Here's a brief preview from the back of the book:
Caleb doesn’t know what to do. His hands are sweaty, his heart beats fast, and his stomach is upset way too many times in a day. Why are there so many things to worry about? But when Miss White, his fourth grade teacher, suggests a way to deal with his worries, Caleb isn’t too sure it’ll help. What is a worry jar and how is it the answer?
Go Away Worries! follows fourth-grader Caleb as he deals with real issues from nerves about a test, to making friends, to dealing with a bully on the bus. His teacher Miss White then approaches him and encourages him to give his worries to the worry jar and think positive thoughts instead of negative ones.
As a parent of a six-year-old and four-year-old, I think Go Away Worries! is a wonderful book that parents can read with children who are in elementary school, or that older children can read on their own. There are some illustrations in the book, which may help early readers transition more easily to a chapter book, and the theme is very well done, touching on serious concerns in a gentle way.
The inspiration for Go Away Worries! is based on actual events from Michelle's life. She has a Ph.D. in Education and has taught at both the elementary and college level, and is currently a teacher in the Cornwall-Lebanon School District. She has successfully used worry jars for many years with both children and adults.
In addition to Go Away Worries!, Michelle has also authored the children's books New Opportunities and ScubAbility, which focus on overcoming obstacles. She started writing after she was injured in a powered parachute accident that left her paralyzed from the chest down in Sept. 2001, and realized she would need a way to explain her injury to her young students.
Go Away Worries! is available for purchase through Nelson Publishing & Marketing, the same company that published the popular bucket filler books for children. It can also be purchased through Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and other outlets.
Contact Michelle at www.michellemariewhite.com.
