2027
Mind, Body, and Beyond
Popcorn
Rob Harrell
Audience:
Upper Elementary

Andrew's just trying to make it through Picture Day, which is easier said than done when it seems like the whole world is out to get him--from a bully to a science experiment gone wrong to a someone else's juice snot (don't ask). But as Andrew goes through the school day, and as one thing after another goes wrong, that little kernel of worry in his stomach is getting hotter and hotter, until it threatens to pop and turn into a public panic attack, his worst fear. He tries to keep his anxiety at bay, but the news that his grandmother with Alzheimer's is missing is too much.Interspersed with humorous spot art and "anxiety file" panels that depict the real, difficult feelings of anxiety and OCD and real tips for coping, this is a poignant, personal, and laugh-out-loud funny story about letting go of control and accepting help--all while trying to get the perfect school picture.
About the Author
Rob Harrell is the author of the middle grade novels Popcorn and Wink, the Life of Zarf series
and the graphic novel Monster on the Hill, which was adapted into the animated film Rumble. In
addition, Harrell created the comic strip Big Top and now writes and draws the daily strip
Adam@Home. Herecently wrote and illustrated the graphic novels Batpig: When Pigs Fly,
Batpig: Too Pig To Fail, and Batpig: Go Pig or Go Home. Harrell lives in Zionsville, Indiana with
his dog, Shepler.

Rob Harrell
