Families who loved Pool Panic by Jake Maddox 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 loves an activity in private but refuses to perform or compete because they are afraid of being watched. It is a perfect choice for children who struggle with stage fright or performance anxiety in sports and school settings. The story follows Jenny, a talented swimmer who loves the water but feels paralyzed by the presence of a crowd during her first swim meet. Through Jenny's journey, readers learn that feeling nervous is a normal part of trying new things and that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to face it. Written at an accessible level for elementary and early middle school readers, this book provides a realistic look at the physical sensations of anxiety and the importance of supportive friendships. Parents will appreciate how it models practical coping strategies without dismissing the child's very real fears.