Erik vs. Everything

Can a worrier really become a warrior? Nine-year-old Erik Sheepflattener’s life motto is Avoid Stuff, despite his family’s 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, Erik’s 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 Erik’s fears. Will anyone hear him say no before it’s 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.

What happens when a family of warriors decides to cure a worrier?

• A Reluctant Hero: Nine-year-old Erik Sheepflattener just wants to avoid stuff. Too bad his family of modern-day Vikings—whose mottos include Conquer, Win, and Turnip—has other plans for his summer vacation.
• Facing Fears, Viking-Style: When his older sister Brunhilde makes conquering his anxieties her new project, Erik’s worst nightmares become a hilarious, axe-wielding reality.
• Finding Your Voice: A funny and heartfelt story for kids about learning to speak up for yourself, especially when your family is fearless and you feel anything but.
• An Unexpected Adventure: From confronting squirrels to discovering a surprising new talent for mountain biking, Erik’s summer is a journey of laugh-out-loud mishaps and quiet courage.