cbr16bingo Games (Maggie plays a D&D-like game that starts to bleed into her real world)
Just Roll with It by Veronica Agarwal and Lee Durfey-Lavoie is a sweet story about dealing with OCD. This time the parents are a bit more “clueful” but also still have microaggressions that cause issues with the child, Maggie, who is OCD. And it is Maggie who is the one saying there is no problem, that they are not stupid, and are afraid of the stigma attached to “mental health” or “learning issues.” But there is more to it than just basic everyday things and overcoming the situation.
The overall story and what gets us there is relatable. We have been there. Or we are there (aged strong 8-9 to 13 (young) 14, though younger could do it as it has a younger look). The bigger picture is that we think we are in control, but maybe the coping mechanism is the one in control. And therefore, maybe not as helpful as we think or hope. The one part of the story I was on the fence about was that they never really have our main character more “solid” and “in control” of things. This is good, as this shows there isn’t a quick answer, but I was hoping for a more “happily ever after” than what we had. The nice thing is that the authors know their subject and approach it as honestly and fully as possible.
When you see the art, be prepared for everything to be bubbly, cute, which allows a serious subject to have a less hard reality. The element of a D&D game is important and gives it a slightly different take to things and seeing this in the illustrations is not only a nice “break” from the “real-world” but shows how the OCD plays out in Maggie’s mind/world. While reading it was reminded of a younger Buzzing by Samuel Sattin and Rye Hickman (which is probably for at least 10 and up/a 12 and up audience).
