| Title | : | Buzzing |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0316628417 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780316628419 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 224 |
| Publication | : | First published July 18, 2023 |
Isaac Itkin can’t get away from his thoughts.
As a lonely twelve-year-old kid with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), everything from studying to looking in the mirror becomes a battle between him and a swarm of unhelpful thoughts.
The strict therapy his mother insists on doesn’t seem to be working, but when a group of friends invites him to join their after-school role-playing game, the thoughts feel a little less loud, and the world feels a little brighter.
But Isaac’s therapist says that exposure to games can have negative effects on kids with OCD, and when his grades slip, his helicopter mother won’t let him play anymore. Now Isaac needs to find a way to prove to himself, to his mother, and to the world that the way to quiet the noise in his head may have been inside him all along.
Buzzing Reviews
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The power of a supportive role playing group can't fix everything, but it goes a long way. Isaac is a teen with OCD, who suffers from near constant intrusive thoughts, cleverly visualized here as bees with mean voices. Over the story he builds confidence and community by leaning into his love of fantasy and drawing; as a former fellow misfit teen artist, it was wonderful to watch him grow. This is a nuanced and diverse coming of age story, I'm so excited for all of the readers who will discover it and see themselves in it. The art is excellent, both in the real world day to day parts of the story and the D&D fantasy parts of the story. I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this book because I am friends with both of the authors- pre order it now, or look for it on shelves in July 2023!
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This was an EXCELLENT #ownvoices middle grade graphic novel about a young boy struggling with OCD and negative self thoughts. The therapy rep woven throughout was well done and the illustrations are GORGEOUS!
I absolutely loved how the bees were used as a metaphor for his angry/negative doubts and worries. The friend group were also really supportive and diverse (one is nonbinary) and it was so fun seeing a fictional Dungeons and Dragons role playing story in story and how that helped Isaac gain more confidence with his skills as an artist.
The author also did a good job focusing on Isaac's complicated family relationships with both his mom and sister. While they love him, his condition affects them too and the story deals with this with empathy and compassion in a relatable way.
Highly recommended especially for fans of books like Living with Viola by Rosena Fung - a middle grade graphic novel about life with anxiety. -
This book was absolutely incredible. I’m so glad I picked this up! It’s definitely one of my favorite books of the year (so far).
While I don’t have OCD, I do struggle a lot with unwanted intrusive thoughts, and this book represented them so well. Seeing how Issac struggled with them made me feel very, very seen. I think this is an incredibly important book- not many middle grade books go deep into topics like these, but it is very much needed. If I had read this when I was in middle school, it definitely would have helped with the mental health struggles I was having.
Speaking of me being in middle school, the cast of characters surrounding Issac remind me so much of my own friend group at that age- nerdy, queer, and above all else, compassionate. I think all of these characters were fleshed out well, and were all so vibrant. Really good art/character designs too!
If you have ever struggled with OCD, depression, instructive thoughts, etc, I highly recommend reading this. If you like really well made graphic novels, I also highly recommend for those reasons.
Everyone go read this right now!! -
While I was doing my weekly walk of the 9-12 graphic novels I spotted this one and I'm so happy I picked it up!! The story centers around Isaac who's been recently diagnosed with OCD. He stumbles across a friend group who are starting a campaign of Swamps and Sorcerers (aka D&D) and it brings him so much joy 😄
The way art was used in this to depict Isaac's OCD was absolutely phenomenal!!! It felt like the illustrator, Rye, Hickman, really used the graphic novel form to the fullest to really make you feel and see what Isaac was going through.
I can't recommend this highly enough for people of all ages!!
ps. It makes me so incredibly happy to see all of the great and amazing graphic novels there are for middle school kids!! Although I'll admit I'm a bit jealous I didn't get to read these growing up 🙈
#IndigoEmployee -
I loved the visual representation of intrusive and obsessive thoughts. It really helps you get in the head of someone with OCD.
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I'm SORRY?! Are you KIDDING?!!?!?!?!
This graphic novel has everything: Mental health/mental illness representation, an excellent visual metaphor of how mental illness affects people, a character arc of a helicopter mom becoming understanding and finally putting her child first, several queer characters (a couple of which were nonbinary!), a TTRPG similar to D&D being a major plot point (and even including condensed character sheets at the end), bee metaphors, an underlying theme of also saving the bees????
This was so good. I absolutely recommend. -
Sometimes intrusive thought bees can be something so personal-
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I’d like to thank edelweiss and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. This graphic novel follows Isaac and how he tries to cope with his OCD, his overbearing mother and older sister. When he finally makes some friends at school who want him to join their role playing game, will he be able to handle it or is this just what the doctor ordered? An interesting story with art to match.
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A MG graphic novel that will pull at your heartstrings.
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Isaac is a lonely twelve-year-old who is struggling with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). Bees swarm around Isaac’s head to symbolize the thoughts that plague him throughout every day. His mother is overprotective about his diagnosis and won’t let him play video games because they can make his OCD worse. When a group of kids ask Isaac to join their role-playing game, he feels a little less lonely and it brightens his life. Unfortunately his grades start to slip and his mother forbids him from continuing. How will Isaac explain how necessary the friends and game are to his piece of mind and quiet the voices in his head?
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I adored this GN by @samuelsattin @ryehickmandraws because it showed the visual representation of what it must be like to live with OCD. So many students struggle with this and will find this title helpful and empowering. This book releases July 18 by @littlebrownink
CW: OCD, mental health issues -
what a beautiful story that was. i loved the play with the colors and the bees representing the compulsive thoughts. i never knew a graphic novel could be this helpful to learn about a subject I didn't know or barely know about. reading and seeing it on paper really helps put a perspective to the situation.
one of my friends was recently diagnosed with ocd and I wanted to understand her more so when i saw this one at work i had to jump on the occasion. i recommend it to everyone who wants to learn about it, see themselves in it or just wants to find acceptance in their weirdness because, yes it is mostly on ocd but it is also on accepting yourself and others, friendship, adventures and love. 💜 -
This book made me cry a couple times in the best ways. A TTRPG and Neurodivergent Representation made me feel really seen as an autistic woman whose special interest is dnd! Perfect children’s fiction graphic novel for kids who know they’re different and might not understand it yet. Also! Gender fluid rep as well from a romantic interest! Colorful characters full of depth and life! As someone who spent most of her childhood in Denver as well, the lil Colorado nods were really nice. Single mother and older sister were really interesting characters and made the climax feel even better. I absolutely recommend!! 🎲🪄
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I normally tear through graphic novels, but something about this book compelled me to slow down. The bee motif really allows the reader to understand how disruptive Isaac’s thoughts can be. I loved the friend group dynamic — very authentic to a group of nerdy teens! Not to mention the masterful coloring Hickman executed. Everything about this graphic novel really hit for me, big recommend!
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This book is really, really well done. I had no idea what it was about when I started reading it. The main character is a 16 year old boy struggling with OCD. The thoughts and compulsions in his head are represented by buzzing bees swarming around him which works so well in the illustrations!
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E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Isaac is struggling with his OCD, which this graphic novel depicts as buzzing bees with words describing Isaac's negative thoughts attached to them. He worries about things like the symmetry of his face, germs, and people thinking he's weird, as well as things like schoolwork. He is in therapy, and his mother is trying really hard to make his life workable. Isaac draws a lot, and finds that this helps quiet his thoughts sometimes. When he meets Micah at school, and they invite him to play a role playing game, Swamps and Sorcery, with some friends, Isaac doesn't quite know what to think about this. His mother, on the other hand, knows exactly what to think about it; reading fantasy books (like the one all the RPG players like) and playing games lead to more obsessive thoughts, so aren't good for Isaac. His counselor disagrees, and the two talk about why Isaac's brain makes him think in unhelpful ways, and how he can manage these thoughts. One of Isaac's chief worries is that Micah is very cool, and shouldn't want to be friends with him. During one particularly bad spiral, Isaac shares this with Michah, who says that everyone is a little "weird", and talks a little about their own struggles with feeling like neither a boy nor a girl. When Isaac gets a D on a test, his mother forbids him from playing the game or even seeing his new friends, but his sister (who often feels that her mother ignores her in favor of her brother's problems) offers to take him to the library, knowing that there is a store that has an RPG group meeting in the afternoon. Isaac does well with this group, and is even asked to be the game master. Eventually, his mother begins to understand that Isaac having friends, even ones that like fantasy books and RPGs, is better than Isaac not having friends, and allows him to play.
Strengths: The bees representing intrusive thoughts is particularly well done, especially when Isaac is depicted in black and white and the bees are in yellow. It's good to see counseling represented, and th emother was nicely complex; she's clearly done some homework on Isaac's condition, just not quite enough of it. Micah is a good friend who gets Isaac interested in a new pursuit. Their mother makes a brief appearance, although there is one father who is a chef who is quite amusing! The fandom of a fantasy book series, complete with midnight launch, is well done and makes sense given the interests of the RPG players. The illustration style is appealing, and the message of the book is good.
Weaknesses: This seemed almost more like a YA graphic novel, since it was a bit slow paced and introspective and seemed to be set in a high school, even though the descriptions say this is a middle grade novel. No reason it isn't; just seemed more young adult somehow. This might appeal to some readers.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like Ogle's Four Eyes or Krosoczka's Hey, Kiddo. -
*Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with an ARC of this title. Receiving said copy in no way influenced my opinion of this work and all thoughts are my own*
Our story follows Isaac, a middle schooler who has been working through their recent diagnosis of OCD, with an overbearing mother, intense therapist, and a sister who doesn't seem to like him very much. While in class one day, his classmates see his exceptional drawing abilities and ask him to come join their game of Swamps and Sorcery. Isaac quickly bonds with his fellow gamers and dives deep into the fandom- which his mother blames for his rapidly decreasing grades. Unfortunately his mother doesn't realize that his grades slipping are mostly in part to his OCD and all the thoughts buzzing around his head, and less with the game, that actually seem to quiet the buzzing. Eventually his mother has enough of his lowering grades and forbids Isaac from not only playing SnS but seeing the friends he plays SnS with. Miriam, also feeling ignored by their mom, decides to help Isaac out and sneaks him into a SnS group at their local bookstore, where he can play the game and make new friends too. This plot goes well for some time, before their mom decides to follow them and see where they were going. I myself would was worried about her reaction, but she seems to recognize her mistake in keeping Isaac from the game, and even works to learn how to play the game with him, Miriam, and their friends.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. It showed how rpg's, school counselors, and big sisters can sometimes be such big support systems in our lives. I didn't love that it made the therapist out to be the bad guy from all the less-than-helpful advice Dr. Penny provided Isaac's mom, but sometimes therapy is like that, where it takes some time to find one that works well for what your needs are (in this case it was his school counselor). I'm happy with where the book ended, but I wish there would've been more resolution between Miriam and their mother. Their mom was very dismissive and ignored Miriam through the entire book, I wish she would've also gotten an apology or recognition of wrong doing like Isaac did. -
Really good. The focus of this graphic novel is Isaac, a young teen who's recently been diagnosed with OCD. His father is absent, and it's implied he recently left the family. His mother has responded by smothering him and all but ignoring his sister. Isaac ends up making friends at school who invite him to play something that is legally distinct from D&D, which helps him find his voice, eventually. The friendships are fun, with each member of the group having distinct personalities even if they don't take up a lot of panels. Isaac's relationship with his sister is fraught at the beginning, which makes watching them bond that much more meaningful.
The one thing that I wish had been further explored is his mother's thought process. She clearly believes that keeping an iron grip on Isaac and excising all forms of imagination from his life is good for him, but what made her come to that conclusion? I think it might help if we'd ever seen Isaac's therapist, but she's entirely absent even though she's probably seeing him on a regular basis. I sort of have the impression that she's actually a really bad therapist. Either the advice that she's giving Isaac's mother is actually terrible, or she's terrible at communicating with her. Or is she even seeing Isaac anymore? It's unclear. I think the middle grade target audience won't care, I just would like to try to understand the adults here more. -
Isaac has been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and is struggling to not let his life be dictated by the mental health diseases. The recommendations of his therapist and strict lifestyle guidelines enforced by his mother, which he knows are suppose to help...don't seem to be. It's only when a group of self proclaimed "weirdos" invites him to join their after-school role-playing game, that Isaac is able to (at least temporarily...sometimes) break free from the oppressive thoughts. It's outside his comfort zone, but with the support of new friends and the school guidance counselor, Isaac seems to be hitting his groove...but will a bad grade, his mother, or his own mind sabotage him first.
Yes, yes, yes. Samuel Sattin (author) and Rye Hickman (illustrator) have really created something beautiful here. I think this graphic novel is going to be a gateway for talking about mental health, as well as a variety of other topics (friendship, romance, single-parenthood, etc). This book will have wide appeal to a wide range of readers, reluctant and not, from ages 10-16 (and beyond?). -
Edelweiss+ provided me a DRC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
An excellent middle-grade graphic novel about mental health.
Not only does Isaac have to grapple each day with his OCD and a swarm of hurtful inner thoughts, but he has to maneuver through making new friends, an overprotective mother, and a resentful sister.
When his sketches gain the attention of a group of role-playing classmates, Isaac finds himself in a world of fun, fantasy, and comradery...and his swarming OCD thoughts diminish. He finds himself feeling included and accepted...and might even have a crush. His meetings with the school counselor seem to be helping, too.
Unfortunately, his mother feels like gaming could make his condition worse and isn't 100% supportive...and sneaking around just leads to more problems.
I loved both the story and illustrations, particularly how the authors portray Isaac's OCD thoughts (buzzing bees) and how there is a noticeable color theme change when Isaac is happy with his friends.
Definitely purchasing for my school library. -
Buzzing is a solid graphic novel featuring a fresh depiction of OCD, between Isaac's intrusive-thought bees and the interesting use of color. The TTRPG details are fun, and I also enjoyed hearing about the fantasy book series that Isaac and his friends are fans of--folks, this is how you acknowledge the cultural impact of Harry Potter while taking down Rowling and her bigotry! Sattin and Hickman also did a good job with the character arc of Isaac's sister Miriam, showing how Isaac's mental health struggles affect her without blaming Isaac or making his OCD her burden. There's even some nonbinary (possibly genderfluid?) rep, and notes for an RPG campaign idea. The only thing that kinda bothered me was Carmen and her very robotic/formal speaking style--it seemed too over the top to be believable, and historically it often gets used as a stereotype or lazy shorthand for characters on the autism spectrum. (Ultimately, Carmen doesn't seem to be autistic, though she's definitely a nerd-type.)
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Twelve-year old Isaac Itkin has OCD and can't get away from his buzzing thoughts, but things are looking up. A group of friends connect with Isaac after seeing his amazing dragon artwork and invite him to be a part of the Dungeons & Dragons group their starting. Believing it will worsen his OCD, his mom bans him from playing. But with the help of his new friends, RPGs, and unlikely allyship from his sister, Isaac will find himself, acceptance, and deepen his relationship with his mom and sister. A beautiful story of family, fun, and power of self-discovery. In addition to excellent neurodiversity rep, Buzzing has queer rep and racial diversity. It also showcases the power of having supportive adults in your life.
Even though the protagonist is 12, this story will still appeal to some high school readers. Recommended for purchase for middle and high school libraries and public libraries. -
Every day, all day, Isaac battles with intrusive thoughts as he struggles to function in middle school and at home. The realistic illustrations highlight his mental state- all grey except for the yellow cartoon bees buzzing poisonous thoughts. But when a classmate, Micah, reaches out, intrigued by Isaac’s dragon doodle, and invites him to join a role-playing game with a posse of peers – color floods his fantasy world. But at home the grey scale persists where a disgruntled older sister and over-protective mom seem as stuck as Isaac. Like he, readers are bedeviled by the bees, frustrated by the familial missed opportunities and relish the rich fantasy adventures. But slowly small victories and some helping hands change the narrative. Non binary orientation is centered, diversity is represented but the majority of characters are racially indeterminate or read as white. Thanks to Little Brown and Eidelweiss for an Advance Reader's Copy in return for an honest review.
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The title of this book is catchy. I also like the cover. This book was interesting in how the boy with ICD thinks about himself. It was also interesting how the mother and sister deal with it. I leaned a bit about OCD, which is good. I thought it was an obsession like cleaning, or like the pulling of the ear (as this character did). I didn’t realize the mental abuse one goes through in their mind.
I may suggest this book to teachers to read, so they can see a perspective that I didn’t.
I also enjoyed the ending, it wrapped everything up nicely. -
Isaac is a middle schooler with ADHD who struggles with intrusive thoughts that keep him from focusing. His mom is overprotective to the point of focusing on Isaac with all of her energy and preventing him from doing things that may make his compulsions worse. When he's invited by some kids at school to play a role-playing fantasy game, his mom is reluctant but Isaac is happy.
Effective use of color to show how Isaac manages his compulsions as the story goes on. The relationship between Isaac and his sister Miriam is especially poignant -- as all focus goes on Isaac, Miriam feels ignored. -
** I received a DRC from the publisher, because I am a librarian and librarians are awesome **
I read this...maybe back in June? Or late May? I cannot recall. This has good mental health & rainbow rep, and I got some Charlie Spring/Jane Spring vibes from the family situation. Loved how the art style/saturation and insects depicted the MC's mental status. Less enamored with the quest storyline, but, y'know, not an RPGer here. Oof, to be in eighth grade with a controlling parent.
Would definitely add to a Middle School/Junior High graphic novel collection. -
Isaac keeps mostly to himself. He suffers from OCD and is constantly plagued by compulsions and negative thoughts. But, one day one of his classmates sees his drawings and invites him to be part of a Swamps & Sorcery role playing game. Isaac loves the game and bonds with his new friends. But his mother worries that the fantasy world he is exploring with the game will only make his condition worse. Can Isaac prove to his mother that the game--and his friends are good for him? An eye-opening look at dealing with constant negative thoughts and compulsions.
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Wow. I have never seen the dull horror of relentless intrusive thoughts due to a disorder (OCD in this book) portrayed this well. And a parent that can’t really see you beyond your diagnosis any more. And the relief at finding something that keeps the thoughts at bay for a short sweet while: here, a D & D-inspired game and friends who draw you in and accept your difference in a no-big-deal way. Really good.
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3.5 stars rounded up. I wish I felt more connection between Isaac and Isaac’s “bees”. As a person who doesn’t suffer from OCD I wasn’t able to make a strong connection between the bees and them stopping Isaac from interacting with his world.
Other books I’ve read that helped me better understand life with OCD were “OCDaniel” and “Just Roll With It”.
This GN still has a lot of merit in its themes of finding good friends, parent-teenager relationships, teen sibling relationships, finding strengths in what you have to offer the world. -
I thought this was a great exploration of how mental illness can impact daily life. It also was a great look at family dynamics. I also loved how D&D was used to draw Isaac out of his shell. The use of color was absolutely fantastic. The fake JKR did feel a little bit shoehorned in though. I don't know that it really added to the story.
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I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The book reminded me of Just Roll With It but the family dynamics and role playing game angle were different. I liked the artwork and the characters. The dad was referenced but I thought there could have been a little more development or explanation there.
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Loved the use of monochrome colors contrasting vibrant scenes which added to the visual storytelling. Adored the nonbinary supporting character, and the OCD representation was well done and thoughtful. Themes of learning to trust yourself and knowing what's best for you, as well as learning to connect with family authentically.
