Stanley Will Probably Be Fine

By Sally J. Pla, Steve Wolfhard (illustrator),

Book cover of Stanley Will Probably Be Fine

Book description

This funny and moving second novel from the author of The Someday Birds features comic trivia, a safety superhero, and a super-cool scavenger hunt all over downtown San Diego, as our young hero Stanley Fortinbras grapples with his anxiety—and learns what, exactly, it means to be brave.

Nobody knows comics…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Stanley Will Probably Be Fine as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I loved Stanley’s self-aware and endearingly dry sense of humor as he grapples with anxiety as well as his comic-book obsession, which becomes contagious throughout the book. I loved following his journey from a middle-school kid who passes out during a school safety presentation to one who discovers his inner courage thanks to his love of comics—and some mindfulness breathing techniques woven throughout, as well.

It was refreshing to read a book featuring a boy struggling with anxiety, and I loved rooting for him as he went on a comic trivia scavenger hunt, to Comic Con, and even as he…

This is the only realistic fiction I’m recommending on this list—and there’s a very good reason why. It’s wonderful! Pla writes a thoroughly engaging, charming book that manages both to suck readers in and, at the same time, destigmatize children who present non-neurotypically. Stanley is a loveable boy who, despite more than his fair share of challenges, manages to become the hero of his story in his own unique, delightful way. 

From Rob's list on middle-grade readers will love.

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