Anxious Amy: Calming the Worries Within follows an anxious young teen who appears cheerful but feels overwhelmed inside, and how her mom and counselor help her learn to manage these feelings. 

The book emphasizes that asking for help is a sign of strength. Why do you think that message is especially important for young readers today?

Strength is especially important for young readers today because many children struggle with self-doubt and a lack of confidence when it comes to expressing their thoughts and feelings. Young people often feel pressure to handle challenges on their own or worry about being judged if they speak up. By emphasizing communication and the importance of asking for help, the book encourages emotional openness, builds confidence, and helps children develop healthy coping skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. By reinforcing this idea early on in youth, the book aims to strengthen a quality in them that may have been lost along the way—the understanding that vulnerability and communication can be powerful, not weaknesses.

The use of color plays a powerful role in Amy’s emotional journey. How did that concept develop?

Color is used to visually reflect Amy’s emotional journey and make her feelings easy for young readers to understand. Amy’s character begins in black and white to represent confusion, isolation, and the heaviness of anxiety. As Amy learns to understand her feelings, communicate, and receive support to manage her anxiety, color gradually fills the pages as Amy becomes more visible, symbolizing growing confidence, healing, and hope. This shift shows children that progress takes time and doesn’t happen all at once and that brighter moments are possible, even after feeling overwhelmed.

How can adults use this story as a conversation starter with children or teens?

This story offers a gentle, non-threatening way for adults to start meaningful conversations with children or teens about emotions. Its short, visually inviting format makes it easy to read together at home, in classrooms, or in therapeutic settings. By discussing the character’s feelings first, adults can ask open-ended questions that encourage children to reflect without feeling pressured or singled out.

Focusing on the story helps normalize conversations about anxiety, emotions, and asking for help. This indirect approach encourages open meaningful dialogue amongst young readers, at their own pace while fostering understanding, emotional awareness, and connection.

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