I thought this was a moving memoir that is really important to have, especially for readers who need it! It will definitely pair well with the graphic novel Buzzing.

This was amazing! A very good intro/memoir into (undiagnosed) OCD and debunks common misconceptions. I enjoyed every bit of this book.

Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group for letting me read an ARC of this book through NetGalley!

*Note: I rated this book on the non-fiction version of the CAWPILE system, since it is a memoir.

Puzzled
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.57/10 overall

Credibility/Research - 6
Since the book is from and about Cooke's own experiences, there is much credibility in this book. I do think there could have been more of an explanation of what OCD is - the information provided felt fairly surface-level. However, I understand that the book is not trying to be super scientific, so I get that it might not have fit the tone as well.

Authenticity/Uniqueness - 7
The book was certainly authentic and had a clear focus. However, it didn't feel super unique or original. While it's true that there aren't many accurate books about OCD on the market today, that felt like the only uniqueness point I could really give this book.

Writing - 7
The writing was fine, if a bit bland at times. I enjoyed the extended metaphor of the puzzle throughout the book and the perspective of the different manifestations of OCD symptoms.

Personal Impact - 6
I was glad to have learned more about OCD from this book, but this didn't have a big personal impact for me otherwise. However, I think this book will likely have a bigger impact for those who have OCD as they can see similar experiences reflected back to them in a likeable and heartfelt story.

Intrigue - 7
I was intrigued by the description and cover of this book. I was interested to learn more about OCD and I think I came away with some new insights after reading this story.

Logic/Informativeness - 7
The story that was told and the conclusions drawn seemed logical. This book was fairly informative about what experiences with OCD can look like.

Enjoyment - 6
I enjoyed learning about Cooke's journey to learning about, managing, and accepting his OCD. :)

Graphic memoirs are truly one of my favorite and this just proves why. It gives such great information in a very clear and interesting way that keeps your attention and will keep the attention of people of so many ages. It may be a "juvenile" book, but it truly is for everyone to read about and learn a little more.

There's a lot to like about this graphic memoir, which presents OCD in an approachable way that will resonate with kids (and adults) who have it as well as those who don't. I think it's a bit mature for my elementary-age patrons -- though I'd certainly give it to an individual kid here and there, my feeling is that it belongs more solidly and would get more use in a middle or even high school collection. Other school librarian's mileage may vary, however! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

I didn’t know how much Catholicism there would be in it, but I do appreciate the representation of OCD in childhood, not very common in middle grade books, and certainly my first in graphic format.

Pan Cooke's Puzzled offers a unique perspective on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) through their personal journey. Cooke's ability to articulate the often-confusing experiences of OCD is a strength of the book, making it relatable to readers who haven't directly encountered the condition.

However, the book could be further enhanced by delving deeper into Cooke's experience with OCD therapy. As readers seeking to understand different experiences, witnessing the therapeutic journey firsthand would have been valuable. Including details about the challenges and triumphs of therapy could provide readers with practical takeaways and a sense of hope for managing OCD.

Overall, Puzzled effectively sheds light on the complexities of OCD.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Pan's honesty in experiencing and finally getting help with his OCD will no doubt help many young people struggling with the same thing. The graphic novel format is perfect and is sure to hook many readers. This is a book that should be in every middle school class library. I will definitely be adding it to mine.

This was such an insightful and powerful memoir. It takes the experience and makes it feel so understandable, without feeling like its overdramatic. I felt seen, and this might be the first piece of OCD related media that didn't feel like it misunderstood what the thing actually is.

I would have appreciated knowing how heavily religious the context of this is, as I wouldn't have requested it if I'd known. The art is also stodgy and pretty boring, not adding much to the story, particularly with the lack of backgrounds and detail. There's so much more that could have been done visually with the puzzle piece metaphor.

I like how Pan Cooke put himself out there and described his experience and journey with OCD. Addressing how certain people may perceive the disorder and how peer and societal pressures don't make living with OCD easy, especially when it comes to trying to find help, were some of the big parts that stood out to me and made me appreciate his story. People like to say mental illness and disorders are all in your head, and sometimes, that's true, and that makes it that much harder to seek help and prevent yourself from spiraling.

Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC read! All words in this review are mine. #Puzzled

I got the opportunity to read Puzzled 🧩by Pan Cooke. It is a graphic memoir about growing up with undiagnosed OCD.

I enjoyed the way Cooke incorporated the puzzle piece into the story and artwork. Growing up there was always part of the puzzle missing. The way it is written is very accessible. This would be a great book for someone who’s in grade school still and is struggling to understand why they are feeling the way they are.

I got an ARC of this book.

I got this because one of my friends has a kid that probably has OCD. We have been working together to find books appropriate for them. They really like reading and seeing themselves in books. Seeing a new one come out made us both excited.

The book is heavily Catholic focused at first, which doesn't make this approachable for our purposes, but did make it an interesting read. I know quite a few kids that have been overlooked for diagnosis, because their symptoms were just "extreme religious beliefs". So seeing someone else see this and have their mental illness intersect with their religion was fascinating to see.

I really like that it was a memoir, instead of a fictional piece. It gave me more hope for my friend's kid. They are getting support earlier and more consistently than Cooke was able to. They will not need to wait ten years to get help. The ten year fact thrown in was heartbreaking and intense. I am glad Cooke is getting more supports now.

OCD is often used as a joke and is completely misunderstood. I am a big fan of this forthcoming graphic novel because it truly puts what OCD truly is into the spotlight. The figurative use of puzzles throughout is so clever as well–I think many readers will like both the story and learning about Pan’s life.

I really enjoyed this middle grade graphic novel about the struggle of dealing with OCD. There are so many misconceptions connected with this diagnosis, so it was refreshing to see it explained and described in terms that were understandable. I really think this book could help a lot of kids, and teens who are struggling with this, finally have the words for their experiences.

An in-depth look at growing up with undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder. While a bit pedantic at the end, the book clearly does its job of raising awareness of the disorder, especially in young people who might otherwise go undiagnosed. The ending is a little too quick, but the story is otherwise engaging. 3.5 stars. Ages 10 and up.

This was really great. I definitely hope this finds it's way into middle school and high school classrooms so others with OCD can know they aren't alone.

A little bit old for my demographic for kid's graphic novels but an interesting and relatable look at OCD and how those thoughts manifest and impact all areas of life for people who suffer from the puzzle never fitting into place

Growing up with undiagnosed OCD sure isn’t easy, and here Pan Cooke shares his own experiences with that condition in a graphic-novel memoir that is as funny as it is powerfully candid and openhearted.

Beautifully written and illustrated. I even cried a little.

An interesting story of a kid growing up and having to deal with new challenges that their family does not seem to fully understand