Sick, sad, or in need of comfort? Young adult fiction can be the perfect balm

There’s a ‘cosiness’ to be found in your favourite books from younger years – and in finding new ones too. Photograph: Dougal Waters/Getty Images

There’s something about a mild case of the flu that has me reverting instantly to my childhood.

Usually when illness strikes, I will go round to my parents’ house, get out my teddy bear-shaped heat pack and lie on the couch dramatically, periodically requesting packeted macaroni and cheese or cups of tea.