HIJACKED BY GOATS

A tween struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Josie (Jo) Martinez is convinced that if she isn’t the kindest person or the perfect best friend, terrible things will happen and she’ll deserve to be punished. When Jo can’t choose sides in her friends’ argument, her guilt compels her to self-harm. She’s admitted to Bryce Haven Psychiatric Hospital, where she discovers she has OCD—a diagnosis she initially resists. Nevertheless, Jo learns coping mechanisms and befriends Phoebe, who experiences anger management issues. But when Jo abruptly needs to be discharged, she is sure she’s disappointed her dad. Complicating matters, at home she must contend with Hal, the smelly goat her dad is taking care of in his owner’s absence, who bullies animals and humans alike. When Jo’s new therapist invites her to envision her brain being “hijacked by a bully of a goat called OCD,” she wonders: Can standing up to Hal help her confront her illness? Braden’s portrayal of OCD and its treatment is thorough and enlightening. Jo’s fears and self-recrimination are viscerally conveyed, including thoughts and acts of self-harm; readers experiencing similar struggles will appreciate the mental health resources included in the author’s note. Importantly, Jo is more than her OCD; flashes of humor and her passion for art and crafting shine through. Jo is surrounded by heartwarmingly supportive secondary characters, and readers will cheer her gradual progress. Jo’s surname cues her as Latine.

Painful, insightful, and hopeful.