What to Do When You Feel Too Shy

“I can apply some of these to my real life. For example, today I met a new friend at school. I tried to use some of the conversation skills from this book, like "ask questions" and "make comments." I also liked the section where you can get rid of worry thoughts by relaxing. Did you know that there are different ways to relax? You can move, make, connect, or chill! I think this will be a great book for any kid.”—Susan Faith, age 9, Kid's Book Buzz

“A terrific self-help book for children at the elementary/middle school level. This very effective interactive book addresses adolescent fears of shyness and anxiety. Janet McDonnell created the black and white illustrations that are age-appropriate and friendly. These drawings help connect the reader to the text in a comfortable way.”—Portland Book Review

“In clear language, the authors talk with children about their feelings of shyness, giving specific examples like not wanting to raise your hand in school or to go to a party. They encourage children to draw pictures of times they felt too shy; in another exercise, they are asked to identify how they feel in their body. There are checklists to work with and lists to make, such as confident thoughts to use. In one exercise, children are to list things or situations that make them anxious with the hardest thing at the top of a ladder and the least hard at the bottom. As they work their way up the ladder, the authors say reassuringly, they will discover that ‘the steps further up start to look easier than they did at first.’”—Spirituality & Practice