About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling the weight of expectations or struggling with the pressure to be 'brave' in front of their peers. It is a perfect choice for kids who may be hiding a secret fear to fit in, helping them understand that true courage often involves being honest about our limitations rather than performing for an audience. The story follows X, a boy whose friends see him as an fearless extreme sports expert. When a trip to a local climbing wall challenges his hidden phobia of heights, X must navigate the tension between his public image and his private anxiety. This accessible chapter book offers a relatable entry point into discussing peer pressure and the difference between reckless daring and genuine confidence. It is ideally suited for early elementary readers transitioning into longer narratives.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with anxiety and phobias in a secular, direct manner. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, focusing on self-acceptance rather than a 'magical' cure for his fear.
Ideal Reader
An elementary schooler who feels they have to maintain a certain persona at school or on a sports team, particularly a child who is prone to 'performance anxiety' or worrying about what others think of their bravery.
