and loves ones of survivors, and TSN coordinators across the network. The Trauma Survivors Network has not reviewed and does not endorse any of the books listed on this page. This is a communally created resource. If you have concerns or suggestions about the content for this page, please e-mail [email protected]
Books for Adults
- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.
- Life With a Traumatic Brain Injury by Amy Zellmer
- The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O’Connor, PhD
- The Grieving Body by Mary-Frances O’Connor, PhD
- A Leg to Stand On by James R. Morey
- The Complex PTSD Workbook by Arielle Schwartz, PhD
- Every Deep Drawn Breath by Wes Ely, MD
- When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
- Trauma Stewardship by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky and Connie Burk
The Positive Representation Library was created to support children in seeing survivors of injury as positive role models and protagonists. The media included in this library goes beyond books. We hope it offers children positive perspectives on life after injury and to assist them in facing the emotions and grief that often accompany injury and recovery.
Managing Emotions
Books
- The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
- Big Bear was not the Same by Joanna Rowland (PTSD)
- What to do when you’re scared and worried: A guide for kids by James J Crist
- A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret Holmes
- The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
- Nothing Stays the Same but That’s Okay by Sara Olsher
- Breath in, Breath Out: A Calming Sensory Book (Board book)
- When Something Terrible Happens by Marge Eaton Heegaard MA, ATR, LISCW
- When Sadness is at Your Door by Eva Eland
Movies and TV Shows
- Sesame Street: Traumatic Experiences
Dealing with Grief
Books (General)
- Grief is an Elephant by Tamara Ellis Smith & Nancy Whitesides
- Death is Stupid by Anastasia Higginbotham
- See You on the Other Side by Rachel Montez Minor
- A Garden f Creatures by Sheila Heti
- The Bear-Shaped Hole by John Dougherty and Thomas Docherty
- You’ll be There by Amanda R. Hill
Books (Loss of Mother)
- The Girl who Sings to Bees by Chiquis with Lissette Norman
- Together we Rember by Jackie Morena
Books (Loss of Father)
- Our Lake by Angie King
- The Dreams We Made by Lisa Bentley
Books (Loss of Sibling)
- Remembering Ethan by Leslea Newman
- The Hole by Lindsay Bonilla
Books (Loss of Friend)
- Missing Violet by Kelly Swemba
General Injuries
Books
- Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Beharr (Middle Grade)
- After the Fall by Dan Santat
- Little Tree: A story for children with serious medical problems by Joyce C. Mills
- Little Golden Books Frida Kahlo by Silvia Lopez
General Hospital
Books
- Harry goes to the Hospital by Howard J. Bennet
- A visit to the Sesame Street Hospital by Deborah Hautzig
- Curious George goes to the Hospital by Margret & H.A. Rey
- Tom’s MRI Space Adventure by Leslie Kumer
Limb Loss
Books
- Ninja Nate by Markette Sheppard (Picture)
- What happened to you? By James Catch Pole (Picture)
- The Running Dream Wendelin Van Draanen (Middle Grade)
- Soul Surfer : a true story of faith, family, and fighting to get back on the board by Bethany Hamilton with Sheryl Berk and Rick Bundschuh (High School)
- Rescue & Jessica: A Life Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes **
- Annie Loses her Leg but Finds Her Way by Sandra J Philipson
Movies and TV Shows
- How to Train your Dragon (Trilogy)
- Soul Surfer
Spinal Cord Injuries and Wheelchair Users
Books
- Nia Skye’s Friend on Wheels by Keylonda Wheeler
- Dancing with Daddy by Schulte
- Best Day Ever by Singer
- A little Like Magic by Sarah Kurpiel
- Stuck in the Mud by Simon Calcavecchia
Movies, TV Shows, and Video Games
- Kim Possible: Felix, First Appearance Season 2, Episode 24
- Paw Patrol: Rex, Episode Appearances
- Drag X Drive: Switch 2 game of wheelchair-wielding athletes playing a basketball style sport
Burns
Books
- Sara’s Steps published by Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors
- Fire Girl by Tony Abbot (Middle Grade)
Visible Scars
Books
- Bodies are Cool by Tyler Feder (Picture Book)
- How’d you get that scar by Erica Smith Billups
For Community Members
Books
- Included: A Book for All Children about Inclusion, Diversity, Disability, Equality, and Empathy by Janeen Sanders
- This is how we play by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp