What If?

Available: December 2018

Author: Anna Russell

Specs: 5 1/2” x 8 1/4” • 200 pp. • Written in verse, Excerpt from similar verse book, Suggestions for further reading, About the Author, Hi-lo text

HC ed.: 978-1-5383-8258-5 • $25.80 | $19.40

eBook: 978-1-5383-8329-2 • $25.80 | $19.40

Pbk. ed.: 978-1-5383-8257-8 • $16.35 | $14.20

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Josh Baker isn’t sure why his brain tells him to do things that other people don’t need to do: checking his
locker again and again, counting cracks in ceilings, and always needing to finish a song, for starters. He is a
talented drummer, a math genius, and he knows everything about rock and roll. Yet, he knows his problems
have the power to hurt his family and make him fail at school. When Josh is diagnosed with OCD, it’s a
blessing and a curse. Can he overcome his thoughts, or will they break him?

“This is a captivating story that will capture teens' imaginations. Written in verse, this slim, rhythmic novel for reluctant readers vividly evokes a teen boy's struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder.” — Kirkus

“While the poetic style of writing might seem choppy, it represents Josh's thoughts as he deals with his illness. Told in first person, the novel clearly creates a deep connection with the protagonists and readers. VERDICT: This is a quick read for large collections.” — School Library Journal

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About the Author

Anna Russell is a disabled and chronically ill writer from Buffalo, New York. She holds an MFA in creative writing. Her writing explores topics on chronic illnesses, mental health, and other disabilities to shine a light on these often underrepresented experiences. Her other novel in verse, What If?, was published in 2018.