My Anxiety is Messing Things Up
By Jennifer Licate (author) and 
Susan Beaky (illustrator)

Oscar is a perfectionist with an anxiety problem. He puts pressure on himself to excel in everything he does. That’s why he earns good grades, wins awards, plays sports, performs in the band and makes friends easily. But all his accomplishments come at a price…

Oscar is wracked with anxiety. He’s so afraid of falling short of expectations or disappointing his parents, his teachers and his pals, he can’t sleep. He tosses and turns every night. The more sleep he loses, the moodier and more irritable he becomes. Exhausted and stressed, Oscar lashes out at his best buddies. Now his anxiety is topped with feelings of guilt and shame.

When a caring teacher notices Oscar’s distress, she invites him to join a school support group for students who struggle with anxiety. What will he do? Is Oscar too embarrassed to seek help, or is he so tired of being tired, he’ll try anything for some sleep and relief? Grades 4–8.

Hazel Is All That
By Chad Otis (author, illustrator)

Hazel has things all figured out—she is one clever girl. So, when she encounters a snarling dog in the park, she knows that dog is mean. And as her walk continues, she identifies a sweet dog, a sad dog, a naughty dog, and many more. But then something happens that leads Hazel to experience all kinds of different reactions herself, and she takes a second look at the dogs. Soon she sees that dogs—and people!—are not just one thing. We’re each our own special mix of all sorts of emotions and behaviors. We’re all that—and more. And what of the snarling dog? A surprise is in store for Hazel and the reader! Grades preschool–3.