Buzzing (A Graphic Novel)

A twelve-year-old boy with OCD struggles to cope with his thoughts until he joins a role-playing game, which helps him to quiet the noise in his head.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

A captivating middle-grade graphic novel that delves into the themes of friendship, belonging, and self-love, even in the face of internal voices. Isaac Itkin, a twelve-year-old boy struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), finds himself constantly battling with unhelpful thoughts that interfere with his daily life. Despite strict therapy imposed by his mother, the treatment seems ineffective. However, when Isaac is invited to join a group of friends for their after-school role-playing game, he experiences a sense of relief from the overwhelming noise in his head. The game provides a temporary escape from his OCD symptoms, making the world seem brighter and more inviting. However, Isaac's therapist raises concerns about the potential negative effects of gaming on children with OCD, and when his grades begin to slip, his mother imposes a ban on him playing. Faced with this setback, Isaac must embark on a journey to prove to himself, his mother, and the world that the key to quieting the noise in his head lies within him all along.

Through his interactions with his friends and the game itself, Isaac learns valuable lessons about acceptance, resilience, and self-discovery. He realizes that his OCD is not a defining characteristic of his identity but rather a part of him that can be managed and controlled. With the support of his friends and his newfound understanding of himself, Isaac embarks on a personal quest to find inner peace and quiet the voices in his head.

The graphic novel beautifully portrays the struggles and emotions of a young boy dealing with mental health issues, offering a relatable and inspiring story that will resonate with readers of all ages. It serves as a powerful reminder that we all have the strength to overcome our challenges and that seeking help and support is essential in achieving personal growth and happiness.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 146 x 216 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780316628419