Families who loved Fear of Falling by Laurie Halse Anderson often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is facing a new challenge and feels paralyzed by the need to be perfect or the fear of looking weak. It is an ideal choice for the child who internalizes pressure, especially the kind that comes from wanting to make a parent proud. The story follows David, a young rider who is terrified of jumping his horse, Comet. His anxiety is compounded by his father's return and his father's high expectations for David to become a champion. Through David's struggle, the book explores the difference between external bravery and internal honesty. It is a gentle, realistic chapter book for ages 8 to 12 that validates the physical and emotional sensation of fear. Parents will appreciate how it models the relief that comes from being vulnerable and the importance of healthy parent-child communication over performance.