Nothing to Fear (Gulliver Books)
on Goodreads (715)
What’s inside...
Thirteen-year-old Danny and his family are struggling to make ends meet in New York during the Great Depression. His father leaves to search for work, and Danny and his mother do what they can to survive. With his mother pregnant and unable to help, Danny is forced to beg for food. Through it all, they retain their good humor and family pride, and in the end help arrives in a most unexpected guise. 'Rich, rewarding historical fiction.'--Kirkus Reviews
Age
10-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Danny Garvey
Mrs. Garvey
Discussion points
What parts of the book made you feel brave?
How did the characters overcome their fears?
Can you think of a time when you were scared and how you handled it?
Why do you think it's important to face our fears?
What would you do differently if you were in the character's shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about fear by relating to the characters' experiences.
Discuss personal experiences with fear and how to manage them, drawing parallels to the story to make it relatable.
Celebrate the characters' victories over fears and discuss with your child their own small bravery moments.
Use the book as a tool to reassure your child that fear is normal and can be faced with courage and support.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: The story portrays characters who confront and ultimately overcome their fears, showing children that fear is a natural emotion that can be managed.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing their own fears and learning coping strategies, such as deep breathing or discussing their fears with a trusted adult.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The narrative encourages understanding diverse perspectives, as characters learn about the fears of others and show compassion.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop empathy by encouraging them to consider how others feel and to offer support during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: Characters exhibit bravery and resilience in the face of challenges, demonstrating to children that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace challenges, whether they are starting a new school or trying a new activity, knowing that it's okay to feel scared and that they can persevere.