Fiction Books for Young People with OCD
- Catherine Benfield
- Apr 2
- 8 min read
When I first started writing about OCD, it was very difficult to get your hands on resources that were designed for children with OCD. Over the past decade, I've seen this area start to explode, and this is especially the case in non-fiction children's books about OCD! You often can't beat books as a way of helping young people feel understood and supported. I'm thrilled to write this post as it's being published on 2nd April, which is International Children's Book Day (ICBD), and features some of the best non-fiction books I've encountered about OCD for young people. I hope you enjoy it and find it helpful!
Rose is a soft, cuddly bunny who adores her little boy and all the fun they share together - playing at the park, painting colorful pictures, and reading cozy bedtime stories. Life is perfect!
But one day, Rose notices a tiny loose thread on her arm.
At first, she tries to ignore it. But the more she notices it, the bigger it seems. The urge to pull at it grows stronger… and stronger… until she just has to give it a little tug.
Before long, that tiny thread is all Rose can think about. Her arm begins to unravel, her stuffing spills out, and bit by bit, she finds herself unable to do the things she loves.
Tara Sullivan has always been afraid of bad things happening.
As a little girl, she couldn’t bear to be apart from her mom. What if something terrible happened while she was gone? At school, fire drills sent her into a panic. Practice? For what disaster?!
Then, one day, she heard the words that changed everything: Step on a crack, break your mother’s back.
Tara knew it was just a saying… but what if it wasn’t? What if stepping wrong really could hurt her mom? Suddenly, she was counting every crack in the sidewalk. Then came the meal arranging, the endless prayers, the urgent need to kiss her fingers and tap doorknobs just right.
What started as little quirks became something bigger - something Tara couldn’t stop, no matter how hard she tried.
A gripping, honest, and deeply relatable story about OCD, fear, and finding the strength to break free.
Malik's Number Thoughts: A Story about OCD - Natalie Rompella (4-8)
Malik is so excited about the minigolf birthday party!
But as soon as he arrives, his Number Thoughts start swirling in his head. What if he has to take four tries to get the ball in the hole? What if everyone notices? What if they make fun of him?
Malik knows his Number Thoughts can be tricky - they make simple things feel scary and must be followed. But can he find the courage to say “no” to them and enjoy the game, just like everyone else?
A playful, relatable story about overcoming OCD. Perfect for kids who worry about numbers, routines, or anything else that feels too big to handle.
Daniel is really good at not being noticed.
At school, he keeps his head down. At football practice, he’s technically the back-up punter, but really, he’s the water boy, making sure the cups are just right. The last thing he wants is for anyone to see the Zaps - his secret OCD rituals, like flipping light switches over and over or avoiding the number four. Because if they did, they’d definitely think something was wrong with him.
But then she notices.
Sara - who everyone calls Psycho Sara - sees Daniel in a way no one else ever has. And just when he thinks his life can’t get any weirder, a mysterious note appears:
“I need your help.”
Signed, Fellow Star Child.
Suddenly, Daniel is tangled in a mystery bigger than himself, and for the first time, hiding might not be an option.
A funny, heartfelt, and unforgettable story about secrets, struggles, and finding the people who truly see you.
Matthew watches the world from his window.
Stuck in his bedroom, trapped by the routines and fears that come with OCD, he spends his days observing the people of Chestnut Close go about their lives. Safe. Distant.
Until one day, something terrible happens.
His next-door neighbor’s toddler, Teddy, disappears. And Matthew was the last person to see him.
Now, he has a choice: stay hidden in his room, where everything feels safe, or step outside and face the world to uncover the truth. With the help of some unexpected new friends, Matthew sets out to solve the mystery - discovering courage, connection, and hope along the way. A gripping, heartfelt story about fear, friendship, and what happens when you dare to take the first step.
James is the mayor of a happy, peaceful town.
Everything runs smoothly, and life is good. But James has a secret - one he hasn’t told anyone.
Inside his head, there’s a voice. A bossy, mean, and very convincing voice called Bully Brain. It whispers doubts, plants worries, and makes James feel like he has to do things a certain way, or else.
Then one day, a jealous mayor from a neighbouring town arrives, determined to cause trouble. And Bully Brain? It loves the chaos. As the pressure builds, James must decide: will he let Bully Brain take over, or can he fight back and take charge of his own mind?
A fun, empowering story to help kids understand OCD, intrusive thoughts, and how to stand up to their own Bully Brain!
Welcome to the Defeating Bully Brain Organization!
Scarlett is no ordinary kid; she’s the founder and lead detective of a top-secret team with one mission: to fight back against Bully Brain!
Bully Brain is sneaky. It whispers scary what-ifs, makes up unfair rules, and convinces kids they have to do things a certain way. But Scarlett knows the truth—Bully Brain isn’t the boss.
Now, she’s recruiting new detectives: Alice, Noah, and Ava. Each of them has their own Bully Brain to battle, and each will need a different strategy to defeat it. But can they crack the case? And more importantly, can they use what they’ve learned to help others escape Bully Brain’s tricks?
A fun, empowering introduction to OCD, intrusive thoughts, and how kids can take back control - one detective mission at a time! Perfect for young readers ready to stand up to their own Bully Brain.
New town. New school. Same old bully...
There are four things you should know about Ben:
He’s 12 years old. He’s the new kid at school. His special number is 4. There’s a bully in his brain.
Bully Brain controls him, forcing him to count, tap, blink in 4s, whispering that if he doesn’t, something bad will happen. And with a moody big brother, a dad who’s never around, and a mum struggling with her own battles, Ben feels more out of control than ever.
But then he meets April. April, who sees him for him. April, who makes him wonder… what if he can fight back?
A powerful, heartfelt story about OCD, friendship, and finding the courage to stand up to the bully in your brain.
Rory Hobble’s mind is full of worries.
The doctors call it OCD. His mum calls it nonsense. But no matter what anyone says, the thoughts won’t stop. Maybe they’re right—maybe it is his fault she’s sick. Maybe that’s why she forgets to feed him. Maybe that’s why she screams.
At least the stars never change. Watching them through his telescope is the only thing that makes Rory feel okay.
Until one night, something impossible appears in the sky.
Strange lights. Not from Earth.
Then his mum disappears, snatched away by a shadowy figure called the Whiffetsnatcher. And suddenly, Rory’s world gets a lot bigger. With the help of Limmy, a space-faring, care-experienced social worker, Rory blasts off on a rescue mission to the frozen edges of the Solar System. Along the way, he’ll have to outsmart secret colonies on Mars, dodge terrifying creatures, and learn to speak to alien whales.
But the biggest battle? The one that came with him from Earth. Because when the moment comes, Rory will have to decide: does his mum deserve to be saved?
A breathtaking, mind-bending adventure about OCD, bravery, and discovering that you get to choose your own future—no matter where the journey takes you.
Frankie is always worried.
Worried about his new school. Worried about making friends. Worried about the boys who wait on the corner to tease him. But most of all, Frankie’s worried about the cracks in the pavement. What if he steps on one? What if something bad happens?
But one day, Frankie discovers something that changes everything.
He meets the foibles, the pesky little creatures who whisper worries in his ear, just like the bully boys on the corner. They make him feel scared, anxious, and convinced that if he doesn’t do things just right, something terrible will happen. But Frankie’s new friend teaches him that he doesn’t have to listen to the foibles. He doesn’t have to let them control him.
With a big smile on his face and a little help from his friend, Frankie learns how to ignore the foibles and take back control of his own thoughts.
A heartwarming, beautifully illustrated story for children - especially those who worry or struggle with OCD and anxiety. A perfect way for parents and teachers to gently discuss worries and explore ways to manage them.
CJ is full of energy and loves animals!
But as she gets older, she starts having thoughts that come back again and again. Thoughts that make her feel uneasy and worried. They’re hard to ignore, and they make it tough for CJ to focus at school.
Soon, CJ learns that these repetitive thoughts are called Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It’s a lot to understand, but with the help of Dr. Bree and her parents, CJ starts her journey to learn more about OCD and how to manage it.
Along the way, CJ discovers six special tips that help her take charge of her thoughts. But the most important lesson of all? Practicing Being Brave.
With bravery in her heart, CJ learns that she can face her worries and take control of her OCD - one brave step at a time.
A fun, uplifting story about understanding OCD.
There are two sides to every story.
Dan is angry. Nothing has been the same since his big brother left, and he’s taking it out on the nearest and weakest target: Alex. Alex is struggling. His severe OCD makes it hard for him to leave the house, especially when Dan and his gang are waiting for him at school... Then the boys’ mums arrange for them to meet up and finish building the raft that Dan started with his brother. Two enemies stuck together for the whole of the school holidays – what could possibly go wrong?
And there we have it! I hope you find some seriously helpful books for your young people with OCD from that list. Some of the books cover very tricky subjects so please make sure you take a good look first to check for suitability before reading them to your child.
Sending you all loads of love,
Catherien xx
Further reading
Want to find non-fiction books for young people with OCD? Check this page out.
Want to know more about the resources available for people with OCD of all ages? Please check out the following page here.
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Great list! I love how these books offer young readers relatable stories about OCD. They’re not only engaging but also help foster understanding and empathy. Thanks for sharing these thoughtful recommendations!https://www.mindfulnesscontent.com