The Worry Backpack: A Story About the Invisible Things We Carry

Every kid carries something. Some things are just harder to see.

Max is ten years old. He loves basketball, his family, and making people laugh. But lately, his backpack has started to feel heavier, filled with worries no one else can see.

What if they don’t want me there?
What if I make a mistake?
What if I’m just not enough?

As those worries begin to show up as “rocks” in his backpack, Max starts to discover that he isn’t the only one carrying something. Through friendship, family, courage, and small acts of kindness, he learns that being strong doesn’t mean never feeling anxious. It means learning what to do when life feels heavy, and realizing you don’t have to carry it alone.

Written by therapist and former school counselor Erin Welsh, LCPC, The Worry Backpack is a relatable story for readers ages 8–12 about anxiety, friendship, belonging, confidence, and the invisible things kids carry every day.

The book also includes an interactive workbook with practical prompts and tools to help children, parents, teachers, counselors, and therapists continue the conversation.