Popcorn
by Rob Harrell (Author)
The beloved author of Wink is back with a hilarious and moving story about coping with anxiety on a day when everything is going wrong
Andrew's just trying to make it through Picture Day, which is easier said than done when it seems like the whole world is out to get him--from a bully to a science experiment gone wrong to a someone else's juice snot (don't ask).
But as Andrew goes through the school day, and as one thing after another goes wrong, that little kernel of worry in his stomach is getting hotter and hotter, until it threatens to pop and turn into a public panic attack, his worst fear. He tries to keep his anxiety at bay, but the news that his grandmother with Alzheimer's is missing is too much.
Interspersed with humorous spot art and "anxiety file" panels that depict the real, difficult feelings of anxiety and OCD and real tips for coping, this is a poignant, personal, and laugh-out-loud funny story about letting go of control and accepting help--all while trying to get the perfect school picture.
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School Library Journal
Gr 4-7--Harrell's illustrated novel shines with a humorous, authentic depiction of a middle school student with anxiety and OCD. Andrew, a seventh grade boy who lives in an apartment with his mom and grandmother, is trying to get through school picture day without the kernel of anxiety inside him popping into a panic attack. He is coping with a lot, including the separation of his parents, his grandmother's Alzheimer's, and his mom's struggle with financial stability. Harrell skillfully depicts a young person's experience with therapy and finding support for anxiety and panic attacks through friends, family, and trusted teachers. Small black-and-white illustrations are included throughout, as well as sketch-style comics called "The Anxiety Files." The text and art provide relatable and creative descriptions of how anxiety feels in the body, as well as real coping skills. The illustrations build on the humorous tone of Andrew's internal monologue and add balance to the challenging situations he faces. An author's note shares Harrell's own experiences with anxiety and back matter includes further resources about anxiety, OCD, and Alzheimer's. VERDICT A must-purchase--this is sure to be popular with Harrell's fans as well as with readers of middle school-themed illustrated novels and comics.--Taylor Skorski
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Review quotes
★ "Harrell's illustrated novel shines with a humorous, authentic depiction of a middle school student with anxiety and OCD . . . The text and art provide relatable and creative descriptions of how anxiety feels in the body, as well as real coping skills . . . A must-purchase." —School Library Journal, starred review
"Harrell's conversational tone, snappy pacing, and realistic dialogue make each chapter eminently readable. The accompanying black-and-white doodles, notes, and comics lend humor to some serious situations. Harrell does a fantastic job of explaining the symptoms accompanying anxiety and panic attacks in simple terms . . . Readers will also appreciate the accurate depictions of talk therapy and of the tics that accompany Andrew's OCD. Heartwarming, insightful, and surprisingly funny." —Kirkus
" . . . beautifully combines first-person, self-aware narration with 'the Anxiety Files, ' black and white (often very funny) comics drawn by the narrator that further elucidate his anxiety and OCD." —BCCB
JUV019000 - Juvenile Fiction | Humorous Stories
Schools
Boys
Bullying
Humorous fiction
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Alzheimer's disease
Obsessive-compulsive disorder in adolescence
Anxiety
Anxiety in children
School fiction
Bullies and bullying
School photography
