Title: OCDaniel
Author: Wesley King
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Reviewer: Yolanda Ridge
ISBN: 9781481455312
Based at least partly on the author’s own experience with obsessive compulsive disorder (as outlined in the author note at the end), this book is a must read for all school aged kids. With up to 20% of children experiencing some type of mental illness, OCDaniel shows why some people chose to keep their “craziness” hidden while providing hope for affected kids, their friends and family.
But that’s not why you should read this book (and recommend it to all the young people in your life). You should read OCDaniel because it is entertaining, touching, insightful, and commassionate. You should read it because there’s football. You should read it because there’s a mystery. You should read it because you will fall in love with Daniel, Psycho Sara, and all the other realistic characters in this book (especially best friend of the year – Max!)…. But most of all, you should read OCDaniel because it is so darn good!
Without spoiling the ending, you will route for the Elephants even if you don’t like football and have no idea what a kicker does. And the mystery will definitely keep you guessing even though the actions of one character’s mom stretches credibility.
A mix of Wonder and Fault in our Stars, and just as well written, OCDaniel will not disappoint in any way. Highly recommended!