Popcorn: A Hilarious And Moving Story About Coping With Anxiety

By (author) Harrell Rob
Short description/annotation:


A heartfelt and laugh-out-loud-funny story about letting go of control and accepting help, interspersed with Rob Harrell''s amazing spot art and comic panels that depict the real, difficult feelings of anxiety and OCD, as well as real tips for coping.
Description:

Andrew''s just trying to get through school photo day with one aim: a photo of him which his mum will like. But today of all days, the world seems out to get him. There''s a bully, the science experiment gone wrong, scary news about his grandmother, and someone else''s juice snot (don''t ask). Andrew struggles with anxiety, and the little kernel of worry in his stomach is getting hotter and hotter . . . Can he make it through the day without popping?

A heartfelt and laugh-out-loud-funny story about letting go of control and accepting help, interspersed with Rob Harrell''s amazing spot art and comic panels that depict the real, difficult feelings of anxiety and OCD, as well as real tips for coping.

Review quote:

Harrell''s illustrated novel shines with a humorous, authentic depiction of a middle school
student with anxiety and OCD. A must-purchase-this is sure to be popular with Harrell''s fans as well as with readers of middle school-themed illustrated novels and comics.

Review quote:
Harrell''s conversational tone, snappy pacing, and realistic dialogue make each chapter eminently readable. The accompanying black-and-white doodles, notes, and comics lend humor to some serious situations. Harrell does a fantastic job of explaining the symptoms accompanying anxiety and panic attacks in simple terms . . . Readers will also appreciate the accurate depictions of talk therapy and of the tics that accompany Andrew''s OCD. Heartwarming, insightful, and surprisingly funny.
Review quote:
Blends humour with meaningful themes, making it a useful text for discussing mental health and support systems with UKS2 and KS3 readers. Highly recommended.
Review quote:
Harrell''s illustrated novel shines with a humorous, authentic depiction of a middle school student with anxiety and OCD [...] A must-purchase.
Review quote:
Heartwarming, insightful, and surprisingly funny.
Biographical note:
Rob Harrell is a syndicated cartoonist (Adam@ Home) and his illustration clients include Mad magazine, Time Inc. and Volkswagen. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and dogs. He is the author of the novels WINK and POPCORN.
Promotional headline:
Sometimes life turns up the heat ...
Feature:
A poignant and authentic story based on the author''s own experiences of anxiety as a child
Feature:
A nuanced exploration of anxiety and OCD with real tips for coping, but very accessibly written in a warm, funny style and with a positive resolution
Feature:
Rob Harrell''s follow-up to the critically acclaimed WINK, which was selected as one of Time Magazine''s 10 Best YA and Children''s books of 2020
Feature:
With a mix of spot art and ''The Anxiety Files'' comic panels, this is a visually exciting exploration of anxiety and OCD for children aged 10-12
Feature:
Teacher''s Notes will be available, enabling class discussions around the issues in the book