As someone who writes about mental health every day and has been working with children across all ages for the past 15 years, I find Mark Cheverton’s fantasy series opener, “Facing the Beast Within: The Anxiety of Cameron Poole,” a valuable resource for children dealing with anxiety and their parents or caregivers.

The theme of a sixth-grader struggling with anxiety is something many school-aged kids can relate to. Unfortunately, millions of kids are being mocked, laughed at, or bullied every single day. Many young people feel pressure from their families, schools, peers, social media, and their own inner critics. It can make them feel insecure, worried, isolated, and overwhelmed.

The rates of childhood anxiety have significantly increased in the United States and globally in recent years, especially since the outbreak of the 2020 pandemic. Books like “Facing the Beast Within” offer valuable and readily available resources for countless children and their families. This book provides understanding, empowerment, and information about the roots of anxiety, how it presents itself, and strategies for addressing it. I find it a delightful and educational resource that offers kid-friendly interpretations of coping mechanisms for anxiety, all based on research.

“Facing the Beast Within” can be helpful on many levels.

Valuable Coping Strategies

From deep breathing exercises to strategies to challenge the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts), Cameroon explains his anxiety-management skills, providing young readers with practical tools they can use on their own.

Of course, if you experience anxiety, you should seek the assistance of a mental health expert who will explain these coping strategies and help you learn how to apply them in your daily life.

Validation and Relatability

Being able to relate to someone who is going through similar challenges can have a healing effect on children. This book validates the feelings and experiences of kids with anxiety, providing them with a valuable opportunity to experience a sense of connection and helping them feel less lonely and isolated.

Resilience Boost

This story demonstrates to children and adults that anxiety is a mighty enemy, but one that can be conquered and defeated. Cameron’s courageous example shows young readers that they can learn to manage their anxiety, providing hope and building resilience to overcome obstacles.

Breaking the Stigma

Throughout Cameron’s journey, a reader can better understand what can trigger anxiety and what anxiety feels like. Getting a glimpse of what anxious children are going through can foster empathy and compassion, reducing the stigma linked to mental health issues.

Books like this are an excellent way to encourage open conversations about anxiety and mental health. At the same time, “Facing the Beast Within” shows the reader how talking to someone about one’s mental health struggles can help manage anxiety.

Overall, “Facing the Beast Within” can be a valuable resource for young readers dealing with anxiety issues and for those caring about them.

This entertaining and educative adventure of Cameron Poole and his friends carefully addresses anxiety in a way that children can easily understand and relate to, promoting understanding, resilience, and coping strategies while encouraging communication and reducing the stigma around mental health.

~ ~ ~

Here’s my short bio.

Natasha is a freelance writer with an academic background in psychology and over eighteen years of experience in mental health, education, and writing.

As a freelance writer, she is passionate about exploring the delicate layers of the human inner world. Natasha is passionate about researching and creating thought-provoking articles on various psychology, mental health, self-care, and child development topics. She enjoys sharing her knowledge, insights, and experience with others.

A wife and a mother of two. Loves travel, animals, seashores, and books.

Natasha Tanic