- New York Public Library Best Kids Book of 2018
- Kirkus Star and Kirkus Best Book of 2018
- Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
- Bank Street Best Children’s Book of 2019
- Educator Guide – Click Here!
This funny and moving middlegrade novel features high anxiety, intriguing comics trivia, a mysterious superhero, and a treasure hunt race all around downtown San Diego, as anxious young Stanley Fortinbras grapples with his fears—and learns about what it really means to be brave.
But hey, why not watch the trailer, and let Stanley tell you himself:
Nobody knows comics trivia like Stanley knows comics trivia. It’s what he takes comfort in when the world around him gets overwhelming. So, after he faints during a safety assembly at his scary new middle-school, he invents and draws an imaginary superhero to get him through – a personal safety superhero he calls ‘John Lockdown.’
Help is what Stanley needs, because he’s committed himself as a contestant in Trivia Quest— a big-time comics-trivia treasure hunt. Can he prove himself? Tackle his fears, score those VIP passes to Comic Fest, and win back his ex-best friend Joon?
Stanley links up with his frighteningly fearless new neighbor, Liberty, for the contest. Now he’s facing the most epic, overwhelming, challenging day of his life… Will he survive?
“In Stanley Will Probably Be Fine, Sally J. Pla captures the challenges of moving through a world that can sometimes feel too big to face and introduces a character that readers cannot help but root for. A fun, vibrant story full of humanity and heart!” (Booki Vivat, New York Times bestselling author of Frazzled)
“Stanley Fortinbras is a master of superhero lore, an artist, a kid who deeply feels the impact of his surroundings, and a protagonist with enough heart and soul for a thousand comic-con attendees. Readers of Stanley Will Probably Be Fine will be much more than fine; they’ll be elated.” (Mike Jung, author of Unidentified Suburban Object)
“Stanley is an eminently lovable underdog!” (Leslie Connor, author of All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook and The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle)
“[Stanley is] a multidimensional character of great depth who gradually learns how to calm his worried mind. Add to the growing list of intelligent books about kids whose brains operate outside the norm.” (Kirkus, starred review)
“An excellent addition to promote social-emotional learning.” (School Library Journal)
“Stanley’s anxiety and sensory processing disorder are portrayed in a sensitive and relatable way. Refreshing!” (Booklist)
“Comics fans and young readers who experience the world more intensely than their peers will love this one.” (BookPage.com)