All About Anxiety

This comprehensive nonfiction primer for middle grade readers explains myriad facts and aspects of anxiety. The first chapter (“What Is Anxiety?”) lays a foundation for the rest of the handbook, defining the condition and briefly surveying some of its varying manifestations—generalized and social anxieties, phobias, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive disorder—as well as differentiating between the topic and depression, paranoia, worry, and stress. The second chapter (“What Makes You Anxious?”) focuses on facts, including possible background triggers, brain chemistry, and anatomical responses. The final three chapters provide tangible steps to recognize, address, and cope with anxiety (“How is anxiety affecting you? Have you altered your behavior in the long term because of your anxiety?”). Touliatou’s art has a scribbly, childlike feel that pairs strangely with the authoritative text, but her colorful, unoutlined figures may hold appeal for younger readers. An approachable resource for those interested in mental health. Ages 8–12. (July)