Publication Date: 2nd January 2020

It’s been a fair while since I’ve blogged a review, mainly because I’ve been struggling with my mental health. I stepped away from sharing my opinions as I had so little self-worth, I just didn’t think anyone else would be interested in what I thought.

When I was asked if I’d review this book, it was like a light being turned back on. Yes, I want to review it! If, as an adult, I can’t be a little more fearless and say, “Enough now, be quiet.” to my own internal critic, how can I honestly help young people to turn their internal critics around?

My mantra this year has been, “There will always be someone who doesn’t see your worth, don’t let that someone be you.” But, it has been me for too long. Counselling has helped. Fearless has reinforced all of those messages. A self-help book for young people that is worthwhile for everyone working and living with them too.

The author, Liam Hackett (founder and CEO of anti-bulkying charity, Ditch The Label) says, “The issue of young people and bullying, mental health and their identity has never been greater and this book is the perfect antidote to help young people towards their journey of being confident, resilient and fearless.”

And it is! This is the book that helped me to Fear Less and have more confidence in my blogging self again. It is, in my opinion, a cracking self-help book that encourages us to think about why we behave the way we do, challenges stereotypes, and most importantly, have more faith in ourselves.

With chapters on Fear Of Being Judged, Fear of Expressing Yourself and Fear of Not Being Good Enough, among others, this is a great book to dip into to understand yourself and others, unpick areas you are struggling with, and one that can be returned to again and again as life happens.

We all know it’s good to talk, but it’s not always easy to admit when we are struggling. Having a book that is straight talking, easy to understand and peppered with questions from young people having the same struggles many others are going through could be just the help you need. There are also some fabulous interviews with inspirational people who know what they’re talking about!

For school staff (and parents/carers), each chapter has an activity that helps challenge unconcious bias and self-perception that tie in brilliantly with PSHE topics and could easily be adapted for whole class lessons and small groups. I can already hear the conversations they would inspire.

A must for every school!

Huge thanks to Harriet and Scholastic for sending me a review copy, and to Liam for helping me to fear less and get blogging again.