Presented by Creative Mental Wellness.
Read. Reflect. Heal.
One Page at a Time.
Program Goals
✅ Create access to conversations about mental and behavioral health and wellness for all ages
✅ Replace isolation with connection and community
✅ Offer tools for emotional growth, insight, and healing
✅ Provide literary entry points for exploring difficult topics
✅ Help participants realize: You are not alone
🌼 What Are DAISY’s Book Clubs?
DAISY’s Book Clubs are in-person reading and discussion groups designed to reduce mental health stigma, spark healing conversations, provide healthy coping activities, and build supportive community spaces for all ages. Each month, we feature a thoughtfully chosen book that focuses on mental health, behavioral wellness, or substance use recovery—inviting readers to explore, connect, and reflect through the author’s insights and meaningful discussions that promote overall wellbeing. Discussions are facilitated by volunteers and mental wellness advocates from Creative Mental Wellness, ensuring a safe, respectful, welcoming environment.
The program is intentionally inclusive, offering three book club tracks tailored by age groups to meet people where they are in their lives and emotional development. Creative Mental Wellness wants to reach everyone and support each participant’s life journey.
🌼 How It Works
- Each month features one book per age group
- Book clubs are hosted multiple times per month around the Houston area—various locations, days, & times
- All sessions are free; there will be an optional fundraising participation bundle (t-shirts, totes, bookmarks, etc.) available to help support Creative Mental Wellness and the organization’s efforts to support people’s mental wellness and recovery journeys
- Participants are encouraged to attend whichever location and time works best for them
- Reading ahead is encouraged but not required—book summaries and themes will always be discussed at each club meeting
- Clubs are open to the public, with options to donate if possible, to support the book club program
How Reading Elevates Mental Health
- Reduces Stress: Reading provides an escape from worries and anxieties. It can help distract you and get you out of your own head!
- Boosts Emotional Health: Books help us explore complex emotions, empathize with characters, and gain new perspectives. This can help you process your own feelings and build emotional intelligence.
- Improves Focus and Cognitive Function: Reading sharpens your focus, increases your attention span, and stimulates your brain, keeping it active and engaged.
- Fosters Mindfulness and Relaxation: Fully immersing yourself in a book helps you practice mindfulness, which can improve your overall sense of calm and mental clarity.
- It Helps Us Take a Break from Our Cell Phones and Scrolling Through Social Media: Phones and social media can be helpful, but they can also distract us from the world around us. Taking the opportunity to read can enable a healthy habit for better health.
📘 DAISY’s Deep Reads
(Adults 18+)
For grownups, ready to dive into honest, authentic, sometimes difficult, often inspiring conversations. Each month’s book selection explores adult themes like anxiety, trauma, recovery, grief, relationships, burnout, and resilience. Discussions are thoughtful, nonjudgmental, and grounded in curiosity and compassion.
- Designed for individuals seeking connection and meaning
- Designed for those who have experienced mental health or recovery journeys themselves or have walked alongside others—whether as a loved one, friend, or professional
- Includes discussion prompts and take-home reflection guides
- Opportunities for peer learning and social support.
Check out DAISY’s Deep Reads In-Person Book Club Meetings on EventBrite!
📒 DAISY’s Thrive Hive
(Teens 12–17)
Adolescence is a time of identity formation, emotional turbulence, and self-discovery. DAISY’s Thrive Hive offers a positive, peer-supported space where teens can unpack real-life issues through engaging, age-appropriate books. Topics may include anxiety, body image, friendships, depression, identity, and family relationships.
- Safe, supervised spaces with supportive adult facilitators
- Promotes emotional literacy, confidence, and belonging
- Builds trust and helps reduce stigma in youth mental health
- Encourages teens to find their voice through stories and healthy discussions
📗 DAISY’s Little Sprouts
(Children 4–11)
Through beautifully illustrated, age-appropriate picture books, Little Sprouts helps younger children start building a healthy emotional vocabulary and practice empathy. Children and caregivers participate together in guided story time followed by fun, reflective activities. **DAISY The Mental Health Dachshund will even join each book club discussion!
- Focuses on big feelings, self-regulation, friendship, and kindness
- Encourages parent-child bonding
- Includes crafts, coloring sheets, or movement-based activities
- Ideal for early learners and families
✨ Bonus: Author Involvement
DAISY is reaching out to authors of the selected books to participate in the book clubs through in-person visits, live video chats, or short recorded messages. These special guest moments aim to deepen the impact of the reading experience and bring the books to life.
Wish DAISY luck getting the authors’ participation!
