
Reach for this book when your child is held back by the 'what-ifs' and feels like everyone else possesses a bravery they simply lack. It is an ideal choice for the sensitive child who overthinks social or physical risks and feels a sense of shame about their hesitation. Marisol Rainey is a relatable, imaginative protagonist who lives mostly in her head because the real world, especially a looming tree named Peep, feels a bit too precarious. Through gentle humor and charming illustrations, the story follows Marisol as she navigates a summer of perceived failures and small victories. It beautifully validates the experience of childhood anxiety while celebrating the quiet strength found in friendship and family. Written for the 7 to 10 age range, it serves as a comforting mirror for children who need to know that being cautious is okay and that bravery doesn't always look like a leap of faith.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book handles anxiety in a secular, direct, and highly realistic way. It also touches on cultural identity as Marisol navigates being a biracial (Filipino-American) girl in a small town. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: she doesn't become a daredevil, but she learns to manage her internal monologue.
An 8-year-old who watches other kids on the playground with a mix of envy and terror. It's for the child who is highly creative but uses that creativity to dream up disasters, needing to see that their caution is a part of who they are, not a flaw.
This is a safe 'read cold' book. Parents might want to pay attention to the scenes where Marisol's mother provides quiet support, as they offer a great model for responding to childhood anxiety without pressure. A parent might see their child standing on the sidelines of a birthday party or refusing to try a new piece of equipment at the park, clearly wanting to join in but frozen by 'maybe.'
Younger readers (7-8) will focus on the physical challenge of climbing the tree. Older readers (9-10) will pick up on the nuances of Marisol's internal shame and the dynamics of her father's absence due to work.
Unlike many books that solve anxiety with a 'just do it' moment, Erin Entrada Kelly honors the slow process of building confidence. It is also a rare and vital representation of a biracial Filipino family in early middle-grade fiction.
Marisol Rainey lives in Louisiana and has a vivid imagination that often fuels her anxieties. Her biggest challenge is 'Peep,' the large tree in her backyard that her best friend Jada and her brother Oz effortlessly climb. Marisol desperately wants to be brave like them but is paralyzed by the fear of falling. The story follows her daily life, her relationship with her Filipino mother and her father who works on an oil rig, and her ultimate realization that bravery is personal and incremental.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.