The Reading Agency and ZunTold put young people’s mental health experiences at the heart of pioneering new novel
National charity The Reading Agency is working with independent publisher, ZunTold, on an innovative project which brings together young people’s lived experiences of low mood and depression, and clinical expertise to create an authentic, relevant novel for teenagers.
Part of The Reading Agency’s Arts Council England-funded Reading Well activation programme, the project is pioneering a new co-production model that puts young people at the centre of the commissioning and creative process.
Eight young people aged 12-15 from Kirkby High School in Knowsley, Merseyside, are working with author Vicky Martin to shape all aspects of the novel’s character development and storytelling. All participants have experience of low mood and/or depression, bringing their own knowledge and experiences to the creative process.
Elaine Bousfield, Founder, ZunTold said: “This collaborative approach has added huge value and authenticity to the project. By amplifying young people’s voices in the development of a story that reflect their experiences, we’re creating a book that genuinely resonates with its target audience. This is a really exciting development in health publishing.”
Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency, said: “At The Reading Agency, we see firsthand how the right book at the right time can make an enormous difference to young people’s wellbeing. This pioneering co-production model ensures that the voices and experiences of young people are not just consulted but are central to the creative process. By combining lived experience with clinical expertise, we’re developing resources that are both authentic and effective in supporting teen mental health.”
The project has completed four of six planned co-production workshops, with two remaining sessions scheduled in early summer. These workshops cover all areas of the novel’s development, including concept, character creation, storytelling approaches, and design.
Following completion of the workshops, Martin will develop a draft manuscript which will then undergo review by healthcare professionals to ensure its clinical accuracy as well as narrative authenticity. The finished novel is scheduled for publication in Spring 2026.
The Reading Agency is partnering on the development process, using expertise from its longstanding Reading Well programme, which offers robust, quality-assured reading lists to support people of all ages with their health and wellbeing. The co-production model addresses several gaps identified during the co-production of the Reading Well for teens book list, including the need for:
- Up-to-date, age-appropriate content on low mood and depression
- Representation of young people from marginalised communities
- Authentic portrayals of intersectionality in young people’s identities
- Peer perspectives from those with reflective lived experience
- Professional guidance on effective coping strategies
The partners plan to promote the book through major industry events in 2025 and 2026, including the Bookseller Children’s Conference and London Book Fair.
