I'm Still Scared

A parent might reach for this book when their child is feeling anxious about world events or has overheard scary news they don't quite understand. Based on the author's own childhood, the story follows first-grader Tomie in the weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. He senses the adults' worry and is confused by new routines like air raid drills and blackout curtains. The book gently explores themes of fear, anxiety, and the profound comfort of a parent's honest explanation. It's a wonderful tool for normalizing a child's fears and showing that it is okay to still feel scared, even after being reassured. Its historical setting provides a safe distance for discussing contemporary worries.