OCDaniel

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Use these links to supplement and complement students’ reading of the work and to increase their overall enjoyment of literature. Challenge them to discern parallel themes, engage through visual and aural stimuli, and delve deeper into the thematic possibilities presented by the title.

Recommended Texts for Pairing

Just Roll with It by Lee Durfey-Lavoie

• Maggie is trying to navigate her first year of middle school, find the right after-school club, and make new friends. While hoping to find her place in school, she copes with her anxiety and OCD with her 20-sided die that she carries around.
• a middle-grade graphic novel with muted pastels and cartoon artwork

Medikidz Interactive Comic about OCD

• explains the symptoms of OCD and how it is an invisible illness
• The comic’s main character is assured that they are not alone with their OCD.
• an interactive webcomic, with expandable features that delve deeper into information about OCD and its treatment

Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone

• a 2015 YA novel whose junior high school-aged protagonist has OCD
• connects to themes of Mental Health and Loneliness and Pain
• Every Last Word on SuperSummary

All the Things That Could Go Wrong by Stewart Foster

• Alex struggles with his OCD and has a hard time leaving his home some days, while Dan’s anger targets Alex because he’s easy prey. Alex’s mom and Dan’s mom arrange for the classmates to spend time together and they learn more than they ever imagined about each other’s experiences.
• a middle grade novel about empathy and understanding the perspective of others

Other Student Resources

“OCD” poem by Neil Hilborn

• This poem, written by Neil Hilborn, went viral for his spoken word performance almost a decade ago and details Hilborn’s OCD in connection to his relationship with his partner.
• a YouTube video from Button Poetry of Neil Hilborn performing “OCD” to an audience

Break the Stigma video

• Children’s Hospital Colorado normalizes mental health issues and encourages viewers to break the stigma of mental health struggles.
• a two-minute YouTube video that advocates for positive attitudes towards mental health

Superpowered: Transform Anxiety into Courage, Confidence, and Resilience by Renee Jain and Dr. Shefali Tsabary

• Using the acronym of P.O.W.E.R., this book walks middle grade readers through methods, activities, and suggestions on how to cope with anxiety, stress, and other mental health concerns.
• a non-fiction middle grade book that promotes mental health maintenance

Teacher Resources

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children CDC Description

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) webpage on obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and teens, with information about symptoms, treatment, and resources for those in need

International OCD Foundation Website

• The International OCD Foundation website includes a wide range of resources for discussing OCD, its prevalence, and potential methods of treatment. Resources on anxiety in the classroom are provided along with other tools for teachers to utilize.

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