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adrzeck's review against another edition
3.0
Nice #ownvoices murder/mystery. Multiple points of appeal. Diverse cast. No more spoilers.
aposthuma's review against another edition
5.0
I say it every time...but middle grade books just hit different. This was no exception. It did a phenomenal job of portraying the real struggles of OCD, fitting in with middle schoolers, having crushes, and then somehow worked in a murder investigation (!) It was adorable, heartwarming, and well-done.
mbrandmaier's review against another edition
3.0
Daniel is battling OCD. He also is playing football in spite of his hatred towards it to please his father. Additionally, Daniel is writing a book and going through the throes of his first crush. Having lived with someone with this disease, a lot of the OCD details hit home for me. This book could work for older kids or for teens.
peachyteachy's review against another edition
5.0
Great middle grade novel! I loved everything about this one!
mikkealla's review against another edition
5.0
All I can say is, thank you Wesley King! Thank you for an inside look into one of the least discussed mental illnesses. Not only showing us OCD but also a look into Sara's life with generalized anxiety, depression, BPD and mild Schizophrenia. Both of these characters get to showcase very underrepresented and not well understood mental illnesses.
It is hard to listen to at times but also paints a picture of how children often hide their mental afflictions from their peers and families. As someone who also took until their late twenties before actively seeking help for their own mental health and finally being open on these matters, I can empathize a lot with the author and some of the emotions I also had as a kid.
Definitely worth the read!
It is hard to listen to at times but also paints a picture of how children often hide their mental afflictions from their peers and families. As someone who also took until their late twenties before actively seeking help for their own mental health and finally being open on these matters, I can empathize a lot with the author and some of the emotions I also had as a kid.
Definitely worth the read!
thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
“I don’t know why, but watching someone else break makes me feel a lot less broken.”
readsknitsrepeats's review against another edition
5.0
I read this after reading Sara and the Search for Normal. Daniel’s struggle with his OCD was gut wrenching. The isolation and stigma of mental illness is realistically portrayed in the book. The burgeoning friendship between Daniel and Sara gave the story hope.
emilymorgan02's review against another edition
4.0
I just loved this story. I've read several stories about youth with OCD, and this is a perfect one for middle grade students. The characters are so endearing, the struggle acutely painful, and the writing just perfect for the story. I read it quickly and enjoyed every page.
marchemvee's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastically written, heart warming, and eye opening. King does a phenomenal job addressing an often undervalued and overlooked mental illness in a way that is tangible and accessible to both youth and adults. Definitely recommend as a read-aloud for youth.