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Et cetera What We're Reading: Popcorn

By Vinton Public Library · June 19, 2026, 1:52 pm

I recently read an Iowa Children's Choice Award nominee, 'Popcorn' by Rob Harrell.

It's Picture Day, and Andrew has made a promise to his mom: he'll keep his brand-new shirt clean and take a great picture this year. Easy, right? Not quite!

As the day unfolds, Andrew faces one challenge after another. Between a class bully, lunchtime mishaps, a science experiment gone wrong, and concerns about a family member, his OCD and anxiety begin to spiral. With every new obstacle, Andrew feels closer and closer to popping!

Readers get a look into what it's like to live with anxiety and OCD while navigating the everyday challenges of school and family life.

Will Andrew make it through Picture Day with a clean shirt? You'll have to read Popcorn to find out!

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