OCDaniel

Reach for this book when you notice your child struggling with private rituals, repetitive behaviors, or intrusive thoughts they seem ashamed to talk about. It is an essential resource for children who feel they are losing control of their own minds or who worry they are simply weird because of the mental checklists they must complete to feel safe. The story follows Daniel, a boy who hides his Zaps (compulsive behaviors) until a school mystery and a new friendship force him to confront his mental health. It provides a deeply empathetic, secular look at undiagnosed OCD through the lens of a relatable middle schooler. Parents will value how it de-stigmatizes neurodivergence and offers a realistic yet hopeful path toward seeking help and finding self-acceptance. It is perfectly pitched for ages 10 to 14, balancing heavy internal struggles with humor and a fast-paced mystery plot.