About This Book
Reach for this book when your preteen starts withdrawing from activities they love due to a sudden, intense fear of being judged or 'failing' in front of their peers. It is particularly effective for children who struggle with perfectionism or who find their physical anxiety symptoms (like butterflies or shaky hands) to be more frightening than the event itself. Nhia Lee is an aspiring storyteller who wants to share her voice, but she is plagued by a 'darkly humorous' inner critic and physical stage fright. This graphic novel uses visual metaphors to illustrate the weight of anxiety, making the invisible feel visible and manageable. It provides a culturally rich, Hmong American perspective on family encouragement and the bravery required to be seen, all while maintaining a light, relatable tone for middle-schoolers.
