I'm Not Afraid

A parent would reach for this book when their child is paralyzed by what-ifs, from the fear of a new classroom to the nerves of making a first friend. This story follows Leo, a young boy whose active imagination often turns everyday events into sources of anxiety. Through Leo's journey, the book provides a mirror for children who feel like they are the only ones struggling with nerves. Beyond just identifying the problem, the narrative models practical cognitive tools for managing worry. It is particularly well-suited for the late elementary years, bridging the gap between picture books about feelings and more complex middle grade novels. Parents will appreciate how it de-stigmatizes anxiety by showing that bravery isn't the absence of fear, but the choice to move forward anyway.