This illustrated nonfiction book for middle-grade readers dives into the history and science of happiness and provides proven ways to help yourself and others lead happier lives.

Lots of things can make someone happy, like spending time with friends, re-reading a favorite book or taking a walk in nature. But why do those things create happiness? And what exactly is happiness?

Choose Happy: Give a Smile a Try looks at the facts behind happiness, smiling, kindness and more. Explore the history of happiness, the happiest—and saddest—countries in the world and how being happy helps you get more done. Dive into the obstacles to happiness, including worrying, climate anxiety, social media and the negativity bias, and why it is sometimes hard to be happy. Readers will also discover scientifically proven ways to be happier that they can incorporate into their lives. Who’s smiling now?

The Feel Good, Do Good series explores how happiness, kindness, empathy and hope can change us and the world.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.