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When I See Blue

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Book Synopsis

A Read for Empathy Collection Choice, chosen by EmpathyLab

New town, new school, but the bully is in Ben’s head …

There are 4 things you should know about Ben:
1. He’s 12 years old
2. He’s the new kid at school
3. His special number is 4
4. He has a bully in his brain

Sometimes Ben’s brain makes him count to 4 to prevent bad things happening. Sometimes it makes him tap or blink in 4s. Mostly it makes the smallest things feel impossible. And with a new school, a moody big brother, an absent dad and a mum battling her own demons, Ben feels more out of control than ever. But then he meets April, and with his new friend, Ben might finally figure out how to stand up to the bully in his brain, once and for all.

An authentic and affecting #ownvoices story about living life with OCD, from the inspiring author and mental health activist, Lily Bailey. Perfect for readers of A Kind of Spark and Wonder.

Our Review Panel says...

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.

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When I See Blue

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