"Exploring the Power of Friendship and Resilience in 'Popcorn' by Rob Harrell: A Review and Discussion Guide"

Popcorn by Rob Harrell

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group/ Dial Books

Genres: Children's/Middle Grade Fiction

Recommended age: 13+

Netgalley shelf e-book novel page count: 139

Expected Publication date: September 3rd, 2024

Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Date Started: June 10, 2024   Date Finished: June 11, 2024

Reviewed for Netgalley, Author, and Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

Andrew is simply trying to get through Picture Day at school, which is easier said than done when dealing with a bully, a malfunctioning science experiment, and juice snot on his shirt. As Andrew embarks on the journey known as picture day and the fact that his grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimer's, is missing, the worry grows from kernels to an almost full-blown popcorn anxiety attack. This illustrated fiction work explores anxiety, OCD, family, and school issues in a personal, entertaining, and educational manner.

Popcorn by Rob Harrell

Review:

The cover is interesting and accurately depicts the story and the feeling of anxiety. The graphics in the novel are well-drawn, complement the accompanying text, and make good visual aids for young readers. The humor throughout the novel is excellent, giving it a lighthearted and comedic feel that will draw in and keep young readers reading till the end. Andrew and Jonesy's friendship was fantastic, and I adored it. The characters are well-developed and realistic, and we get a glimpse of each of their characteristics, allowing us to sympathize with and connect with them. The plot was engaging, amusing, and well-developed overall. The settings were imaginative, realistic, and well-written. The book offers fantastic learning opportunities for readers of all ages about the various forms and coping methods of anxiety, the impacts and feelings of anxiety, and how Alzheimer's affects both the person who has it and their loved ones. The book also does an excellent job of emphasizing the necessity of open communication through voice, body language, and written communication. I liked how the author gave additional materials about anxiety, OCD, and Alzheimer's at the end of the novel so that readers could learn more about them if they wanted. The writing was enjoyable, witty, and descriptive, although it might use some minor editing. As someone who suffers from social anxiety and minor OCD, I found the book to be sympathetic, realistic, and full of opportunities to learn about these conditions. Popcorn by Rob Harrell is an excellent novel with humor, learning, friendship, and support systems. I would recommend this book to anybody aged 13 and above who is or knows someone who is battling with anxiety, OCD, or Alzheimer's, as well as readers looking for a humorous and illustrated fiction book that deals with difficult themes in a lighthearted manner.

Discussion Questions for Popcorn by Rob Harrell

1.      Was the book a “thumbs up” or a “thumbs down” for you?

2.      What do you think about the book’s cover?

3.      Was there a specific scene or illustration that you liked?

a.      Which part(s) of the book or illustrations caught your attention the most?

4.      What did you enjoy about this book?

5.       What did you dislike about the book?

6.      What are some of the ways one can cope with anxiety?

7.      The book depicts having a horrible school picture day. What are some of your own school picture day memories?

8.      Based on the reading, what are some of the ways kids can deal with bullying?

9.      After reading the book, what are some of the things you learned about anxiety, OCD, and Alzheimer's?

10.  After reading the book, describe or draw what you imagine anxiety to feel like or what you imagine to be a bad or goofy school picture or school picture day.