“Sanna provides an empathetic exploration of the adjustment to a new land that all migrants experience.”—New York Times Book Review
“Authentic and immediate, the first-person narration draws in readers and reveals just how easily fear can become overwhelming and isolating, but can also be controlled when feelings are shared and through comfort found in friendship. Like Sanna’s The Journey, this book about an immigrant’s experiences tackles a tough topic with honesty, empathy, and a sense of hopefulness.”—School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
“This follow-up to The Journey about a refugee family fleeing a war-torn homeland, focuses on the young daughter’s apprehension as she adjusts to life in a new country and a new school.”—The Horn Book Review
"[...] this creative depiction shows how friendship, empathy, and connection can help bring the overwhelming down to size for all."
—Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
“A universal book that can be used to explain fear to readers and give empathy to those in a new environment.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“It will be a familiar story for many children, but the girl’s specific fears about language and difference might make this useful for discussions about newcomers as well.”
—Booklist
"[...] the pages get more colorful and the fears are contained within each spread to visually indicate to readers that fears are manageable and though they might not disappear completely, the most important thing is that we don't have to be scared alone."
—Let's Talk Picture Books
"A raw, tender story..."
—Julie Danielson, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
“Me and My Fear is a lovely reminder that we all have our fear with us, especially in new situations, which all of us have to face at some point. It serves as a wonderful visual representation of the anxiety an immigrant child might be experiencing and hopefully help them recognize that it doesn't have to rule the day. The illustrations are clean and bright and just right.”
—Luan Stauss, Laurel Bookstore, Oakland, CA
“Starting a brand-new school as a refugee, unable to speak or understand the language, a young girl relies on her devoted companion, Fear. . . As it grows in size from a harmless looking moppet into a monster, children will recognize the difference between a little healthy fear and allowing fear to take control.”—Foreword Reviews
"Francesca Sanna’s stories are deeply meaningful tackling quite important themes but presenting them in a way that’s very easy for a child to relate to. In [...] Me and My Fear, she beautifully portrays the fears and anxieties of childhood and how one can face them. Her art style is distinctly employing a technique that feels collage-like, vibrant and detailed. I find her style incredibly perceptive and works beautifully with the story she is trying to convey."
—Varsha Ravi, Between Bookends
"Fear is a complicated emotion. When overfed, it is stifling, isolating, and controlling. Me and My Fear is a gorgeous look at a young girl starting a new school in an unfamiliar place and her relationship with her growing fear. With Sanna’s empathetic gaze and imaginative illustrations, this book reminds that anxieties come in all different shapes and sizes. In turn, it offers young readers an important lesson: fear may never disappear completely but that doesn’t mean it has to be in charge."
— Powell's Books Bookseller, Sarah R.
“Anxiety can show up as many different feelings- fear, worry, unease. We may exhibit one or many of these emotions when we are feeling anxious and everyone may experience anxiety in different ways…this book recognizes that it’s OK to have fear but important to keep our fears to a manageable size.”
—Grow a Reader!
“A precious reminder that we are stronger when we voice our fears and join together to face them head on.”
—MaiStoryBook
“Perfect for little readers dealing with moving, change, or feeling controlled by their fears and anxieties.”
—Lil Reader That Could
Brooklyn Public Library "Golden Rule" staff pick!
