Tag Archives: juvenile

Presidential Pets

Presidential Pets Book Cover Presidential Pets
Julia Moberg
Juvenile Nonfiction
Imagine Publishing
January 1, 2012
95

The Wierd, wacky, little, big, scary, strange animals that have lived in the White House.

 

Review:

“Presidential Pets” is an excellent introduction to the history of the American presidents for children.  The hook is obviously the pet facts, but each president also has brief and easy-to-digest facts about their presidency on their pages.  The illustrations are wonderful, as well.  Highly recommended to animal and history lovers of all ages.

This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

OCDaniel

OCDaniel Book Cover OCDaniel
Wesley King
Juvenile Fiction
Simon and Schuster
April 12, 2016
304

A thirteen-year-old boy's life revolves around hiding his obsessive compulsive disorder until a girl at school, who is unkindly nicknamed Psycho Sara, notices him for the first time and he gets a mysterious note that changes everything.

 

Review:

I wish there were more stars to give to “OCDaniel.”  It’s a wonderful and emotional read that I think any middle or high schooler (or adult) will enjoy.

Daniel is 13 years old and has OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), but he doesn’t know what it is.  Written in the first person, he tells how his rituals affect his life and when the first symptoms began.  While OCD is the main subject, Daniel also describes feeling like an inferior sibling and being bullied for other reasons, making it a good look inside the overall hell we know as middle school.  There is a bonus mystery to be solved to add even more reason to keep turning the pages.

I’m going to get personal for a moment.  I have OCD, but it is the result of a bad accident that left me with a traumatic brain injury.  This book had me absolutely sobbing during many of the chapters.  The descriptions of the torment were almost too realistic.  OCD is bad enough as an adult, but to go through it as a kid must be horrible.  I hope those who have it, whether or not they know what it is, are able to find this book.  It has the potential to help many people.

“OCDaniel” is a book I recommend to anyone, even younger children who are able to read at a middle grade level.  It’s a fast read, making it a good choice for reluctant readers.  There are many opportunities for discussion for parents or teachers who wish to read it with their children or class.

This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 

Content Warning:

Brief Mention of Suicide, Bullying