School of Fear

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with anxiety or specific phobias that feel overwhelming or embarrassing to them. It is a perfect choice for the kid who tends to catastrophize or feels like they are the only one struggling with 'irrational' fears. The story follows four children sent to a mysterious summer school to conquer their phobias: ranging from spiders to the fear of death: under the tutelage of the eccentric Mrs. Wellington. While the premise deals with deep-seated anxieties, the tone remains lighthearted and humorous, using satire to take the power away from the things that scare us most. It is an excellent tool for normalizing the experience of anxiety while emphasizing that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward despite it. Parents will appreciate how the book fosters empathy and shows the value of a supportive peer group in overcoming personal hurdles.