May Challenge: Stories of Mental Health

Explore Stories of Mental Health with the North Little Rock Public Library System Challenge

The North Little Rock Public Library System continues its 2026 Digging Up the Past Challenge with May's theme: Stories of Mental Health.

This month, we invite readers and viewers to explore narratives that illuminate the inner life — stories of struggle, healing, identity, and resilience. Whether you choose fiction, nonfiction, memoir, or film, May's challenge is an opportunity to connect with powerful stories about the human mind and heart.

What Is the NLRPLS 2026 Challenge?

The NLRPLS 2026 Challenge is a year-long program encouraging the community to explore a new theme each month through books and movies. Inspired by this year's overarching theme, Digging Up the Past, the challenge highlights stories that uncover history, explore hidden stories, and connect readers to meaningful narratives.

You can view the full list of 2026 challenge themes here: 👉 https://www.nlrlibrary.org/blogs/nlrpls-blog/2026-reading-challenge

Throughout the month, NLRPLS staff will share curated recommendations to help you find the perfect book or film.

May Theme: Stories of Mental Health

For May, choose a book or movie that explores mental health — whether through fiction, memoir, self-help, or film. Stories can focus on personal experience, therapy, grief, identity, community, healing, or any facet of emotional and psychological well-being.

Books and films both count toward the challenge.

How to Participate

Read a book or watch a movie that fits the theme Stories of Mental Health. Then submit your entry form either in person at your favorite NLRPLS location or online at: https://www.cognitoforms.com/NLRlibrary1/ReadingChallenge

Participants may submit one entry per person, per month.

Monthly Prize and Grand Prize

Each month, one lucky participant will win a $50 gift card generously donated by Skinny J's. At the end of 2026, all monthly entries will be entered into a grand prize drawing to win an e-reader. The more months you participate, the more chances you have to win.

May Recommendations: Stories of Mental Health

Looking for a place to start? Here are staff-selected books that explore the complexities of mental health with honesty, depth, and heart. You can also find additional themed displays and recommendations in person at Laman Library and Argenta Library throughout the month.

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green A deeply personal and unflinching portrait of life with OCD and anxiety, told through the story of sixteen-year-old Aza Holmes. On display now — and if you love John Green's work, mark your calendar: he's coming to Arkansas in November! Available on the display shelf at Laman Library.

The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch A raw and lyrical memoir about trauma, addiction, grief, and the long road to becoming oneself. Now also a film directed by Kristen Stewart. Available on Libby as an ebook and audiobook.

The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power by Courtney B. Vance and Dr. Robin L. Smith A timely and compassionate exploration of emotional health in the Black male experience, offering both personal testimony and a path toward healing. Available at Laman Library, on display.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab A practical and empowering guide to establishing healthy boundaries in every area of life — an essential read for anyone working toward greater peace and self-respect. Available on display at Laman Library.

Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram A tender and honest coming-of-age novel about a teen navigating depression, identity, and the unexpected gift of true friendship. Available on Libby as an ebook and audiobook.

Start Exploring

May's challenge invites you to open up — to stories that reflect, validate, and illuminate the full spectrum of human experience. Pick up a book, stream an audiobook, and don't forget to submit your entry for a chance to win.

Happy reading, happy watching, and happy exploring!