Here I Am, I Am Me - by Cara Bean

About the Book

"... an illustrated journey to the center of the brain. Each chapter explores a different aspect of mental health, from the brain and the mind, to feelings and emotions. By portraying complex neuroscience concepts with a cast of illustrated brain part characters, the book explains what is really going on in the reader's head in an accessible, approachable way that ultimately serves to empower the reader."--

Book Synopsis

This colorful graphic novel adventure through the brain demystifies and destigmatizes emotional and mental health for children through accessible language and lessons.

Join author-illustrator Cara Bean in Here I Am, I Am Me, as she takes readers on an illustrated journey to the center of the brain. Each of the 9 chapters in this therapist-recommended book explores a different aspect of mental health, from the brain and the mind, to feelings and emotions. By portraying complex neuroscience concepts with a cast of illustrated characters (that represent parts of the brain), the book explains what is really going on in the reader's head in an accessible, approachable way that ultimately serves to empower the reader.

Each chapter includes a "question map" that gives context to and helps frame the pages that follow as well as a "Bean Memory," which shares a first-person true story that illustrates the chapter's subject matter as it has played out in the author's life.

The book doesn't talk down to its readers, and it doesn't pretend that teens are immune to mental health struggles: Cara Bean masterfully discusses crucial topics like depression, substance use and addiction, and suicide, all while equipping readers with mindfulness tips, specific resources, and empathetic affirmations. Readers will learn to destigmatize the conversation around mental health by reframing their thinking, learning how to use conscious language, and helping themselves and others through mental health dilemmas.

Review Quotes

"This phenomenal comic book breaks down the broad concept of "mental health" in a way that's highly relevant to teens in 2024. Today's teens are not the teens of the 60s, 90s, 00s, or even 2010s. They face unprecedented levels of emotional distress and exposure to societal unrest, compounded by the collective trauma of the pandemic that has affected all of us, whether we acknowledge it or not. Empowering teens through psychoeducation has never been more crucial.
Although Cara Bean's book was inspired by the struggles of her adolescent students, it applies to anyone no matter your age! Whether you're on your own recovery journey, working in a helping profession, or simply looking to build resilience, I highly recommend Ms. Bean's novel for its insights and its value as an alternative tool to truly meet clients where they're at."
--Abigail Krieck Clinical Outreach Specialist Bright Path Behavioral Health

"[Bean] uses a graphic novel format to demystify brain functioning and mental health and zero in on nine issues such as fear, coping, depression, stigma, and getting help. Drawings lighten the subjects while clarifying. The straight-talk of this book is invaluable for middle schoolers."--Stroll Sedgefield

"[Here I Am, I Am Me] manages to cover a lot of topics in a concise yet thorough way: mindfulness, substance abuse, depression, suicide, and a lot more. If you aren't quite sure how to start a discussion with your kids about mental health, this is a good resource"--Motherhood Moment

"We owe cartoonist and author Cara Bean a hearty, "Thank you!" for writing a book about teen mental health that is readable and relatable for young people. Here I Am, I Am Me is a perceptive volume that provides understanding of the adolescent brain and compassion for growing teens' sometimes difficult mental health.... Do not waste a moment getting to the bookstore to get your copy.... This book is an exceptionally well-written, illustrated guide to understanding and improving mental health for tweens, teens, and young adults. It's a thoughtful gift for parents or school counselors. The book should also be considered in curricula for high school teachers or counselor training programs that support adolescents."--New York Journal of Books

"Bean's comprehensive guide to mental health is a welcome addition to books geared toward adolescents.... This is a valuable resource for young people, whether they encounter minor episodes of fear or anger, or have more acute mental disorders. The colorful drawings are whimsical but do not minimize the seriousness of the topic. Each page is engaging, with accessible text in every frame for even the most distracted teenager. VERDICT Covering one of the most important topics related to teenagers, this helpful guide is a must for all libraries."--School Library Journal

About the Author

Cara Bean is a cartoonist and art educator living in Massachusetts with her husband and their dog, Raisin. She is the author of Draw 500 Funny Faces and Features. Here I Am, I Am Me is her first book for adolescents. Find her online at carabeancomics.com.