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Exposures: A Story About Life with OCD and the Power of Facing Your Fears
Not yet published
Expected 11 Aug 26Eisner nominated creator Lily Williams's latest graphic novel is an honest and heartwarming account of what it's like living with OCD, and the courage it takes to confront your deepest fears.
Let me tell you about the winter I had to face all my fears.
I used to like a lot of things when I was younger, like dancing, baking, and most of all skiing. But as I got older, things started to change…I started to feel afraid of things like certain colors, numbers, and cracks in the sidewalk.
But there was a way to manage these scary thoughts, and start enjoying the things I used to – it started with something called exposure therapy.
Even though it was hard at first, I learned how brave I truly am.
This is the story of my OCD and how, despite the challenges, I learned to face my fears.
Let me tell you about the winter I had to face all my fears.
I used to like a lot of things when I was younger, like dancing, baking, and most of all skiing. But as I got older, things started to change…I started to feel afraid of things like certain colors, numbers, and cracks in the sidewalk.
But there was a way to manage these scary thoughts, and start enjoying the things I used to – it started with something called exposure therapy.
Even though it was hard at first, I learned how brave I truly am.
This is the story of my OCD and how, despite the challenges, I learned to face my fears.
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 11, 2026
About the author
Lily Williams
14 books161 followersLily Williams is the author and illustrator of the If Animals Disappeared nonfiction picture book series and graphic novels Go With The Flow and Look On The Bright Side (co-written with Karen Schneemann). Lily seeks to inspire change, engage audiences, and educate people of all ages with her artwork. Her work can be seen in films and books and on the web at lilywilliamsart.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 10, 2026
I loved this book. Although the intended audience is middle grade, I think it’s a wonderful primer for anyone who wants to understand what true OCD is, not just misconceptions based on pop lingo.
I appreciated the honest reality of treatment, including the ups and downs and the incredible strength, effort, and frustrations that go along with working to minimize obsessions and compulsions, and showing the reality that progress isn’t linear.
There was maybe room for more discussion around how OCD can differ between individuals, but overall this was so wonderful and definitely a book I will keep to share with clients as a resource.
I appreciated the honest reality of treatment, including the ups and downs and the incredible strength, effort, and frustrations that go along with working to minimize obsessions and compulsions, and showing the reality that progress isn’t linear.
There was maybe room for more discussion around how OCD can differ between individuals, but overall this was so wonderful and definitely a book I will keep to share with clients as a resource.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is in no way a light book. This is an “expose yourself to everyone around you, and strip off your skin to do so,” sort of book. Be warned. There is a lot of emotion here, and a lot of pain.
Peyton can’t get through the day without distracting herself from her thoughts. Her twin sister, Taylor doesn’t have this problem. Taylor is not broken. Peyton feels as though she got the short end of the stick. She is driving herself crazy with fear and stress, and is spirling worse and worse, until her mother finally figures something is wrong and takes her to therapy.
In therapy they teach her to face her fears. She is afraid of germs. She is forced to ride the bus. She doesn’t like eating food where she doesn’t know where it came from. She is forced to do just that. All her fears, she has to face, and find…that she lives. That she doesn’t throw up. That she is fine, in the end.
Of course, it is not as easy as all that. And yes, she slides back. As her therapist says, it is not linear. It goes back and forth.
Although the author has had OCD all her life, she did not get tested and get therapy for it, until she was an adult. She says in writing this story, she hopes that children who are experiencing it, might see themselves in this story and seek out help.
I found this all painful to read, but fascinating at the same time. To see how the therapy worked, to see how Payton’s mind worked was all interesting, and showed a neurodivergency I was unfamiliar with.
Thanks to Netgalley and First Second for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 11th of August 2026
Peyton can’t get through the day without distracting herself from her thoughts. Her twin sister, Taylor doesn’t have this problem. Taylor is not broken. Peyton feels as though she got the short end of the stick. She is driving herself crazy with fear and stress, and is spirling worse and worse, until her mother finally figures something is wrong and takes her to therapy.
In therapy they teach her to face her fears. She is afraid of germs. She is forced to ride the bus. She doesn’t like eating food where she doesn’t know where it came from. She is forced to do just that. All her fears, she has to face, and find…that she lives. That she doesn’t throw up. That she is fine, in the end.
Of course, it is not as easy as all that. And yes, she slides back. As her therapist says, it is not linear. It goes back and forth.
Although the author has had OCD all her life, she did not get tested and get therapy for it, until she was an adult. She says in writing this story, she hopes that children who are experiencing it, might see themselves in this story and seek out help.
I found this all painful to read, but fascinating at the same time. To see how the therapy worked, to see how Payton’s mind worked was all interesting, and showed a neurodivergency I was unfamiliar with.
Thanks to Netgalley and First Second for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 11th of August 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This graphic novel follows the experiences of a young girl with severe OCD. Her contamination fears and compulsive rituals are taking over every aspect of her life, so her parents take her to therapy. Through therapy, Peyton learns about what OCD is and how to fight it, and she faces her fears through exposure and response prevention. Parts of the story focus on therapy, while other parts focus on everyday life at home and at school.
The first-person POV and vivid illustrations help readers understand how horrible these fears are for Peyton, even when they seem obviously irrational or silly to other people. The illustrations show what it's like in Peyton's head, with scratchy red scrawls and angry words imposed on top of what's actually happening in the scene. The graphic novel format works really well here, and the illustrations will help readers sympathize with Peyton's distress, regardless whether or not they can personally relate to it.
In the author's note at the end, Lily Williams says that she got diagnosed with OCD as an adult, but wrote this story to imagine what life could have been like for her if she had gotten help sooner. The story draws on her personal experiences, but it is a work of fiction, not a memoir.
Many stories about OCD focus on the main character's distress and questions, with a therapist finally providing answers and guidance right around the time a story is wrapping up. This story is unique because so much of it focuses on the actual process of ERP treatment for OCD. Petyon specifically deals with contamination fears and fears about death. However, the treatment methodology is the same for other OCD themes, so kids with any variety of OCD can feel represented and learn things from this story.
This book can help kids with OCD feel seen and understood, and it can give them clearer expectations for what treatment is like. The story also has great messages about having the courage to face your fears. I would recommend this to readers of all ages who have OCD, and to people who enjoy thoughtfully represented mental health stories.
Other children's graphic novels about OCD:
Best Friends
Puzzled: A Memoir about Growing Up with OCD
Just Roll with It
Buzzing
Growing Pangs
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The first-person POV and vivid illustrations help readers understand how horrible these fears are for Peyton, even when they seem obviously irrational or silly to other people. The illustrations show what it's like in Peyton's head, with scratchy red scrawls and angry words imposed on top of what's actually happening in the scene. The graphic novel format works really well here, and the illustrations will help readers sympathize with Peyton's distress, regardless whether or not they can personally relate to it.
In the author's note at the end, Lily Williams says that she got diagnosed with OCD as an adult, but wrote this story to imagine what life could have been like for her if she had gotten help sooner. The story draws on her personal experiences, but it is a work of fiction, not a memoir.
Many stories about OCD focus on the main character's distress and questions, with a therapist finally providing answers and guidance right around the time a story is wrapping up. This story is unique because so much of it focuses on the actual process of ERP treatment for OCD. Petyon specifically deals with contamination fears and fears about death. However, the treatment methodology is the same for other OCD themes, so kids with any variety of OCD can feel represented and learn things from this story.
This book can help kids with OCD feel seen and understood, and it can give them clearer expectations for what treatment is like. The story also has great messages about having the courage to face your fears. I would recommend this to readers of all ages who have OCD, and to people who enjoy thoughtfully represented mental health stories.
Other children's graphic novels about OCD:
Best Friends
Puzzled: A Memoir about Growing Up with OCD
Just Roll with It
Buzzing
Growing Pangs
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 31, 2026
Lily Williams’ graphic novel, focused on 12 year old Peyton’s fight to manage her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is NOT an easy book to read. Using dramatic colors, intentional scribbles and chaotic splashes across the page, the burning preoccupation with all the terrible things that might happen unless certain unreasonable behaviors, repetitive motions and rituals are performed comes across in an almost physically painful way. For years, Peyton has struggled to keep her fears and rituals from her family until one winter, her cleansing ski runs down the mountain and various compulsions are too much to hide. Fortunately, her parents realize professional help is needed and support her as she is guided by a physician in cognitive behavior and exposure therapies. The intensity of her therapy is also conveyed with dramatic illustrated panels and clear dialogue, some with her twin sister, Taylor, or her parents, but most in Peyton’s own mind. The book ends with real progress at controlling her intrusive and damaging thoughts and the possibility of a brighter future possible, but the emotional cost was high and readers will be left knowing that those exposure practices must continue for the rest of her life.
Tough read? Yes. Important read? Yes. Readers will be left with a better understanding of a very real experience for some and hope for those who may be battling their own OCD demons. While Peyton is only 12, the information and its delivery make the age range for this particular graphic novel very wide. Readers in grades 5 through 9 would learn a great deal and those on the older end of that range will have the maturity to analyze all the ways Williams’ is able to use art to convey emotions. Peyton’s voice comes through loud and clear and its authenticity is likely due to the author’s own battles to keep her adult-diagnosed OCD from controlling her. Also coming across clearly is the closeness between Peyton and twin Taylor, solid friendships and the importance of family and friend support when facing life’s challenges. The need for a professional counselor and Peyton’s relationship with hers is solidly positive.
Highly recommended for libraries serving grades 5 and up.
Profanity: one use of “Jesus” in a exclamatory way
Violence: only that in Peyton’s mind
Sexual content: none
Representation: neurodiversity/Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; cast of characters are predominantly Caucasian
LBGTQ+ characters: none
Thanks for the early look, NetGalley and First Second.
Tough read? Yes. Important read? Yes. Readers will be left with a better understanding of a very real experience for some and hope for those who may be battling their own OCD demons. While Peyton is only 12, the information and its delivery make the age range for this particular graphic novel very wide. Readers in grades 5 through 9 would learn a great deal and those on the older end of that range will have the maturity to analyze all the ways Williams’ is able to use art to convey emotions. Peyton’s voice comes through loud and clear and its authenticity is likely due to the author’s own battles to keep her adult-diagnosed OCD from controlling her. Also coming across clearly is the closeness between Peyton and twin Taylor, solid friendships and the importance of family and friend support when facing life’s challenges. The need for a professional counselor and Peyton’s relationship with hers is solidly positive.
Highly recommended for libraries serving grades 5 and up.
Profanity: one use of “Jesus” in a exclamatory way
Violence: only that in Peyton’s mind
Sexual content: none
Representation: neurodiversity/Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; cast of characters are predominantly Caucasian
LBGTQ+ characters: none
Thanks for the early look, NetGalley and First Second.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Twelve year old Peyton has always had worries in her mind, but lately those concerns have become overwhelming. Death and danger seem to be lurking around every corner, and Peyton turns to counting, tapping, picking, and even throwing up in an attempt to manage her big feelings. When her carefully hidden habits finally appear on the surface, Peyton’s family leans in to offer their support, including taking Peyton to a therapist who specializes in exposure therapy. Through weeks of sessions that shine an uncomfortable spotlight on her worst fears, Peyton bravely faces her inner demons and begins to realize that she is stronger than she has ever given herself credit for.
This intense and vulnerable story explores the very real and debilitating sensations that come from having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. As a graphic novel, the book is uniquely suited to emphasize the feelings growing inside of Peyton as her anxiety spikes, filling the space with her internal self-talk alongside the words spoken aloud by others. Peyton’s fears are palpable, especially as the unseen villain of OCD is a constant and threatening presence, and sitting through the discomfort as a reader makes Peyton’s circumstances more vivid. As the plot progresses, the visual elements of the story beautifully echo the changes happening within Peyton as she begins to realize that she has agency over her emotions and that the enemy inside her does not always have to be in control. Important and honest, this graphic novel serves as an effective window and mirror into the world of OCD, offering middle grade readers and up a tool through which to better understand themselves and one another. This is an important addition to graphic novel collections for mature middle grade readers.
This intense and vulnerable story explores the very real and debilitating sensations that come from having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. As a graphic novel, the book is uniquely suited to emphasize the feelings growing inside of Peyton as her anxiety spikes, filling the space with her internal self-talk alongside the words spoken aloud by others. Peyton’s fears are palpable, especially as the unseen villain of OCD is a constant and threatening presence, and sitting through the discomfort as a reader makes Peyton’s circumstances more vivid. As the plot progresses, the visual elements of the story beautifully echo the changes happening within Peyton as she begins to realize that she has agency over her emotions and that the enemy inside her does not always have to be in control. Important and honest, this graphic novel serves as an effective window and mirror into the world of OCD, offering middle grade readers and up a tool through which to better understand themselves and one another. This is an important addition to graphic novel collections for mature middle grade readers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Exposures by Lily Williams follows the young character of Peyton in her experiences with OCD. It bounces between the current time as she goes to school, skis for fun, and spends time with friends and family, including her twin sister. The less detailed sketches are flashbacks to explain how some of her behaviors and thoughts developed over time. The sketches and color really helped to highlight Peyton's emotions, especially when the author did things like scribbled outside the box in red to highlight Peyton's thoughts and fears. The family is very supportive as Peyton goes through her exposure therapy. While the target audience for this book is middle school, it definitely is accessible and appropriate to a high school audience looking for a book about someone their age and about someone living through daily challenges. This book definitely covers very heavy and emotional topics including some of the thoughts and actions that come with Peyton's OCD. So while trigger warnings may be obvious in the description of the book, it certainly won't be for everyone; I don't have background in OCD, so I'm not sure how others will take the treatment as well.; however, it is related to the author's own experiences. Overall, I really appreciated the story and look forward to buying it for my library. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Peyton, a young g girl who is having problems with fears. We all get fearful at times, but Peyton’s fears go beyond the scope of typical fears. When her family is confronted with Peyton’s growing fears and behaviors, they seek professional help.
I loved that Anna the therapist asked actual questions that would be used for a diagnosis. The questions aren’t dumbed down. This is so helpful for any kids (or adults too) to see if these thoughts or patterns applies to them. It was touching that during questions Peyton thinks to herself “The more Anna asked me, the less alone I felt.”
The use of illustrations to explain how OCD works was amazing. Again, it wasn’t dumbed down but at the same time easy to understand. Therapy is not a linear process, and we see that with Peyton’s progress as she navigates her journey with OCD. Anyone dealing with OCD or other mental health issues can benefit from this graphic novel with some of the discussions and exercises used with Peyton. Also the effects this has on Peyton’s family, especially her sister, were handled masterfully. I think this would be a great book not just for those dealing with mental health issues, but many other children to help them understand mental health better. It will be a great addition to a classroom library for middle grade students.
I loved that Anna the therapist asked actual questions that would be used for a diagnosis. The questions aren’t dumbed down. This is so helpful for any kids (or adults too) to see if these thoughts or patterns applies to them. It was touching that during questions Peyton thinks to herself “The more Anna asked me, the less alone I felt.”
The use of illustrations to explain how OCD works was amazing. Again, it wasn’t dumbed down but at the same time easy to understand. Therapy is not a linear process, and we see that with Peyton’s progress as she navigates her journey with OCD. Anyone dealing with OCD or other mental health issues can benefit from this graphic novel with some of the discussions and exercises used with Peyton. Also the effects this has on Peyton’s family, especially her sister, were handled masterfully. I think this would be a great book not just for those dealing with mental health issues, but many other children to help them understand mental health better. It will be a great addition to a classroom library for middle grade students.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Okay, I really loved the way OCD was represented through Peyton’s thoughts and the art. I specifically appreciated the use of red, especially since that was one of her triggers, in the art when Peyton’s thoughts started to spiral. Speaking of thought spirals— while reading, I could not help but think of John Green’s Turtles All the Way Down, which is currently being read by groups of my freshmen in our lit circles unit and excellently portrays a character with OCD. In that book, the main character is also undergoing ERP, which is a type of CBT. After reading, I did some quick research about it and I want to learn more about these therapies for OCD. I think I will be recommending this graphic novel to my students when they finish reading Turtles All the Way Down. It was rewarding to follow Peyton through this story, from the highs to the lows and back again, with the help of her supportive family, therapist, and strategies. It was also interesting to see the juxtaposition of Peyton’s life with OCD and her twin sister Taylor’s life without it. Their bond was a highlight of the book. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
TW: throwing up
Firstly, I would like to thank Lily Williams for creating this graphic novel. I felt seen reading it and realized how complex OCD can be from person to person. I'm not professionally diagnosed with OCD, but I have noticed over time the intrusive thoughts and repetitive behavior. I also have a fear of things being contaminated. So that part of the book hit me hard.
This graphic novel was well-written. I truly showed all aspects of Peyton's OCD and how she dealt with the things she had to do in therapy. At the same time, they were incredibly hard to read. It's part of the journey to getting better. I loved how we got to see her navigate upsetting situations. Best of all is seeing her blossom in the end. That filled me with so much hope for me and anyone going through this. I would highly recommend this book, whether you know someone who has OCD or not. I think it's an important mental health disorder that should be talked about more.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lily Williams, and First Second Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Firstly, I would like to thank Lily Williams for creating this graphic novel. I felt seen reading it and realized how complex OCD can be from person to person. I'm not professionally diagnosed with OCD, but I have noticed over time the intrusive thoughts and repetitive behavior. I also have a fear of things being contaminated. So that part of the book hit me hard.
This graphic novel was well-written. I truly showed all aspects of Peyton's OCD and how she dealt with the things she had to do in therapy. At the same time, they were incredibly hard to read. It's part of the journey to getting better. I loved how we got to see her navigate upsetting situations. Best of all is seeing her blossom in the end. That filled me with so much hope for me and anyone going through this. I would highly recommend this book, whether you know someone who has OCD or not. I think it's an important mental health disorder that should be talked about more.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lily Williams, and First Second Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Exposures: A Story About Life with OCD and the Power of Facing Your Fears by Lily Williams is an incredibly moving and inspiring graphic novel.
Through her own story, Lily shows what it’s really like to live with OCD — the fears about colors, numbers, and even cracks in the sidewalk — in a way that’s honest, relatable, and accessible for young readers. The graphic novel format makes her journey come alive, letting readers see the anxiety, the struggle, and the moments of courage on every page.
Exposure therapy, which might sound scary at first, is explained in a gentle, empowering way. Watching Lily face her fears and slowly reclaim the activities she once loved — like skiing, dancing, and baking — is both uplifting and relatable.
The art beautifully complements the story, capturing the emotions behind every thought and fear. It’s an authentic, heartfelt look at OCD and the power of bravery, making this graphic novel a must-read. Five stars without a doubt. 💛
Through her own story, Lily shows what it’s really like to live with OCD — the fears about colors, numbers, and even cracks in the sidewalk — in a way that’s honest, relatable, and accessible for young readers. The graphic novel format makes her journey come alive, letting readers see the anxiety, the struggle, and the moments of courage on every page.
Exposure therapy, which might sound scary at first, is explained in a gentle, empowering way. Watching Lily face her fears and slowly reclaim the activities she once loved — like skiing, dancing, and baking — is both uplifting and relatable.
The art beautifully complements the story, capturing the emotions behind every thought and fear. It’s an authentic, heartfelt look at OCD and the power of bravery, making this graphic novel a must-read. Five stars without a doubt. 💛
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank Lily Williams, First Second, and NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to preview Exposures in exchange for my sincere review.
This book was truly a heart book for me. Inspired by the author’s real life experiences with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I am so glad that she chose to be vulnerable and brave to write this. As a former Special Education teacher, I encountered children who were similar to Peyton. Even though I knew all about those diagnoses, I was grateful to read about what goes on inside during moments of anxiety and frustration. I absolutely loved the friendship between Peyton and her twin sister.
I will definitely recommend this book to anybody who needs courage to be brave! I will be buying this for my own school library collection.
This book was truly a heart book for me. Inspired by the author’s real life experiences with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I am so glad that she chose to be vulnerable and brave to write this. As a former Special Education teacher, I encountered children who were similar to Peyton. Even though I knew all about those diagnoses, I was grateful to read about what goes on inside during moments of anxiety and frustration. I absolutely loved the friendship between Peyton and her twin sister.
I will definitely recommend this book to anybody who needs courage to be brave! I will be buying this for my own school library collection.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley.
Middle readers are my favorite age range for graphic novels as a genre and Exposures continued that favoritism. I do not have OCD, but my husband does and several of our close friends do as well, so OCD is a frequent presence in my life. The illustrations in Exposures communicates Peyton's fears well, fluctuating between soft colors for her memories, more vibrant for current and almost loud and screaming during panic and CBT sessions.
I love the author's note as well with both autobiographical content and the acknowledgement that this book is a sort of fantasy revisioning of how her OCD could've been caught and treated earlier.
I was given the opportunity to read this title by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Middle readers are my favorite age range for graphic novels as a genre and Exposures continued that favoritism. I do not have OCD, but my husband does and several of our close friends do as well, so OCD is a frequent presence in my life. The illustrations in Exposures communicates Peyton's fears well, fluctuating between soft colors for her memories, more vibrant for current and almost loud and screaming during panic and CBT sessions.
I love the author's note as well with both autobiographical content and the acknowledgement that this book is a sort of fantasy revisioning of how her OCD could've been caught and treated earlier.
I was given the opportunity to read this title by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a review of Exposures by Lily Williams.
Exposures follows Peyton as a child who is diagnosed with OCD and goes through exposure therapy. The book is inspired by the author's own experience with exposure therapy, and it is clear that the story is written by someone with experience on the topic. The feelings of compulsions are visceral and heartbreaking, and the graphic novel format really puts you inside Peyton's head while she experiences her symptoms and the exposures. The characters are lovable and relatable, and the tension between the sisters feels very real. I will absolutely be recommending this book to kids. What an amazing mirror for kids experiencing OCD, and a perfect pathway for building empathy for others!
Exposures follows Peyton as a child who is diagnosed with OCD and goes through exposure therapy. The book is inspired by the author's own experience with exposure therapy, and it is clear that the story is written by someone with experience on the topic. The feelings of compulsions are visceral and heartbreaking, and the graphic novel format really puts you inside Peyton's head while she experiences her symptoms and the exposures. The characters are lovable and relatable, and the tension between the sisters feels very real. I will absolutely be recommending this book to kids. What an amazing mirror for kids experiencing OCD, and a perfect pathway for building empathy for others!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Peyton is only 12 years old and living in terror of losing her family, especially her twin sister, or being not good enough, or embarrassing herself in front of others... her brain is"too loud", and the world is "too bright", never giving her time to relax or calm down. Only by counting, picking at her head or throwing up can she establish any fleeting control over her thoughts. Peyton has OCD, which she very successfully hides from her family until one day, she no longer can.
This graphic book is beautifully created using a generally muted palette to convey Peyton's day to day world, with strident red panic clearly portrayed through color and line. The story is clear and simply told, juxtaposing Peyton's words and outer calm with her inner dialogue and panic attacks. The assistance of Dr Anna and the treatment Peyton goes through as she tries to find herself without OCD ruling her brain may seem harsh or even hardhearted, however the progress Peyton makes, even without realizing it, as shown by the expanding use of colors and the gradual disappearance of the previously predominant red, gives hope for the future. Peyton is learning to deal with life's uncertainties, without letting her OCD brain rule her actions, or even her thoughts, and helping her twin deal with life's ups and downs along the way.
I loved this book. Representation is something we need to see more of, especially in Middle Grade fiction. Peyton has a severe case of OCD. I know of friends or family who have other forms of OCD, but this is something that we generally don't talk about or see reflected in our literature. It is important for young people to be able to see either aspects of themselves or of people they see around them, represented in the books they read. I can totally empathize with Peyton and her sister, and I'm sure you will too!
This graphic book is beautifully created using a generally muted palette to convey Peyton's day to day world, with strident red panic clearly portrayed through color and line. The story is clear and simply told, juxtaposing Peyton's words and outer calm with her inner dialogue and panic attacks. The assistance of Dr Anna and the treatment Peyton goes through as she tries to find herself without OCD ruling her brain may seem harsh or even hardhearted, however the progress Peyton makes, even without realizing it, as shown by the expanding use of colors and the gradual disappearance of the previously predominant red, gives hope for the future. Peyton is learning to deal with life's uncertainties, without letting her OCD brain rule her actions, or even her thoughts, and helping her twin deal with life's ups and downs along the way.
I loved this book. Representation is something we need to see more of, especially in Middle Grade fiction. Peyton has a severe case of OCD. I know of friends or family who have other forms of OCD, but this is something that we generally don't talk about or see reflected in our literature. It is important for young people to be able to see either aspects of themselves or of people they see around them, represented in the books they read. I can totally empathize with Peyton and her sister, and I'm sure you will too!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The author does an excellent job of portraying Peyton's highs and lows related to her OCD, using both the text and the remarkable artwork in this graphic novel. I believe this book can help children living with undiagnosed OCD find the words to describe their experiences to others. Additionally, I think it can foster greater understanding among those who know someone with OCD, helping them better comprehend what that individual is going through. I wish my child had had this book when she was young; perhaps we could have sought help for her sooner.
Although it is intended for younger students, I will definitely be purchasing this for my high school library.
Although it is intended for younger students, I will definitely be purchasing this for my high school library.
March 21, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
“Exposure” gives such vivid insight to OCD, showing readers who may never had those experiences what it feels like. The illustrations are balanced between the reality of the story and the visualization of Peyton’s OCD. The book is able to show therapy accurately, reminding readers that “being brave isn’t being fearless. It’s doing things in spite of fear.” This is a great addition for any middle grade bookshelf.
**3.75 stars
“Exposure” gives such vivid insight to OCD, showing readers who may never had those experiences what it feels like. The illustrations are balanced between the reality of the story and the visualization of Peyton’s OCD. The book is able to show therapy accurately, reminding readers that “being brave isn’t being fearless. It’s doing things in spite of fear.” This is a great addition for any middle grade bookshelf.
**3.75 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an important book. The story is enhanced by the fact that it is a graphic novel. Readers can actually picture the anxiety and anxiousness in the midst of an OCD attack. Williams does such a great job of showing that OCD is more than being organized and meticulous, but an actual condition. I absolutely loved this book and will put it in as many hands as possible.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I liked the color palette chosen for this graphic novel. Many of the pages had artwork that seemed chaotic and over the top. But that helped me understand more about how OCD is so intense. I think this book does a solid job of informing and entertaining the reader.
Review of advance copy
Reviewed for SLJ
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