“Large Fears” is a colorful book written by Myles Johnson and illustrated by Kendrick Daye. At first glance it looks like a paperback children’s book, with its colorful, picture book size pages. Flipping through however reveals an appeal to adolescents, young adults, and anyone coming into an identity that does not conform to heteronormative Eurocentric cultural ideals. The character depicted, Jeremiah, is of a slightly ambiguous age, anywhere from 10 to 15 years old. The words are set against brightly colored, abstract art-like pages, and Jeremiah, drawn in black and white shading, is a racially ambiguous boy with “skin like hazelnut.” He is described as a boy who likes pink and wants to travel to Mars, and the book portrays his imaginative journey through insecurities and mental roadblocks on his way to reaching mars.
The book looks like it was primarily intended for older children, perhaps those of a proficient independent reading level, but who still enjoy picture books. It also seems like the kind of book you could read to a small child, who could enjoys looking at the illustrations of a child playing and interacting with his mother. Teenagers and young adults can also appreciate the source as a visually appealing journey through a child’s imagination and insecurities about growing up. The book is really about confronting your fears and finding the courage to follow your dreams and holds appeal for anyone struggling to overcome an insecurity and chase a dream.
The source is marketed to people of color, anyone who does not fit in, is excluded or feels inadequate in society. The inside cover page starts with the statement: “This book is dedicated to the lonely kids that feel a bit colder at night, and have dreams that keep them warm. These dreams are not wishes, but your purpose.” The intro continues recognize readers who may be bullied, unhappy bullies, in trouble, intelligent despite bad grades, and more. The book validates the reader’s existence and individuality without question, and emphasizes that embracing your dreams is the best thing that you could possibly do.
Johnson, Myles E. Large Fears. 2015. Hillman Library Special Collections. PZ7 . 1 J64La 2015.
Serena Valentino
Representing Adolescence @ Pitt 
Hi Serena,
I really enjoyed reading your piece. After reading your analysis I was shocked to learn how a novel could have such a wide appeal. I feel often times when we talk about adolescents we often lump them all together into one category but as you pointed out, there are actually multiple facets to this which can be differentiated by reading and comprehension level.
~Solomon Heisey
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Serena,
I think you did a really good job with this response. You touched on the book’s physical makeup, its audience, and its purpose, and overall did a great job summing up the text. I didn’t get to see this book when I was at special collections, but I wish I did, because it sounds really interesting. I think giving kids that ambiguity and space to explore who they are is so important, and you captured that idea well in your response.
-Nina Brown
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