

Children’s Books About Facing Fears With Courage
Fear appears in many shapes and sizes. Children’s books about facing fears with courage will help your students recognise they are not alone in their worries and anxieties.

Facing Fears and Anxiety with Courage
Fear appears in many shapes and sizes, such as the dark, separation from parents and going to the dentist. There are even more when thinking about school-related fears, anxieties and worries.
I did a quick brainstorm of school-related fears, many of which you will find in the suggested children’s books about facing fears:
- speaking in front of the class
- the unknown
- change
- making new friends
- starting a new school
- noisy places
- older children
- looking foolish
- language barriers
- separation from parents
- moving to a new home/country
- breaking the rules
- conflict with others
- judgement
- being teased/bullied
- social interactions
- standing up for yourself
- thinking “what if…?”
Why Read Children’s Books about Facing Fears
We become fearful when we feel threatened. These feelings keep us safe from danger, but can also prevent us from trying new things. In the suggested children’s books about anxiety, your students will see characters who:
- Show a growth mindset despite worries and fears
- Realise the reality is not as bad as they first thought
- Build confidence and self-esteem
- Understand they are not alone and they can ask for help
- Understand worries and fears will always be there, but they have strategies to help them deal.
Questions for Children’s Books about Facing Fears
- How could your friends help you overcome your fears?
- How could you help a friend overcome their fears?
- Can fear ever be a positive emotion? Explain your answer.
- Why did [character] find it difficult to _______?
- How did [character] overcome their fears?
- Did they use any strategies you could use in the future?
- How did another character help [character] overcome their fears? Why was this important?
- Do you agree with the advice [character] gave [character]? Explain your answer.
- What advice would you give [character]?
- Was it brave of [character] to _____? Why/Why not?
FREE Overcoming Fears Graphic Organizers
Before you check out the picture books about resilience below, I have made a pack of graphic organisers and activities to use with After the Fall by Dan Santat. This is a great book to use when teaching resilience and a growth mindset.
I have a freebie that is part of this larger resource so you can try it out before buying anything!
Fill in the form below to get access to the FREE pack.
If you already have access to the free resource library, you will find the freebie in the Reading section.
Children’s Books about Facing Fears
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
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What Next?
The NHS Trust has anxiety related resources you could use in the classroom. Scholastic offers an ‘Ages & Stages’ about children’s and their fears.
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