Erik vs. Everything

by Christina Uss

Meet Erik Sheepflattener. Each member of his modern-day Viking-heritage family has a motto to live by. His parents have Family and Pride. His sisters have Conquer and Win. His grandfather has Turnip. But Erik is developing a motto he can truly believe in: Avoid Stuff.
Mostly, Erik’s fierce family ignores or discounts him, especially when he tries to say no. But while spending the summer with his rough-and-tumble cousins and older sister Brunhilde in Minnesota, axe-wielding Bru gets the idea to name and Conquer all of Erik’s fears. Will anyone hear him say no before it’s too late? And will Erik end up defined by his fears, or by his fearless family?

Genres: Middle Grade, Humor, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Fiction, Contemporary, Family

288 pages, Hardcover

First published August 3, 2021

About the author

Christina Uss has ridden her bicycle across the United States both lengthwise and widthwise, and has worked as an adventure tour guide in fifteen states, leading cyclists of all ages through various mountains’ majesty and all kinds of fruited plains.
Even more than pedaling across state lines, Christina loves books, especially ones that remind us all that the world is wonderful, weird place. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her family and will always wave hello if she sees you out riding.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a middle grade. This follows Erik who is scare of everything, but he is trying to get over being a fear of everything. His Aunt and sister helps him to overcome his fears. I think this book was well written with great characters, and I also thinks this book will show kids that it is ok to be scared sometimes. I also think it will show them that if you are to scare of stuff it can hold you back. I really loved the Erik character, and his Aunt and sister is well great characters as well. I will be buying this book from my daughter as soon as it comes out. Great Characters with a great storyline, and it is well written which makes a win win. My daughter has Anxiety, and she is also a fear of trying new things and failing. I think this book will be a great book from her and kids like that. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) or author (Christina Uss) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erik is anxious about everything. His Viking family keeps trying to get him to experience new things. He keeps saying, "No." Nobody listens. When Erik and big sister Brunhilde spend a summer in Minnesota with relatives, she really hears what he is saying. Suddenly her big summer project is to specifically identify his phobias so that he can conquer his fears. Alongside a book about fears and phobias, Brunhilde also makes good use of The Art of War. The book is full of silly situations and overblown characters much like in Lemony Snicket and Roald Dahl books. I did really enjoy the family togetherness of the Viking family and the mountain biking that Erik gets involved in.
Love, love, love the cover art!

Thank you to Clarion Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rowan :) · Rating 1 out of 5]

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Genre: Middle grade, realistic fiction 🏫🌎

Content Warnings:🚨Brief description of death (to sickness)🚨

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

ughhhhhhhhhhh

[Sirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first saw the cover, I had high expectations for this book. I wasn't disappointed! Erik Sheepflattener's family is tough and fearless. Erik is not. When his bold older sister decides to help Erik wage war upon his fears, Erik is suitably nervous. From one-eared squirrels, giggling infant triplets, yodeling librarians, fish as big as Erik's arm, and frightening piano teachers, one thing after another pushes to knock Erik back into the secret hideout under his bed--but for good this time. Silly scenarios and humorous moments keep the action strong and enjoyable.
I loved this book because even though some of the situations and many of Erik's family members are kind of ridiculous, Erik himself is a genuine character dealing with real fears. I couldn't help but be reminded of myself as a child facing a fear of big dogs--no matter what anyone tried or said, it was something I had to grow out of. I enjoyed watching Erik grow throughout this book. Though he never quite figures out how to stop his sister from bossing him around, he does find that he is not powerless and that even though his family doesn't quite understand him, they love him enough to make up for it. Will there be a sequel??? I hope so!
Thanks to HMH and Netgalley for helping me discover one of my new favorite books!

[Kaytlin Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and enjoyable read! Erik was hilarious, and I loved him so much!

Characters:
Erik is afraid of everything... okay, not everything but most everything. He was hilarious, and I loved him!
Brunhilda cracked me up! I loved how much she wanted to help her brother even when he didn't excatly appreciate it...lol...
The cousins were also funny and just off the chain like so many homeschoolers...lol... and I loved it.😂 I might not have viking roots, but I definitely was relating to some of the shenanigans those kids pulled.😂
The entire cast was just a blast!

Themes:
Facing our fears... I loved it! and the authors note at the end was great!

Romance:
Erik's sister Allison has a crush... but nothing weird.

Language:
Probably some gosh, heck, and dang... but I didn't keep up with it. There are mentions of the old gods and viking gods... and some references to praying to them but more in the same manor as the How To Train Your Dragon books.

Violence/Gore:
Talk of hitting things, blood, and battle but all in such hilarious situations.😂

Overall:
This was a super fun book that had me laughing so much and so hard! I throughly enjoyed the read!

Recommend for 9+

[Anne O'Brien Carelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middle Grade author Christina Uss has done it again. Readers should be prepared to laugh out loud as they roar through the delightful, hilarious Erik Vs Everything. Modern day Erik Sheepflattener of Viking descent is afraid of just about everything (especially squirrels). His sister, Brunhilde, who has vigorously channeled her inner Viking, has no fear at all, and loves anything involved in being a warrior (including hand-to-hand combat). Erik and Brunhilde visit relatives Hrolf, Ragnar, and the triplets (the Minnesota Vikings) who embrace the Viking lifestyle. They join Brunhilde as she takes on Erik as one of her Let's Conquer This projects, in the form of a fear-conquering plan. By consulting the Big Book of Fear, they set out to overcome Erik's long list of fears that includes piano lessons, team sports, going to school, bleeding, talking to people, and anything that has to do with a phone (telephonophobia).
Erik Vs. Everything would be wonderful to read aloud to students, not only because it's funny but because Erik is a charming character any child can identify with as he is challenged to tackle a variety of phobias (discovered to be connected to fear of failure and fear of criticism). This fast-paced story is filled with compassion, served up with Viking style. All children will benefit, especially those who tend to get anxious. Even the chapter headings and quotes from the Viking guide The Lore made me laugh. What a wonderful book! (Note: I was provided an ARC for review)

[Ivana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vtipná knižka o deväťročnom Erikovi, ktorý sa bojí množstva vecí a je rozhodnutý sa im dôsledne vyhýbať. Jediný problém je, že je potomkom Vikingov a zvyšok jeho rodiny nevie, čo je strach. Ignorujú jeho protesty a keď hovorí nie a dôsledne mu strpčujú život svojou bojovnosťou, nebojácnosťou a odhodlaním.
Potom prídu prázdniny a Erik so sestrou Brunhildou sú vyslaní k príbuzným, aby im pomohli s malými trojčatami. Tam sa stretnú aj s bratrancami a Brunhilda vymyslí plán, ako pomenovať, objaviť a napokon i poraziť všetky Erikove strachy.
Otázkou je, či to Erik prežije.

Vtipné, milé a keď si myslíte, že vás už autorka nemôže prekvapiť, tak vám tam zadrie čosi, pri čom vám zvlhnú oči dojatím. Lebo aj nebojácni Vikingovia si najviac vážia rodinu a boj so strachom má podtext, ktorý sa hodí nielen mnohým deťom, ale aj veľa dospelým. Hlavne dnes.

Na jeseň aj v slovenčine :-)

[Marla at the Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free e-arc to review.

This is such a fun, quirky story! Erik Sheepflattener's family is ALL Viking. Erik, however, is ALL fear. He's afraid of everything! Teachers, bus rides, piano lessons, sports, and, most importantly, SQUIRRELS. Poor Erik can't seem to get his family to understand that he just wants to hide under his bed and AVOID STUFF.

In fact, AVOID STUFF is what he thinks his motto will be. Each Sheepflattener has a life motto, which they have tattooed on them as adults in runes. His parents have FAMILY and PRIDE; his sisters, CONQUER and WIN. But Erik just wants to AVOID STUFF.

When Erik is schlepped off to his aunt and uncle's house for the summer, his sister Brunhilde decides to accompany him. She devises a scheme to help Erik get over his phobias using exposure therapy - but in the end, it's a battle Erik has to fight on his own.

This is a great story about fear and anxiety, and the crushing weight a person can feel when dealing with it. I really appreciated the author's note at the end to reach out to someone you trust if you experience anxiety like Erik's. This story is about finding your place, finding your voice, and finding what you love, even if it's a little bit (or a lot!) scary. I will definitely be purchasing this for my library!

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erik is afraid of so many things -- piano lessons, school busses, squirrels, sports. He spends as much time as possible under his bed. Unfortunately, as part of a rough and tumble Viking family (living in Connecticut), he is expected to be strong and fearless and conquer the world. When he and his older sister Brunhilde are sent to Minnesota to spend the summer with their cousins, his first instinct is to look for new places to hide. Instead, Brunhilde makes it her personal quest to help him vanquish his fears, enlisting the cousins to help. She does a surprisingly good job at tracing them down to the root causes. The techniques she uses not only helps Erik but can be useful for readers who find themselves in anxiety provoking situations. A fun read with helpful coping ideas as well. Recommended for grades 3 & up.

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss

[Cindy]

Did I pick up this book because my husband's name is Erik? Why yes yes I did. He also is half norwegian and I believe this cover would be the spitting image of him as a kid. Another tidbit he also mountain bikes

This was a fun read. Which is weird because the main character is afraid of everything! If he could, he would spend all day in a little cave he made under his bed.
His family never makes fun of him or puts him down. More that they just ignore the problem, until Erik and his sister go to stay with their aunt and uncle

Brunhilde wages war in viking style on helping Erik overcome his phobias. What ensues next is a series of hilarious interactions and the heartwarming love of family.

[Merrill Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun middle grade read full of the heart and quirk one would expect from a Christina Uss book! Nine-year-old Erik Sheepflattener is terrified of everything, something his brave and bold modern-day Viking Family just doesn't understand. However, understand Erik or not, his older sister Brunhilde is determined to help her brother overcome his fears while they visit their cousins in Minnesota. Brunhilde's methods are a tad... unconventional (and occasionally terrifying even for someone who doesn't have Erik's phobias!), but they eventually help lead Erik to a local mountain biking club. The laughs come fast and furious as Erik tries to juggle his family, his phobias, and his new favorite past time. Help sometimes comes from unexpected sources like the Sheepflattener's family pet - a tough-as-nuts squirrel who only has to twitch his tail to make Erik scream. Erik's fears aren't just played for laughs, however. There's a deep compassion for quiet, fearful people in a world that can frequently be too-bold, too-noisy, and too-overwhelming. Brunhilde helps Erik realize how brave he really is for doing battle with his phobias every day for nine years. In the end, Erik doesn't so much overcome his phobias as he does make peace with them. Along the way, much fish gets eaten and several feral babies appear, with all of it culminating in the mountain bike race to beat all mountain bike races! Definitely recommended for fearful and ferocious middle graders alike!

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erik Sheepflattener’s life motto is Avoid Stuff, despite his family’s attempts to bring out his inner Viking. Can a worrier really become a warrior over a summer?

[Eliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Erik vs Everything
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5 (3.5/5) or 7.00/10 overall

Characters - 7

Atmosphere - 8

Writing - 6

Plot - 7

Intrigue - 7

Logic - 7

Enjoyment - 7

[Amy Makechnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So funny and quirky, I don't recall ever reading a middle grade novel about a fictional viking family before! I loved Erik from the start, and Erik is afraid of EVERYTHING...

"Erik felt more words bubbling up. His mouth seemed to have a mind of its own. “There’s lots of other things to fear. Getting hurt? Feeling stupid?” The words came faster now, and louder. “School buses. Running squirrels. Crouching squirrels. Squirrels in trees. Squirrels under beds. Baseball. Football. Basketball. Dodgeball. Kickball. Volleyball. Every kind of ball. Having things thrown at you. Having things yelled at you. Having people stare at you.”

So how can Erik be less afraid - or to at least try and not be so afraid of failing? That is Erik's great quest (well, with the help of Aunt and Sister).

YES to this book.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free e-arc to review.

This is such a fun, quirky story! Erik Sheepflattener's family is ALL Viking. Erik, however, is ALL fear. He's afraid of everything! Teachers, bus rides, piano lessons, sports, and, most importantly, SQUIRRELS. Poor Erik can't seem to get his family to understand that he just wants to hide under his bed and AVOID STUFF.

In fact, AVOID STUFF is what he thinks his motto will be. Each Sheepflattener has a life motto, which they have tattooed on them as adults in runes. His parents have FAMILY and PRIDE; his sisters, CONQUER and WIN. But Erik just wants to AVOID STUFF.

When Erik is schlepped off to his aunt and uncle's house for the summer, his sister Brunhilde decides to accompany him. She devises a scheme to help Erik get over his phobias using exposure therapy - but in the end, it's a battle Erik has to fight on his own.

This is a great story about fear and anxiety, and the crushing weight a person can feel when dealing with it. I really appreciated the author's note at the end to reach out to someone you trust if you experience anxiety like Erik's. This story is about finding your place, finding your voice, and finding what you love, even if it's a little bit (or a lot!) scary. I will definitely be purchasing this for my library!

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle graders will laugh out loud at this almost but not quite realistic fiction book by the author of the fabulous “The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle.” (The author, by the way, left me a twitter message that she puts her book in the genre she calls unrealistic contemporary fiction. )Erik is a 9 year old who has fears ranging from his piano teacher to being called on in class to the truly scary, wait for it—-squirrels! He has decided that his motto in life is “Avoid Stuff,” but his family claims Viking heritage and members of the Sheepflattener clan literally tattoo mottos like Conquer and Crush. All of that might actually happen to be the life of other boys, but the realism takes a pretty sharp, and hilarious, turn right about there. One of his sisters makes it her personal quest to help Erik overcome his fears and the full out assault involves battle cries, fishing with bare hands, and a variety of Viking like behaviors that surely don’t happen anywhere civilized, but maybe they should! Readers of series like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Marty Pants, The Terrible Two, and maybe Gordon Korman’s Ungifted series or standalone Restart. As with “Bicycle” and her other book “Colossus of Roads”, Uss keeps this book exciting for grades 4-6 without resorting to any profanity, indiscriminate violence, or sexual content and innuendo. Thanks for the dARC, NetGalley.

[Haylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

9 year-old Erik Sheepflattener is the final child in a family of fierce modern-day Viking warriors living in Connecticut. His older twin sisters both know exactly who they are, Allison is a competitive cheerleader while Brunhilde has completely embraced the family Viking heritage and battles everything. But Erik isn’t like the rest of his family. Erik is afraid of everything. Erik's motto is to avoid stuff. But a summer spent in Minnesota with his cousins and sisters just might test Erik's fears more than he ever imagines.
Throughout the book we learn along with Erik about the good and bad about fear. Erik learns how to be who he is, say no, and that family always looks out for each other. Erik grows a lot in the book. Filled with crazy but loveable characters, this book was an adventure. It wasn’t my favorite middle grade book that I’ve read lately, but it was still enjoyable.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group - HMH Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was beyond adorable and I absolutely loved the incorporation of the viking heritage and how every family member had a mantra to live up to. The characters were too funny and realtable which made the book an easy read. Our young readers will enjoy this book because of the history of information about Vikings. I know they will have a lot of questions and laugh at many parts to the book.

We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Erik Koster · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an Erik, I recommend this book.

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erik Sheepflattener comes from a long line of proud Vikings. His sisters have fully embraced their Viking heritage, mastering various forms of combat and rugged sports including combat cheerleading. Erik...not so much. He screams in terror every time the phone rings, he hides under his bed wary of squirrel attacks, piano lessons strike fear deep in his heart, and he's pretty much scared of everything. It isn't until he and his older sister Brunhilde are sent to Minnesota for the summer to help his Aunt and Uncle's family with their new set of triplets that Brunhilde notices her brothers fear and decides to listen to him about it. She then makes it her summer mission to figure out exactly what Erik is afraid of and why in a quest to vanquish these fears. Erik appreciates that Brunhilde is listening to him, and finding things he isn't afraid of is encouraging, but her exposure therapy methods just might make him die of fright.

I absolutely loved this. It was not only a delightful story of family loving on each other (in their own very unique Sheepflattener ways - they fully love him as he is even if they think Erik odd) but it also made me laugh out loud multiple times. It really does give some actual tools to facing fears and anxieties as it entertains you with summer adventures, imagining what a modern Viking family would be into, mountain biking friendships, scarily developed 6 month old triplets, a very determined squirrel, and a boy finding comfort in who he is. Lots of fun.

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There's a perilous bike trip, but everyone makes it out in one piece.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had been on my to-read list for awhile, so decided to give it a try once I'd finished the "Wondla" series by Tony DiTerlizzi, with my son. I had seen a really good review of the book on Publisher's Weekly and wanted to give a try because the concept seemed hilarious. I mean how could you not love the story of a young Viking boy who is literally afraid of everything! My son was not keen on it when I picked it but by the time we finished it, he loved. Not only did he say it was "the funniest book you've read to me all year" but also that he really enjoyed it. Erik is a very shy nervous elementary school boy who is afraid of everything. He is scared of the dark, talking to people, telephones, being outdoors, but is especially is afraid of squirrels. What makes his existence even worse is that his family has all descended from Vikings and are super scary, not afraid of anything and expect him to act the same way too! He is sent to Minnesota to help his Aunt Hilda and Uncle Bjorn and his rowdy male cousins with the triplets, the youngest in the family. Brunhilde, his older sister goes with him, and decides to help him conquer all of his fears while there. But will it help or hinder him? To find out, read this hilarious look into phobias, "The Art of War", and dealing with your crazy family. Recommended for ages 8-11, 4-1/2 stars (my son gave it 5 and I gave it four). 

[Bexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easily-read, middle-grade novel about facing your fears and not letting anxiety take over. Erik is from a Norse family who follows a lot of old Viking ways. The problem is that Erik is scared of everything and is in a constant state of anxiety and fear. This makes it hard for him to interact with his family, create friends at school, or even have something to look forward to. He has created a dark safe space under his bed and spends most of his time at home tucked into it. He is told by his mother that he will be traveling to Minnesota to spend time with his aunt, uncle, cousins, and their new triplets as a babysitter. Erik is absolutely terrified so his sister Bru decides to come along to help him overcome this fear. She creates a full course of tests to really figure out why Erik is so afraid. Through a lot of struggles, a lot of talking, and far too many interactions with squirrels for Erik, he finally starts understanding what is happening to him and what he needs to do to be able to function. There were a lot of silly and goofy times in the book, but there were also a lot of sweet family moments. A family center book about digging into your reactions to figure out what exactly scares you and why. A good book for kids experiencing a lot of anxiety, or just want to smash stuff like Vikings.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sheepflatteners are modern day Vikings. For generations the family has drawn on the traditions of their Scandinavian ancestors, gathering their combined wisdom in a book known as The Lore and tattooing themselves with runes symbolizing their most important values (Conquer, Crush, and Family among others). But Erik Sheepflattener rejects his family's focus on heroics and tradition, in fast he's considering the runes for 'AVOID STUFF' when he finally gets his tattoo. When his sisters and cousins realize the extend of Erik's fears, they come together to support him as he faces each one in turn (even if he doesn't want to).

I thought this was a fun book with some genuinely laugh out loud moments. I particularly appreciated that the attempts to help Erik were, if not exactly wanted by Erik, offered in good faith. This is NOT a book about siblings trying to fix the family's black sheep. It is kinder and more accepting, while also allowing Erik to grow and master at least some of the fears that plague him.

ARC via NetGalley

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group through NetGalley.
Erik is anxious about many things. He is part of a Viking family who honor and live out their heritage so he feels like he doesn't fit in. The rest of the family is happy to take on battles and competitions; he wants to be left alone and be completely ignored. That doesn't work out well as his mother is constantly signing him up for groups and activities so he fits the family norms. His one sister, Brunhilde notices and decides to help Erik conquer his fears. She compares it to a battle as that is what she knows. It's a sweet gesture and is a huge help by the end of the story. Erik also takes charge of some portions of his life and finds an activity that interests him.
The writing style is a bit slow paced, especially at the beginning, but the humor does come through along with the point about letting fears control your life. The cover art is terrific and captures the essence of the entire story in one picture.

[Elles_shelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erik vs Everything by Christina Uss is a upper elementary/ middle grade children’s book with a unique take on facing your fears. Erik is a boy who is afraid of almost everything, but he comes groan a strong family which are descended from Vikings who don’t believe in fear. The family has embraced their heritage and follow the Lore of their ancestors. Erik’s family is fierce, but Erik is scared of squirrels, speaking in class, playing sports, piano lessons, etc. One of his sisters decides to help Erik identify and face his fears. She also teaches him the importance of managing his fears.
Overall, I really liked this book. For starters, it’s actually pretty funny. I loved learning the Lore of the family. I also enjoyed learning about different fears and phobias mixed in with The Art of War. I feel that this will be a big hit with the target audience and that even reluctant readers will willingly read this book. Children can learn about anxiety without actually thinking they’re having to read a book about managing anxiety.

[Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Erik is afraid of everything: piano lessons, baseball, and squirrels. What makes this all the more difficult is that Erik is from a family of Viking heritage, and the rest of his family faces adversity head on. A summer trip to Minnesota with his sister, Brunhilde, to help their aunt and uncle with their baby triplets becomes Brunhilde's mission to rid her Erik of his fears. Erik learns to do Dragon Breath breathing exercises to help calm himself and a dirt biking group and a new friend give an opportunity to deal with some of his anxieties. This book is aimed at 8 to 10 year-old readers, and it does have some helpful suggestions to deal with anxiety, but this story has more of a humorous bent that is typical of stories by Dan Gutman and it hammers the reader over the head with Viking stereotypes. The book felt over long at times but has some good themes of teamwork and family support.

[Kristin- Kristin's Bookstack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Erik comes from a Viking family but he doesn't fit in because he is afraid of everything. His older sister Brunhilde helps him by teaching him breathing techniques so he can conquer his fears. Erik gets invited to join a local mountain bike team and Erik finds that he really likes it. Will his positive experience with mountain bike racing help him overcome his katagelophobia?

This is a charming story about fears and how to overcome them. This was a higher reading level with mention of all the phobias and some of the chapters are long. I really enjoyed the humor and how the family worked together as a team to help Erik. The book mentions two techniques used to combat fear; breathing techniques and exposure therapy. It is a great read for children that experience anxiety and fear!

Thank you to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Diane Magras · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly funny, poignant, colorful, and utterly charming story about an elementary schooler seriously afraid of everything who learns to deal with his fears. Erik grows up in a family that is over-the-top about their Viking heritage and presents him with constant challenges, especially when he and his elder sister Brunhilde (who has the rune CONQUER on her arm) go help babysit their toddler triplet cousins in Minnesota. There, Erik encounters his worst phobia—a pet squirrel—and plenty of other things to terrify him, from toothy fish to humiliation in front of other people. Brunhilde is certain she can help cure his fears, and starts by researching and naming every one. Her creative strategies will make readers drop the book with laughter, and then eagerly pick it up again. A fun, fun read.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into this book at the start, but I did grow to appreciate reading about all of Erik’s worries and how they crippled him. It was comical to see his family try to help him overcome his fears. I would have loved to read a book like the one they took out from the library exposing all the different phobias and deciphering which ones applied to Erik. Kids will relate to all the anxiety Erik felt on a daily basis especially embarrassment, criticism, and failure. Halfway through the focus shifts to Erik's participation in a dangerous mountain biking race. I like the message to not let fear hold you back from new experiences and opportunities, however, I found the Viking characterization a bit odd and don’t know how my fourth graders will connect to it.

[Allison · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this, the premise sounds great, but eventually I just had to throw in the towel and DNF it. It’s one thing to have an eccentric family who take their viking heritage really seriously, and it’s another to have a cast of characters who just don’t act like how humans would. It felt to me like Erik was the straight man in a comedy that’s also supposed to involve his crazy family help him get over his anxieties and fears, but it just didn’t work for me. I know this is a middle grade novel aimed at a younger audience but I dont think this is the way to tackle issues such as anxiety with a family that just does not emote feelings like normal humans or who seem to have no comprehension of such things as being afraid of getting hurt.