Lily Bailey Books

As many Y7s know, starting a new school can be very stressful for any child, but 12-year-old Ben is dealing with more than your average person. Issues at home have exacerbated his OCD to the point that he is struggling to deal with things without turning to his compulsions, which in turn he is trying to hide from his new schoolmates, adding more to the pressure he is feeling. It turns into an ongoing struggle for him, until April reaches out to him and a new connection is made.

This book manages to tell a beautiful story of friendship and bravery, while also educating sensitively about what it is like to live with OCD. The descriptions of Ben’s struggles are heartrending, but ultimately it is an inspiring and uplifting story that says so much about the life-affirming importance of friendship.

Informative and a warm evocation of a young boy’s struggles growing up in a difficult situation, it is a perfect book for our troubled times. A great read for children in Years 6, 7 or 8.