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Outsmarting Worry: An Older Kid's Guide to Managing Anxiety
Worry has a way of growing, shifting from not-a-big-deal to a VERY BIG DEAL in the blink of an eye. This big-deal Worry is tricky, luring children into behaviours that keep the anxiety cycle going. Children often find it hard to fight back against Worry, but not anymore. Outsmarting Worry teaches 9-13 year olds and the adults who care about them a specific set of skills that makes it easier to face - and overcome - worries and fears. Smart, practical, proven techniques are presented in language immediately accessible to children with an emphasis on shifting from knowing to doing, from worried to happy and free.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2017
94 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Huebner
31 books75 followersDawn Huebner, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist and Parent Coach specializing in childhood anxiety. She is the author of 20 books for children (and one for therapists), including bestsellers What to Do When You Worry Too Much and Outsmarting Worry.
Dr. Huebner recognized the need for lively, easy-to-read take-home materials to help children practice the strategies they were learning in her office. She created a format effective for 6-12-year olds – the What to Do Guides for Kids - teaching complex psychological concepts using metaphors, language, and humor easily understood by children. Subsequent books maintain her distinctive voice while adding a layer of detail and sophistication appreciated by older children and teens.
All of Dr. Huebner’s books echo her philosophy - that children can and should be taught to help themselves, and that they are capable of overcoming even stuck-seeming challenges.
Dr. Huebner’s books sell briskly around the world, and have been translated into 23 languages. She has been featured on the TODAY Show, CNN.com, WebMD and many other news and information outlets, and is frequently interviewed by popular parenting magazines. Dr. Huebner’s TEDx talk on Rethinking Anxiety has been viewed over a million times.
Dr. Huebner enjoys hearing from readers. She is always at work on her next book...
Dr. Huebner recognized the need for lively, easy-to-read take-home materials to help children practice the strategies they were learning in her office. She created a format effective for 6-12-year olds – the What to Do Guides for Kids - teaching complex psychological concepts using metaphors, language, and humor easily understood by children. Subsequent books maintain her distinctive voice while adding a layer of detail and sophistication appreciated by older children and teens.
All of Dr. Huebner’s books echo her philosophy - that children can and should be taught to help themselves, and that they are capable of overcoming even stuck-seeming challenges.
Dr. Huebner’s books sell briskly around the world, and have been translated into 23 languages. She has been featured on the TODAY Show, CNN.com, WebMD and many other news and information outlets, and is frequently interviewed by popular parenting magazines. Dr. Huebner’s TEDx talk on Rethinking Anxiety has been viewed over a million times.
Dr. Huebner enjoys hearing from readers. She is always at work on her next book...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 16, 2018
I’m so glad I found this book to recommend to kids. While it’s directed at 9 to 13-year-olds, I think even slightly younger kids would benefit if they read this with their parents. Not only does it talk about fight-or-flight and circular thinking, but it addresses safety behaviors that can also be harmful if practiced obsessively and/or needlessly. As an anxiety-sufferer, I can even see myself rereading this in the future.
September 7, 2017
This is SUCH a great book, I can't praise it enough. Aimed at 9-13 year olds with the intention of explaining how worry works and the difference between a normal level of anxiety and actual anxiety, this breaks things down in such a simple and clear way that you can't fail to understand. I think there are plenty of adults that would benefit from reading this book too, especially if you are working with children or have children of your own. It explains the 'fight or flight' reaction in such simple terms, that I know I would recommend it to my peers as despite being aimed at children, it really couldn't be clearer. There is a helpful guide for parents and carers as to how best to use this book, and importantly advising to seek help from professionals if necessary. There are a few images scattered throughout the book which break up the text. The techniques used are loosely based on CBT and this in itself provides some invaluable pointers which hopefully youngsters will remember and take through with them during their adolescence when there is an abundance of worry.
(Thanks NetGalley for this copy).
(Thanks NetGalley for this copy).
June 19, 2020
I used this book with students I worked with this school year. It seemed to be helpful and the drawings are great!! I really thought the last few chapters about exposure at the end are helpful for explaining the WHY behind the strategy in a student-friendly way.
September 19, 2020
Recommended by the doctor for kids. Great advice
June 10, 2018
Some of my students suffer from anxiety. Having the right tools can make all of the difference.
This book is a book that treats anxiety like its own character. Rather than stressing kids out, it shows kids how anxiety works, how it can come and get the best of the child, and how the child can get the best of anxiety. Through treating anxiety like it's own character, it has a personality and is very relatable for kids.
I found this to be a very fun read. Since it was so relatable, the kids were able to open up and start talking. Something they did not do in the past. It is amazing how a simple book can lead to not only a wonderful learning experience, but in this case, the start of a healing journey as well.
Note to parents and educators: This book is best when made into a bonding moment. Instead of just giving it to your kids, read it first. Once you have the understanding, re-read it with your kids. You will be amazed by the conversations this book will lead to.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine and were in no way influenced by outside sources. I am a professional blogger at Little Lady Plays
This book is a book that treats anxiety like its own character. Rather than stressing kids out, it shows kids how anxiety works, how it can come and get the best of the child, and how the child can get the best of anxiety. Through treating anxiety like it's own character, it has a personality and is very relatable for kids.
I found this to be a very fun read. Since it was so relatable, the kids were able to open up and start talking. Something they did not do in the past. It is amazing how a simple book can lead to not only a wonderful learning experience, but in this case, the start of a healing journey as well.
Note to parents and educators: This book is best when made into a bonding moment. Instead of just giving it to your kids, read it first. Once you have the understanding, re-read it with your kids. You will be amazed by the conversations this book will lead to.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine and were in no way influenced by outside sources. I am a professional blogger at Little Lady Plays
September 28, 2017
I received access to this book for the purpose of review.
This is a very clever book, I was a child worrier actually I still am a worrier but it is much more under control now. I found the examples of worries in this book to be very relatable to my younger self’s concerns. I also really appreciated the wide variety of example worries in the book it added an interesting perspective and helps make it so all worriers can find an example they relate with.
The book begins with recognizing how one becomes an expert at worrying. This includes a scientific explanation of the flight or fight response, the safety behaviors that protect us from danger, and how false alarms and false safety behaviors create worry loops. For those of us who sometimes have “silly” worries it really helps show how a bad experience can create these concerns and that you don’t have to be embarrassed there is still a scientific explanation for where it came from. Once you know where your worry came from the book details different strategies for using evidence and logic to outsmart your worry as well as strategies for being prepared for worries and accepting uncertainty. The book concludes with using exposure to worries or the possibility of worries to stop false safety behaviors and vanquish your worries. While this can be an intimidating process the book uses fun and reassuring language and cool and goofy artwork to keep the book feeling comfortable. I believe middle grade readers will find it easy to relate to and as entertaining as it is informative. Further I believe that while it is a bit young for older readers they could still find it to be a useful resource without being overly juvenile. The author is very good about keeping things simple without every feeling like the book is talking down to the reader. Overall I think this is a great resource for any type of worrier.
This is a very clever book, I was a child worrier actually I still am a worrier but it is much more under control now. I found the examples of worries in this book to be very relatable to my younger self’s concerns. I also really appreciated the wide variety of example worries in the book it added an interesting perspective and helps make it so all worriers can find an example they relate with.
The book begins with recognizing how one becomes an expert at worrying. This includes a scientific explanation of the flight or fight response, the safety behaviors that protect us from danger, and how false alarms and false safety behaviors create worry loops. For those of us who sometimes have “silly” worries it really helps show how a bad experience can create these concerns and that you don’t have to be embarrassed there is still a scientific explanation for where it came from. Once you know where your worry came from the book details different strategies for using evidence and logic to outsmart your worry as well as strategies for being prepared for worries and accepting uncertainty. The book concludes with using exposure to worries or the possibility of worries to stop false safety behaviors and vanquish your worries. While this can be an intimidating process the book uses fun and reassuring language and cool and goofy artwork to keep the book feeling comfortable. I believe middle grade readers will find it easy to relate to and as entertaining as it is informative. Further I believe that while it is a bit young for older readers they could still find it to be a useful resource without being overly juvenile. The author is very good about keeping things simple without every feeling like the book is talking down to the reader. Overall I think this is a great resource for any type of worrier.
October 29, 2022
Read this with my (very anxious and prone to worry) kiddo (8) at bedtime. We would read a chapter and then switch to the fiction book he's loving at the moment. Well, it usually turned to 3 or 5 chapters of this, as he would ask for more when the chapter was done.
He listened very intently as I read, occasionally asked questions, and attempted the mindfulness exercises as I read them. He really liked the evolutionary explanations of why we worry and the mechanics of what is happening in our brains and bodies as we worry. When we read the sections about what to do to stop worry, he was clearly paying very close attention. I think the ideas in this book will prove very useful to him.
From the perspective of a parent (who also struggles with a lot of anxiety and worry), this book was really excellent. It was clear, concise, and contained a wealth of information about the mechanics of worry and strategies to stop worry in its tracks. I will also be trying the techniques found in this book, as they seem very helpful and relatively easy to do.
There is so much information contained in this little book, I came away from it a bit dazed. We will definitely be reading it again and referring back to it in the future.
I can definitely see why it is aimed at 9- to 14-year-olds, but my bright 8-year-old really appreciated it and it was exactly at the right level for him to connect with it. The problem with books aimed at younger kids is they tend to water things down too much and try too hard to be cute. This book was matter-of-fact, to the point, and treated the reader as capable and competent.
Highly, highly recommend, especially to older kids who struggle with anxiety and worry.
He listened very intently as I read, occasionally asked questions, and attempted the mindfulness exercises as I read them. He really liked the evolutionary explanations of why we worry and the mechanics of what is happening in our brains and bodies as we worry. When we read the sections about what to do to stop worry, he was clearly paying very close attention. I think the ideas in this book will prove very useful to him.
From the perspective of a parent (who also struggles with a lot of anxiety and worry), this book was really excellent. It was clear, concise, and contained a wealth of information about the mechanics of worry and strategies to stop worry in its tracks. I will also be trying the techniques found in this book, as they seem very helpful and relatively easy to do.
There is so much information contained in this little book, I came away from it a bit dazed. We will definitely be reading it again and referring back to it in the future.
I can definitely see why it is aimed at 9- to 14-year-olds, but my bright 8-year-old really appreciated it and it was exactly at the right level for him to connect with it. The problem with books aimed at younger kids is they tend to water things down too much and try too hard to be cute. This book was matter-of-fact, to the point, and treated the reader as capable and competent.
Highly, highly recommend, especially to older kids who struggle with anxiety and worry.
September 6, 2017
-'Outsmarting Worry is geared toward 9–13-year-olds struggling with unrealistic fears, children who shrink away from normal challenges and fret about unlikely scenarios. It is intended for children who quickly shift from worry (lower-case) to Worry (upper-case). Who can’t seem to move away from their fearful imaginings.'-
This book is intended for use with children aged 9-13 years. It provides a set of skills and strategies based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
It is written in an informal manner with an easy-to-read style (as though the author is writing directly to the reader, almost like having a conversation). The reading style is relaxing and easy to follow. The graphics and title headings are engaging to young readers and "cool". It is not preachy or dull. This book would certainly encourage and entice preteens to read and find out more on the subject of worry and how to do self-help. It is also very helpful for school counsellors, resource teachers, parents, educators of special needs children, etc. I found it to be very helpful and I would highly recommend it. A great tool. 👍🏻
This book is intended for use with children aged 9-13 years. It provides a set of skills and strategies based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
It is written in an informal manner with an easy-to-read style (as though the author is writing directly to the reader, almost like having a conversation). The reading style is relaxing and easy to follow. The graphics and title headings are engaging to young readers and "cool". It is not preachy or dull. This book would certainly encourage and entice preteens to read and find out more on the subject of worry and how to do self-help. It is also very helpful for school counsellors, resource teachers, parents, educators of special needs children, etc. I found it to be very helpful and I would highly recommend it. A great tool. 👍🏻
October 3, 2017
I was given this book to read as I am a secondary school librarian. I am an anxious person so hoped to learn something myself. Whilst I appreciate the doctors advice and strategies I feel their were a few issues with it. Firstly, if this is to be published and distributed in England the word "therapist" needs to be dealt with. Few English children have access to therapists, many would speak to their peers or to adults. I am also concerned about the age the book is aimed at. At the beginning of the book I feel it is written to a younger person - primary school age but as the book moves on it is written to a wider age range, I worry that a 12-13 year old would stop reading it earlier as they may think it's for little kids. It also uses the word child a lot. When students start secondary school they are no longer a child. I'm going to carry on looking for a different book about young peoples stress and worries to put on my library shelves.
August 13, 2021
This cute little anxiety guide was recommended me by a coworker. Written for the audience of older kids (I feel that 4th - 6th graders would best benefit), Huebner’s graphic chapter book outlines the neuroscience of anxiety in an easy-to-chew fun format. Using relatable scenarios and “outsmarting techniques” throughout, Huebner encourages kids to acknowledge and stand up to their Worry monster, and expose themselves to situations and things that challenge them.
I think this book would make a great resource in a School Counseling library to read along with a student during a session, recommend to families who want to support their child at home by reading with them, or even using as the building blocks for an SEL lesson.
I think this book would make a great resource in a School Counseling library to read along with a student during a session, recommend to families who want to support their child at home by reading with them, or even using as the building blocks for an SEL lesson.
April 20, 2022
I didn't *actually* finish this and at this point I don't think I'll ever get back to it. My wife got the audiobook and we listened to it with my son on a roadtrip, but we only got 3/4 the way through before we finished the trip and my wife returned the audiobook on her library app. But, what I did hear was really, really good. It broke down anxiety and the symptoms of worrying and it was really easy to handle. My son thought he got stung by a bee once and ever since has had a very strong fear of bees and flying insects and this helped him break through that anxiety. He still has concerns, but at least he will go look at flowers, again. Great book to break it down for youth.
September 20, 2020
Picked this one up for my son, who has inherited my side of the family's tendencies toward anxiety and maybe even a little OCD. I wanted to read it first, and while I will still give it to him, I wish there was a little more in here about how common anxiety is, and more numerous examples of how to banish the negative/obsessive thoughts. I may change up my review later, depending on how he responds/if it helps him at all. In terms of age appropriate and helpful information, it all seems on point. 3 stars.
January 15, 2023
I loved the book for younger kids that she wrote, and this one is equally good. It’s for older kids and has more info for them on beating Worry. I think even some older teens would find it helpful if they read it knowing it was geared at a younger crowd but held good info (I really could see my 16-yr-old also liking it, and I, as a grown-up also appreciated some info). It’s absolutely readable for a kid on her own, or even better with a parent. It gives great language to use as you tackle worries together.
October 26, 2017
Great advice for adults too! I'll be buying this for my 12 year old daughter.
December 7, 2018
I wish someone had told me some of these things when I was in middle school. It has some great basic advice with easy steps to achieve it.
March 2, 2019
This book was recommended by my teens therapist. It has short chapters with great explanations and tools to help a teen with anxiety out smart worry. Highly recommend!
October 8, 2019
Helpful strategies for managing worry for 9-13 year olds.
March 21, 2020
An excellent resource for older kids and teens. Well explained this book will make the topic of anxiety manageable to approach
September 8, 2020
So, so helpful. Thank you!
October 14, 2020
A really great resource for kids dealing with anxiety and extreme worry. Short chapters and fun graphics make it easy for kids to grasp and learn from. It helped my son tremedously.
January 17, 2021
Good explanation of worry for preteens.
March 27, 2022
I think this is a very useful book to recommend to my peds patients who worry with a capital W.
September 12, 2022
Gives great real world examples of worry kids and teens face (hey and even adults) and practical ways to help stop all the false alarms and ways to retrain your brain.
September 14, 2022
A counselor recommended this book for kids 9-12 who struggle with anxiety. It had so many practical tools for the toolbox of daily life and anxieties.
May 10, 2023
This will be a great resource someday.
February 21, 2024
Fantastic. Planning to buy multiple copies so that I can just give this book to the kids and families I work with.
August 27, 2025
it was joyful to read.
November 14, 2025
This is a very thoughtful, hopeful, and kid-friendly guide offering practical steps for dealing with anxiety.
February 23, 2021
Lots of valuable things are shared in the book. It's made for kids so it's engaging as well.
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November 29, 2017Aimed at 9 – 13 year olds, and their parents and carers, that are experiencing excessive levels of anxiety, this book is written by a clinical psychologist who specialises in the treatment of anxious children.
Informally written, the text is clear and easy-to-read, and is broken down into steps with black and white illustrations that add humour and engage the reader. The book covers the fight or flight response, the body and brain’s reactions to worry, how to recognise these signs and overcome them. It introduces skills that help in the treatment of anxiety including strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with real-life scenarios to explain techniques, and positive and helpful advice.
A useful book to add to the self-help section of the library.
Informally written, the text is clear and easy-to-read, and is broken down into steps with black and white illustrations that add humour and engage the reader. The book covers the fight or flight response, the body and brain’s reactions to worry, how to recognise these signs and overcome them. It introduces skills that help in the treatment of anxiety including strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with real-life scenarios to explain techniques, and positive and helpful advice.
A useful book to add to the self-help section of the library.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews