This is the book anxious kids need—and the one their parents wish existed when they were growing up.
Telgemeier doesn't sugarcoat anxiety. She shows the panic, the physical symptoms, the way fear can take over your life. But she also shows the path forward: therapy, support, patience, and the slow work of facing what scares you. It's honest, compassionate, and incredibly validating for kids who feel like they're the only ones struggling.
The graphic novel format makes it approachable even when the content is heavy. Kids who might resist a traditional book about feelings will devour this one. And parents report it opens up conversations they didn't know how to start.
The one caveat: this book depicts vomiting and intense fear around getting sick. For some kids, that's exactly what they need to feel less alone. For others, it might be too much. Know your kid. But for the right reader at the right time, Guts is genuinely life-changing.






