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The Fearless List
Lenna Singer has always been afraid of everything. From small to large, her terrifying fears have stood in the way of her life for far too long. With her eighth grade year right around the corner, Lenna's confident and persistent best friend Winn Guadalupe proposes a plan for Lenna: face every fear on her list and finally become fearless!
Easier said than done. Lenna is soon faced with more than fears when Lenna and Winn meet Nico, a quiet new boy at school, and conflicting feelings arise. As worry and secrets continue to build up, Lenna fears she'll always be the girl who's afraid of everything.
With the help of her best friend, her ballerina little sister, and her passion for baking, Lenna is able to discover what it truly means to come face to face with your fears and live life to the fullest!
Easier said than done. Lenna is soon faced with more than fears when Lenna and Winn meet Nico, a quiet new boy at school, and conflicting feelings arise. As worry and secrets continue to build up, Lenna fears she'll always be the girl who's afraid of everything.
With the help of her best friend, her ballerina little sister, and her passion for baking, Lenna is able to discover what it truly means to come face to face with your fears and live life to the fullest!
- GenresMiddle Grade
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2023
2 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 12, 2023
This book! It is so good! I can relate to it at so many levels! I could see the meek child I was in the entire story. And now I see my journey to who I have become today as an adult. This book could have helped me so much if I happen to read it while I was much younger.
So what I am saying is gift this book or buy this book for a growing up kid, make sure they read it because we never know who’s struggling with anxiety and feeling quite different from everyone else around them.
This is the story of Lenna who feels she is afraid of everything. She’s anxious about day to day normal activities or even saying hello to new people. Her best friend Winn looks out for her and is the reason why she feels she can make through anything that comes their way.
I find the characters realistic and I can totally understand what they do and why they do them.
I find the family and friendship dynamics quite amazing. It’s represented so well. I feel the parents are patient and mature enough. As most of the scenes happen either in the school or at home, I would have loved it more if there were some additional side characters at the school as well.
I love the bonding of the sisters as well. Totally something which I would always recommend.
Thank you, Janice Macken Press, for the advance reading copy.
So what I am saying is gift this book or buy this book for a growing up kid, make sure they read it because we never know who’s struggling with anxiety and feeling quite different from everyone else around them.
This is the story of Lenna who feels she is afraid of everything. She’s anxious about day to day normal activities or even saying hello to new people. Her best friend Winn looks out for her and is the reason why she feels she can make through anything that comes their way.
I find the characters realistic and I can totally understand what they do and why they do them.
I find the family and friendship dynamics quite amazing. It’s represented so well. I feel the parents are patient and mature enough. As most of the scenes happen either in the school or at home, I would have loved it more if there were some additional side characters at the school as well.
I love the bonding of the sisters as well. Totally something which I would always recommend.
Thank you, Janice Macken Press, for the advance reading copy.
June 3, 2023
Lenna has a list of things that scare her. A very long list, that has grown the past several years. She’s tired of her brain twirling with all the scenarios that could occur with encounters of bugs, pools, public speaking, haircuts, parties, etc. In other words, if something exists, Lenna is terrified of it. She’s almost 14, and feels so abnormal!
However, her best friend Winn is the exact opposite. Outgoing, athletic, adventurous; everything Lenna admires and wishes to be for herself. Together, they cook up a Fearless List, and Winn dedicates herself to helping Lenna face up to everything that scares her. Lenna reluctantly lets herself be pushed, although some of Winn’s ideas for conquering fears are pretty scary themselves…together the girls learn some surprising things about facing fears, and about each other.
Spot-on read for anyone who has ever been told to “face your fears”, and wondered, “Why do I have to do this?”
However, her best friend Winn is the exact opposite. Outgoing, athletic, adventurous; everything Lenna admires and wishes to be for herself. Together, they cook up a Fearless List, and Winn dedicates herself to helping Lenna face up to everything that scares her. Lenna reluctantly lets herself be pushed, although some of Winn’s ideas for conquering fears are pretty scary themselves…together the girls learn some surprising things about facing fears, and about each other.
Spot-on read for anyone who has ever been told to “face your fears”, and wondered, “Why do I have to do this?”
January 22, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
The Fearless List is a beautiful and relatable story for teens about overcoming fears, changes, anxiety, friendship, and more.
Lenna is a girl who is afraid of many different things, whereas her best friend Winn is basically the complete opposite, and nothing seems to scare or phase her. Together, the girls make a Fearless List with the aim that Lenna goes down it and crosses off each fear as she manages to face them. Then things get even harder for Lenna as a new boy has started at school, Nico, and Winn and Nico seem to have eyes only for each other.
I lived the representations in this book, making it even more accessible and relatable to many teens.
This book could have been written about my own daughter, who's 12 and suffers from anxiety and has many worries and fears just like Lenna, such as getting a haircut, changes, school, etc. I'll definitely be getting a copy of this for my daughter to read.
The Fearless List is a beautiful and relatable story for teens about overcoming fears, changes, anxiety, friendship, and more.
Lenna is a girl who is afraid of many different things, whereas her best friend Winn is basically the complete opposite, and nothing seems to scare or phase her. Together, the girls make a Fearless List with the aim that Lenna goes down it and crosses off each fear as she manages to face them. Then things get even harder for Lenna as a new boy has started at school, Nico, and Winn and Nico seem to have eyes only for each other.
I lived the representations in this book, making it even more accessible and relatable to many teens.
This book could have been written about my own daughter, who's 12 and suffers from anxiety and has many worries and fears just like Lenna, such as getting a haircut, changes, school, etc. I'll definitely be getting a copy of this for my daughter to read.
March 28, 2023
Everybody is afraid of something, even if it's something like change… or the dark. Or snakes! Or snakes in the dark… now I just scared myself. Anyway…
Lenna Singer is a girl who is afraid of many, many things. Her best friend, Winn Guadalupe is afraid of… nothing. Winn decides it's time for Lenna to face her fears. So she composes a fearless list and cross off each fear Lenna manages to face - haircuts, the dark, change, the list keeps going. A new student named Nico transfers to their school and Winn is immediately smitten, and so is Nico, but not with Winn.
Things just got more complicated, that's what Lenna fears.
I can't help but feel for Lenna. Granted I've never been afraid of hair cuts, but having those kinds of fears seems odd, but it's genuine. I like how the author gives Lenna a genuine experience to have this kind of fear. And I think everybody is afraid of change - no matter what they say.
I can see why adding a love interest adds to the story, even if it is kind of overdone. What do you expect from a YA story, though? This is a debut story for this author and I really enjoyed the story. I love Lenna and Winn. I liked how the conflict between the two - introvert and extrovert was indeed included and talked about.
I did want to smack Lenna across the head when it came to her stubbornness to be mad at her younger sister. Granted, I understand why Lenna was mad, but come on, holding a grudge for that long? Don't do that to the poor girl.
I enjoyed this sweet story between two friends and the cover was beautiful.
Lenna Singer is a girl who is afraid of many, many things. Her best friend, Winn Guadalupe is afraid of… nothing. Winn decides it's time for Lenna to face her fears. So she composes a fearless list and cross off each fear Lenna manages to face - haircuts, the dark, change, the list keeps going. A new student named Nico transfers to their school and Winn is immediately smitten, and so is Nico, but not with Winn.
Things just got more complicated, that's what Lenna fears.
I can't help but feel for Lenna. Granted I've never been afraid of hair cuts, but having those kinds of fears seems odd, but it's genuine. I like how the author gives Lenna a genuine experience to have this kind of fear. And I think everybody is afraid of change - no matter what they say.
I can see why adding a love interest adds to the story, even if it is kind of overdone. What do you expect from a YA story, though? This is a debut story for this author and I really enjoyed the story. I love Lenna and Winn. I liked how the conflict between the two - introvert and extrovert was indeed included and talked about.
I did want to smack Lenna across the head when it came to her stubbornness to be mad at her younger sister. Granted, I understand why Lenna was mad, but come on, holding a grudge for that long? Don't do that to the poor girl.
I enjoyed this sweet story between two friends and the cover was beautiful.
March 12, 2023
Oh, My, Goldfish! (read and you’ll get this 😄) Simply put, a must read for all.
Oldies like me can reminisce and relate to our younger self.
And teens will feel seen and understood!
Young teen me wishes I had this book when I was growing up.
It’s an fab story with beautiful, real characters that I adored.
The friendships are amazing, sweet and had me smiling from ear to ear.
There’s real representation of different family dynamics that adds to how relatable this story is.
I love the bond and strength these characters have and the growth they go through.
It honestly is wonderful.
And the cuteness of young love! I swear it had my heart swelling. Beyond adorable! 🥰
Thank you so much, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, for the eArc in return for an honest review.
Oldies like me can reminisce and relate to our younger self.
And teens will feel seen and understood!
Young teen me wishes I had this book when I was growing up.
It’s an fab story with beautiful, real characters that I adored.
The friendships are amazing, sweet and had me smiling from ear to ear.
There’s real representation of different family dynamics that adds to how relatable this story is.
I love the bond and strength these characters have and the growth they go through.
It honestly is wonderful.
And the cuteness of young love! I swear it had my heart swelling. Beyond adorable! 🥰
Thank you so much, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, for the eArc in return for an honest review.
March 10, 2023
This story just sucked me in from chapter one. I couldn't put it down.
The character growth was AMAZING!!! The plot, dialogue, internal thoughts, family and friend dynamics, relationships-everything was done super realistically, and it was so relatable.
I recommend this book to everyone-whether you struggle with anxiety and fears or not-it's an essential and inspirational read!
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
The character growth was AMAZING!!! The plot, dialogue, internal thoughts, family and friend dynamics, relationships-everything was done super realistically, and it was so relatable.
I recommend this book to everyone-whether you struggle with anxiety and fears or not-it's an essential and inspirational read!
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
March 29, 2023
4.5 * "Thought circles run around my mind so fast I can barely keep up with all of them. I feel guilty for more things than I can count. I try to force the thoughts down and out of my mind but they won't leave. In fact, pushing them away only makes them bounce back stronger"
Lenna Singer is afraid of everything and uses her best friend as a crutch and baking as a coping mechanism until her friend convinces her that it is time to face her fears head on.
The Fearless List is a debut, self-published novel written by high school student Sophie Meinershagen and it is wonderful.
Written in first person, the author does a masterful job describing the physical symptoms of anxiety as well as the thoughts and insecurities that cause the fear to creep in.
This book would be such a great gift for a child struggling with how to fit in the world and would give them the encouragement to face their fears and learn how to navigate friendships. However....
Be aware that there are many descriptions of the physical feelings brought on by anxiety and fear which may be very triggering for some.
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me a chance to read this in exchange for my honest thoughts
Lenna Singer is afraid of everything and uses her best friend as a crutch and baking as a coping mechanism until her friend convinces her that it is time to face her fears head on.
The Fearless List is a debut, self-published novel written by high school student Sophie Meinershagen and it is wonderful.
Written in first person, the author does a masterful job describing the physical symptoms of anxiety as well as the thoughts and insecurities that cause the fear to creep in.
This book would be such a great gift for a child struggling with how to fit in the world and would give them the encouragement to face their fears and learn how to navigate friendships. However....
Be aware that there are many descriptions of the physical feelings brought on by anxiety and fear which may be very triggering for some.
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me a chance to read this in exchange for my honest thoughts
February 10, 2023
First off I want to thank @netgalley & @sophie.meinershagen.author for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I cannot believe this was written by a junior in high school. It is so mature, so well written. The actions done, the way they act, why was totally understandable and justifiable. You will fall in love with Lenna just as I did.
The story, the characters, the plot everything was so realistic and relatable. The amazing growth that Lenna does was inspirational to say the least, she is such a lovely character, I was scared to be annoyed with all her fears but no, it was amazingly done and she never came off as annoying since the emotions were portrayed perfectly. The relationships, the realness of them, sometimes immaturity of them as well just made it for an even more real experience.
Honestly, read this, gift it, but make sure that the middle graders and high schoolers read this. We don't know who deals with anxiety and fears on a day to day, this book will validate all their feelings plus make them hopeful in overcoming. I could definitely see myself when I was younger, how I didn't have that push to make me get over my fears and anxiety, this book would've given me hope that it was possible to overcome. I loved this book and will be recommending it to young readers 100 percent !!!
Sophie you did a fantastic job, I can only applaud you, keep pursuing your dream you are one step closer and I know you will go far.
I cannot believe this was written by a junior in high school. It is so mature, so well written. The actions done, the way they act, why was totally understandable and justifiable. You will fall in love with Lenna just as I did.
The story, the characters, the plot everything was so realistic and relatable. The amazing growth that Lenna does was inspirational to say the least, she is such a lovely character, I was scared to be annoyed with all her fears but no, it was amazingly done and she never came off as annoying since the emotions were portrayed perfectly. The relationships, the realness of them, sometimes immaturity of them as well just made it for an even more real experience.
Honestly, read this, gift it, but make sure that the middle graders and high schoolers read this. We don't know who deals with anxiety and fears on a day to day, this book will validate all their feelings plus make them hopeful in overcoming. I could definitely see myself when I was younger, how I didn't have that push to make me get over my fears and anxiety, this book would've given me hope that it was possible to overcome. I loved this book and will be recommending it to young readers 100 percent !!!
Sophie you did a fantastic job, I can only applaud you, keep pursuing your dream you are one step closer and I know you will go far.
March 13, 2023
Special thanks to the author(s), publisher, Goodreads and/or NetGalley for the review copy. All views and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
This was a book I read faster than any I can imagine in recent days. I was so invested in the story and could relate with Lenna without trying. Definitely one that should be read by all no matter the age!
The story follows Lenna Singer who is afraid and anxious of things more than the average person causing her fears to stand in the way of her life. A turn of events happens, when Lenna starts eighth grade, while facing her fear list with her best friend Winn Guadalupe, and the new student Nico joins their art table. Conflicted feelings, hard choices, secrets, forgiveness, trust and friendship are all key elements we encounter with Lenna on her journey in this story.
I absolutely loved the characters. It’s been a while since I’ve been in school but I could relate to them well. Lenna and Winn are the absolute opposite personalities but definitely best friends made for each other. The way they cared and understood each other by always trying to put the other first was just so heartwarming. Their bond was something I wish I could find in real life. Nico was a very sincere character and definitely deserves his own back story.
The family dynamics were interestingly very mature and relatable. The relationship between the sisters was relatable with their distance yet caring side and their subtle teasing. I liked how the parents were portrayed and loved how they let the kids make their own independent decisions while also providing constructive feedback.
The plot and writing is this book’s soul. Lenna’s growth in this book is absolutely amazing but I will caution that some of the fear-conquering attempts were quite sudden and may not be the case for every child or individual. The writing itself was mesmerizing. There was just enough details and information woven into the story to understand the characters and situations, but not overwhelm the readers.
Overall, this was a lovely story that I recommend everyone to read. It’s heartwarmingly enjoyable as well as has many lessons including an inspiring journey of growth and trust.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
This was a book I read faster than any I can imagine in recent days. I was so invested in the story and could relate with Lenna without trying. Definitely one that should be read by all no matter the age!
The story follows Lenna Singer who is afraid and anxious of things more than the average person causing her fears to stand in the way of her life. A turn of events happens, when Lenna starts eighth grade, while facing her fear list with her best friend Winn Guadalupe, and the new student Nico joins their art table. Conflicted feelings, hard choices, secrets, forgiveness, trust and friendship are all key elements we encounter with Lenna on her journey in this story.
I absolutely loved the characters. It’s been a while since I’ve been in school but I could relate to them well. Lenna and Winn are the absolute opposite personalities but definitely best friends made for each other. The way they cared and understood each other by always trying to put the other first was just so heartwarming. Their bond was something I wish I could find in real life. Nico was a very sincere character and definitely deserves his own back story.
The family dynamics were interestingly very mature and relatable. The relationship between the sisters was relatable with their distance yet caring side and their subtle teasing. I liked how the parents were portrayed and loved how they let the kids make their own independent decisions while also providing constructive feedback.
The plot and writing is this book’s soul. Lenna’s growth in this book is absolutely amazing but I will caution that some of the fear-conquering attempts were quite sudden and may not be the case for every child or individual. The writing itself was mesmerizing. There was just enough details and information woven into the story to understand the characters and situations, but not overwhelm the readers.
Overall, this was a lovely story that I recommend everyone to read. It’s heartwarmingly enjoyable as well as has many lessons including an inspiring journey of growth and trust.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
March 12, 2023
5 ⭐️’s
Publish Day: March 10th, 2023
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Such a unique book that talks about a teenager getting over their fears with the help of friends.
My first book by Sophie Meinershagen but definitely won’t be my last.
This author knows how to brilliantly write a story that keeps your attention throughout the whole book.
Beautifully written & told
I wish I had a friend like Winn although I highly doubt I’d ever get over my fear of heights 🫣😬🥴
I think many people could relate to this book as everyone has had fears as a teenager.
Yes, I’d absolutely recommend this book.
#DeesReading #DeesRecs #DeesBookRecommendations #BookNerds #BookNerdProblems #BookNerdsUnited #BookProblems101 #BookNerds101
#Bookworms #BookwormProblems #BooksOfFacebook #DeeTheBookReviewer #DeesBookReviewsOfTheDay #BookReviewer #NewToMeAuthor #ReadOfTheDay #BookOfTheDay #SophieMeinershagen #WomensFiction #TheFearlessList #NetGalley
Publish Day: March 10th, 2023
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Such a unique book that talks about a teenager getting over their fears with the help of friends.
My first book by Sophie Meinershagen but definitely won’t be my last.
This author knows how to brilliantly write a story that keeps your attention throughout the whole book.
Beautifully written & told
I wish I had a friend like Winn although I highly doubt I’d ever get over my fear of heights 🫣😬🥴
I think many people could relate to this book as everyone has had fears as a teenager.
Yes, I’d absolutely recommend this book.
#DeesReading #DeesRecs #DeesBookRecommendations #BookNerds #BookNerdProblems #BookNerdsUnited #BookProblems101 #BookNerds101
#Bookworms #BookwormProblems #BooksOfFacebook #DeeTheBookReviewer #DeesBookReviewsOfTheDay #BookReviewer #NewToMeAuthor #ReadOfTheDay #BookOfTheDay #SophieMeinershagen #WomensFiction #TheFearlessList #NetGalley
January 30, 2023
This is a voluntary review of a free book I received from Book Sirens.
I would have never guessed that this was written by a High School Junior! Great book!
As someone who has been out of school for an indeterminate amount of time, I still know what it's like to have fears. I have some similar to Lenna, and some that have grown and changed as i have grown and changed.
Seeing the main character grow as a person and coming into her own just shows that people are constantly changing, and doing what they feel comfortable with, including stepping out of that comfort zone.
I would have never guessed that this was written by a High School Junior! Great book!
As someone who has been out of school for an indeterminate amount of time, I still know what it's like to have fears. I have some similar to Lenna, and some that have grown and changed as i have grown and changed.
Seeing the main character grow as a person and coming into her own just shows that people are constantly changing, and doing what they feel comfortable with, including stepping out of that comfort zone.
March 15, 2023
Thank you to netgalley for an eARC, all opinions are my own.
This book surprised me. I went in with minimal expectations. Oh boy did the author exceed them. For anyone who suffers from anxiety or is in their head too much (aka me) this book is for you. There were so many parts to Lenna's journey that felt very relatable to me now and when I was a kid. My inner child really felt seen.
Overall, great job and I can't wait to see what the author has in store next for us.
This book surprised me. I went in with minimal expectations. Oh boy did the author exceed them. For anyone who suffers from anxiety or is in their head too much (aka me) this book is for you. There were so many parts to Lenna's journey that felt very relatable to me now and when I was a kid. My inner child really felt seen.
Overall, great job and I can't wait to see what the author has in store next for us.
April 17, 2023
Life changing
March 22, 2023
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this book and plan on purchasing it for my library. The characters are relatable and well written. Lenna is dealing with a lot: Family dynamics, friendship dynamics, her fears, her anxiety, and then there is this boy....
I needed this book when I was in school, and I know that I have students that will absolutely love it.
I really enjoyed this book and plan on purchasing it for my library. The characters are relatable and well written. Lenna is dealing with a lot: Family dynamics, friendship dynamics, her fears, her anxiety, and then there is this boy....
I needed this book when I was in school, and I know that I have students that will absolutely love it.
April 11, 2024
This story was truly touching. It dealt with facing fears maturely and the storyline was incredibly fun to read. Loved all the baking and the slight romance, would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews