Popcorn by Rob Harrell
Andrew struggles with anxiety. He has a lot going on in his life as well. His grandmother has Alzheimer’s. She had to move in with Andrew and his mom in their two-bedroom apartment. That means Andrew sleeps on the fold-out couch. His mom is starting a new job that will help her pay for a facility for Grandma to live in. So this job is really important. He also has a lot of little things that cause him stress, like germs. He also stressed about whether he locked the door to his apartment (he will go back and check) or closed his locker properly (he will open it and try again). So, yeah, anxiety and OCD. He is working through some of it with his “Anxiety Files” or these little drawings to help explain his feelings. The drawings are throughout the book. Some of them are really funny!
The whole book is told from Andrew’s point of view. It’s like he is talking to us about his life. I like that connection. I also liked how I could relate to a lot of what he is dealing with. I, like many, deal with anxiety. I like how he described what it feels like. I could also relate to a lot of the random mishaps he had. When I was in middle school, I, too, broke my glasses in PE when I was hit in the face with a basketball! I also used to make myself sick with stress. My mom even took me to the doctor, and they diagnosed me with “nervous stomach”. Awesome.
The other cool thing about this book was that it all takes place in one day. One crazy, awful, wild day. There are a few flashbacks, but the main story is within one day. This kid had a horrible day. I’m talking about ketchup mishaps, classroom mishaps, gym mishaps, and even some mishaps at home. It’s one thing after another! We go through it with him. I like that he walks us through his helpful tips to calm his mind and body. I would hope students who read this book keep those tips in the back of their mind. Just in case. I hope this book also helps kids feel less alone if they are dealing with anxiety. It’s like when I see someone on social media who asks, “Does anyone else do this?” and then names some weird thing. I feel so much better when I learn that I am not the only one who does something weird, like practice my order before I call the restaurant, because I’m worried I’ll mess up and embarrass myself. Everyone has something that stresses them out, even just a little.
Wonderful book!
Five out of Five Magical Coffee Cups
Literary Coffee 