"Connections between generations are essential for the mental health and stability of a nation." –Margaret Mea
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Library has so much to offer beyond the self-help bookshelf. Some of the most impactful books I have read are not just how-to manuals, but snapshots of what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes, especially with regard to age.
Meaningful intergenerational relationships have been found to provide major benefits for the physical and mental well being of everyone involved. According to a study in the 2025 Journal of Applied Gerontology, intergenerational interactions diminish loneliness and enhance social engagement for seniors. A Boston College study revealed that close grandparent-grandchild relationships are associated with fewer depression symptoms for both.
Younger generations report that these relationships help to improve their self-esteem, confidence, and emotional regulation. Kids often pick up life skills they may not have learned otherwise, unique perspectives, and wisdom that only comes with time and experience.
If you want to be inspired, check out these timeless titles for kids and adults about the amazing and unexpected things that can happen when people young and old mingle and mix.
My Grandma is a Superhero by Marloes van Loon
The Sun Never Hurries by Roxanne Turcotte
"When young Charlie asks her grandfather, Papa Jo, what his hourglass is for, he demonstrates the answer by inviting her to spend the day at a leisurely pace. Charlie and Papa Jo cook delicious soup, pick wildflowers, row a boat, and explore an island in this heartwarming story. By doing this, Papa Jo shows Charlie the importance of slowing down and savoring her day." –FCPL Catalog
A Grand Day by Jean Reidy
"A heartfelt, exuberant ode to intergenerational bonding." –Kirkus Reviews
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley
"An octogenarian and a 21-year-old college dropout form an unlikely bond as they travel across the country." –Kirkus Reviews
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
"A grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door." –FCPL Catalog
The Road to Tender Hearts by Anne Harnett
"A beautiful reminder that the world is full of tragedy, but life-changing joy and connection might be just around the corner." –Kirkus Reviews
Joanie Goforth
Outreach Specialist
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