Popcorn

By: Rob Harrell

Narrated by: Em Grosland

The beloved author of Wink is back with a hilarious and moving story about coping with anxiety on a day when everything is going wrong

Andrew’s just trying to make it through Picture Day, which is easier said than done when it seems like the whole world is out to get him—from a bully to a science experiment gone wrong to a someone else’s juice snot (don’t ask).

But as Andrew goes through the school day, and as one thing after another goes wrong, that little kernel of worry in his stomach is getting hotter and hotter, until it threatens to pop and turn into a public panic attack, his worst fear. He tries to keep his anxiety at bay, but the news that his grandmother with Alzheimer’s is missing is too much.

This is a poignant, personal, and laugh-out-loud funny story about letting go of control and accepting help—all while trying to get the perfect school picture.

Critic reviews

ALSC Notable Children's Books
NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Honor
CLA/NCTE 2025 Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts
Children's Book Council Favorites Award 2025

★ "Harrell’s illustrated novel shines with a humorous, authentic depiction of a middle school student with anxiety and OCD . . . The text and art provide relatable and creative descriptions of how anxiety feels in the body, as well as real coping skills . . . A must-purchase." —School Library Journal, starred review

"Harrell’s conversational tone, snappy pacing, and realistic dialogue make each chapter eminently readable. The accompanying black-and-white doodles, notes, and comics lend humor to some serious situations. Harrell does a fantastic job of explaining the symptoms accompanying anxiety and panic attacks in simple terms . . . Readers will also appreciate the accurate depictions of talk therapy and of the tics that accompany Andrew’s OCD. Heartwarming, insightful, and surprisingly funny." —Kirkus

" . . . beautifully combines first-person, self-aware narration with 'the Anxiety Files,' black and white (often very funny) comics drawn by the narrator that further elucidate his anxiety and OCD.” —BCCB

“Readers who connected with Raina Telgemeier's Guts will appreciate this thoughtful story about managing anxiety delivered in an inviting, Wimpy Kid–like format.” —Booklist