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 your fearless, axe-wielding sister decides your anxiety is her next conquest?

• Modern-Day Vikings: Meet the Sheepflatteners, a family with mottos like Conquer, Win... and Turnip. They believe in facing every challenge head-on, much to nine-year-old Erik’s dismay.
• An Unlikely Hero: Erik’s personal motto is "Avoid Stuff." He’d rather hide under his bed with a comic book than prove his Viking heritage, but this summer he might not have a choice.
• Laugh-Out-Loud Funny: From axe-wielding sisters to a pet squirrel named Mr. Nubbins, this quirky adventure is a perfect chapter book for kids who love to laugh.
• Facing Your Fears: When his sister Brunhilde makes conquering his phobias her summer project, Erik has to learn how to speak up and find his own kind of courage.