One of the most beautiful things about To Kill a Mockingbird is being able to see Maycomb through a child's eyes. This makes it a bit difficult to ascertain the fears of the children, as Scout serves primarily as a factual observer, especially in her younger years; however, the reader does learn much about her through the conversations she has, particularly with Atticus.

One of Scout's great hopes in the beginning of the novel is to enjoy learning at school, which will be a new experience for her. Unfortunately, her excitement is met by Miss Caroline, a new teacher who thinks she knows what the children of Maycomb need but who could really benefit from Scout's pointers (which she ignores). When she learns that Scout knows how to read, she instructs her to stop reading with Atticus. She is later angered by Scout's explanation regarding Walter Cunningham's lack of lunch or lunch money. She also dictates the way that Scout should write. In the end, Scout's initial hopes are replaced by a dim acceptance of her reality and she relates, "I could not help receiving the impression that I was being cheated out of something. "

Later in the novel, Scout realizes what a threat Bob Ewell is to Atticus. Because people in her life are generally loving and respectful, she sees for the first time how ugly deep hatred can be. Following the trial (at which she sees Bob Ewell's hatred spew forth in the courtroom), she begins to fear for the safety of her father. We also see this fear at the jail when a crowd assembles against Atticus; they had come to lynch Tom Robinson. It is Scout who diffuses the situation by reaching across the crowd and speaking with Mr. Cunningham.

Older and a little more wise, Jem hopes for true justice following the trial; in fact, he is certain of it. Atticus proves that Tom could not have possibly committed the crimes of which he is accused. Jem thinks the case is as good as won, so when the verdict comes back, he is devastated by reality in contrast to the world he hoped for.

Jem is a bit fearful of Mrs. Dubose, an angry older woman who yells at the kids when they pass by. They try to stay out of her way, but when she says nasty things about Atticus, Jem reaches his breaking point and destroys some of her flowers. As punishment, he is forced to read to her. (As it turns out, she is battling the withdrawal symptoms from a morphine addiction.)

At the beginning of the novel, Scout and Jem both fear Boo Radley, who is described as the "malevolent phantom." As they mature, Scout and Jem begin to feel sympathetic towards Boo, and Scout hopes to one day meet him and have a conversation.

Throughout the novel, Jem finds himself in rather precarious situations that could get him into trouble. From acting out Boo Radley's life story during their play sessions to attempting to leave him notes and look in his window, Jem fears being caught by Atticus. Jem reveres his father and fears disappointing him. Throughout the novel, Jem is obsessed with football and hopes to start on the team. Jem also hopes his father will win the Tom Robinson case.

Scout fears that she cannot contain her temper when provoked, and also fears for her brother's safety when he has to read to Mrs. Dubose. Scout fears that Aunt Alexandra will make her quit playing with Jem and Dill, and force her to take up more feminine activities. Following the Tom Robinson trial, Scout and Jem both fear that Bob Ewell will harm Atticus.