Erik vs. Everything

Can a worrier really become a warrior? Nine-year-old Erik Sheepflatteners life motto is Avoid Stuff, despite his familys attempts to bring out his inner Viking. In this outrageously quirky, "funny and perceptive"* novel . . . why not be both? (*Booklist, starred review) Meet Erik Sheepflattener. Each member of his modern-day Viking-heritage family has a motto to live by. His parents have Family and Pride. His sisters have Conquer and Win. His grandfather has Turnip. But Erik is developing a motto he can truly believe in: Avoid Stuff. Mostly, Eriks fierce family ignores or discounts him, especially when he tries to say no. But while spending the summer with his rough-and-tumble cousins and older sister Brunhilde in Minnesota, axe-wielding Bru gets the idea to name and Conquer all of Eriks fears. Will anyone hear him say no before its too late? And will Erik end up defined by his fears, or by his fearless family? Erik vs. Everything is an adventurous, humorous, and heartfelt romp about finding your place, speaking up for yourself, and pursuing what you love . . . even when it scares you.