Finding Perfect

First-time author Swartz creates a clear, moving portrayal of obsessive-compulsive disorder through the authentic voice of middle schooler Molly Nathans. Molly has always been a neat freak, but after her mother is forced to spend a year in Toronto for work, keeping things orderly becomes Molly's primary concern. Her colored pencils need to be arranged in rainbow order, her glass figurines need to be perfectly aligned, and numbers always need to be even or, she believes, something terrible will happen. When Molly's anxieties (fueled by her sister's declaration that their mother won't come back) collide with concerns about her younger brother's health and an upcoming poetry slam contest, her obsessions spin out of control. Getting an insider's view of Molly's downward spiral is both painful and enlightening. Readers need not be familiar with the psychological terms to recognize the damaging effects of Molly's thinking and how it is wreaking havoc on her relationships. While Molly's situation becomes quite dire, her courageous decision to communicate her fears and seek help pave the way for a comforting resolution. Ages 8-12. Agent: Tricia Lawrence, Erin Murphy Literary. (Oct.)

Gr 4-7--Swartz's debut novel gives readers a glimpse into the increasingly troubling thoughts and feelings of a girl with an anxiety disorder. Molly Nathans is striving for perfection in her 12-year-old life. She is an excellent slam poet and plans to prove it to her school by winning the regional competition. She's also hoping to prove it to her mother, who has left the family for a job in Toronto. As if her absent mother isn't enough of a worry, Molly becomes aware that her compulsion to count by fours and line up her figurines with a ruler is getting out of hand. With middle school friendships and family relationships at its heart, this novel offers an empathetic guide to coping with a mental health issue. As in Sophie Kinsella's YA book Finding Audrey, readers are privy to the inner life of a young person coping with a condition that has her believing she's "crazy." Swartz uses the counting obsession effectively to illustrate the escalation of Molly's problems. Molly's conversations with her friends contrast with her own interior dialogues to help readers understand her minute-by-minute struggle. Though the ending is predictable, there are enough emotional highs and lows throughout to keep readers hoping for Molly's perseverance and triumph. VERDICT Swartz adds to the growing list of fiction titles that raise awareness of differences and promote acceptance; a strong purchase for most middle grade and middle school collections.--Jane Miller, Nashville Public Library

*A 2019-2020 Iowa Children's Choice Book!*
*A Kentucky Blue Grass Master List Pick!*
*A Child Mind's Institute Best Children's Book About Mental Health!*

"While there are several good books about OCD for teen readers, few are available for middle graders, and this is a welcome addition to the fold."—Kirkus

"First-time author Swartz creates a clear, moving portrayal of obsessive-compulsive disorder through the authentic voice of middle schooler Molly Nathans."—Publishers Weekly

"With middle school friendships and family relationships at its heart, this novel offers an empathetic guide to coping with a mental health issue...Swartz adds to the growing list of fiction titles that raise awareness of differences and promote acceptance; a strong purchase for most middle grade and middle school collections."—School Library Journal

"With intense and insightful depictions of Molly's thoughts and subsequent actions, Swartz renders Molly's decline into full-blown OCD visceral and sympathetic; readers with similar tendencies will relate while others, like her friends, will recognize the pain of seeing someone in need but not being able to help. This is a powerful but not overpowering novel, informing audiences about OCD with tact and acceptance through an accessible and relateable cast of characters, from Molly's distracted but well-meaning father to her angry older sister to her supportive but helpless-feeling friends. It's a difficult but manageable journey for readers to take, and many may find themselves using Swartz's list of consulted resources for further information."—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This lightly and sensitively written debut is a candid portrayal of what it might be like for a child living with obsessive-compulsive disorder...the exploration of OCD is thorough and compelling, and the book is as well researched (including a list of consulted resources) as it is gently written."—Booklist

"Elly Swartz's extensive research into Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is evidenced by the authenticity of Molly's voice and perspective. Readers will share in Molly's journey from pain to healing in this excellent debut novel."—School Library Connection