For young adults grappling with anxieties, this book explores the journey of confronting fears and discovering the strength that lies beyond them, a path to inner courage.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is struggling with overwhelming anxiety that holds them back from social events or new experiences. The Other Side of Fear follows Leo, a high schooler whose world has shrunk due to his intense fears of failure and judgment. When he stumbles upon a local mystery with a group of adventurous peers, he is forced to confront his anxieties one small step at a time. This story sensitively explores themes of fear, bravery, and the power of supportive friendships. It's an excellent choice for a teen who needs to see a realistic portrayal of living with and managing anxiety, offering a hopeful message that courage isn't the absence of fear, but acting in spite of it.
Characters explore an abandoned building, creating some minor suspense.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with mental health, specifically anxiety and panic attacks. The approach is secular and psychological. Leo's internal monologue is a key feature, and he makes references to his therapist. The resolution is realistic and hopeful: his anxiety is not cured, but he has developed effective coping mechanisms and a strong support system, leaving him empowered to continue his growth.
Ideal Reader
A 14 to 17-year-old who struggles with social anxiety, perfectionism, or a fear of failure. This book is for the teen who often says "I can't" or self-selects out of opportunities. It would also resonate deeply with a teen who feels alone in their struggles and needs a story that provides both representation and a hopeful, actionable path forward.
Parent Prep
A parent may want to preview the scenes depicting Leo's panic attacks (around pages 35 and 78). They are written from a first-person perspective and are quite visceral. The book can be read cold, but it is an excellent catalyst for a conversation about what support looks and feels like for the individual teen. A parent notices their teen consistently turning down invitations, avoiding school activities they once enjoyed, or expressing intense worry about upcoming social events or presentations. The parent feels concerned about their child's increasing isolation and happiness.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely focus on the adventure plot, the friendship dynamics, and the satisfying feeling of the group solving the puzzle. An older teen (15-18) will connect more with the nuanced portrayal of anxiety, the accuracy of Leo's internal thoughts, and the theme of self-discovery and recovery. They will appreciate the realism of the ending.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many YA books that focus on the diagnosis or therapy aspect of mental illness, this book centers on the lived experience of managing anxiety while engaging with the world. It masterfully uses an external adventure plot to model the process of taking small, brave steps. The focus is on empowerment through action, not just introspection.
Read plot summary
Leo, a 16-year-old with diagnosed generalized anxiety disorder, avoids most social situations. His solitary life is interrupted when he discovers a coded map in a library book, connecting to a local town legend. He cautiously teams up with Maya, an outgoing new student, and her friends. The quest to solve the map's puzzles serves as a form of organic exposure therapy, pushing Leo to speak to strangers, explore unfamiliar places, and collaborate under pressure. The central conflict is less about the external mystery and more about Leo's internal battle to manage his anxiety and build meaningful connections.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Leo's fear often tells him 'what if something goes wrong?'. Maya's attitude is more 'what if something goes right?'. How did seeing these two perspectives interact change the way Leo approached challenges?
2
On page 78, Leo has a panic attack while trying to present his findings to the group. How did his friends' reactions help or hurt in that moment? What do you think is the best way to support a friend going through that?
3
The 'treasure' at the end of the map wasn't gold, but a box of historical town records. Were you disappointed by this? Why do you think the author made this choice for the story's climax?
4
At the start, Leo's world was very small. By the end, he's planning a hiking trip. What was the single most important step or decision he made that started to widen his world?
