The Fear

This story of football and conquering one’s fears is accessible and engaging, perfect for sports fans and reluctant readers.

Kian is the best footballer on the estate, and he plays every day with his friend Azeem. When Azeem suggests that they try out for the local team, Kian – despite his mum’s encouragement – can’t face the idea of playing in a proper team… he is too afraid.

Kian shares the story of where his fears come from, which demonstrates the profound effect that words can have upon a child’s self-esteem, especially when spoken by a trusted adult. To have any chance of overcoming his anxiety, and properly playing the game he loves again, Kian must learn to trust himself, and in his new coach and teammates.

Refreshingly, almost all the characters in The Fear are kind and generous. It is a short, manageable story with little room for lengthy character description, but there are lots of clues that point to characters’ kindness: Mum walks dogs for the neighbours, and the coach has selflessly led the football team for years, for example. When the one unkind character emerges, he stands out like a sore thumb!

Kian’s emotional journey is described expertly. Palmer’s gentle and plain-speaking tone shows that feelings of fear and anxiety are not only normal, but manageable and something that is okay to talk about. In an exciting, match-based climax, Kian puts aside any thoughts of revenge or redemption and, instead, focuses on feeling positive and enjoying his new friendships.

The Fear is the series opener for more sports stories focusing on themes of self-esteem and friendship, and shows that sporting stories can have powerful emotional themes as well as action and excitement. Printed in Barrington Stokes’s trademark dyslexia-friendly style, the book is perfect for new or reluctant readers and has the potential to help children make a genuine emotional connection with reading.