THE UNLIKELY HERO OF ROOM 13B

With empathy and humor, author Toten dramatizes the challenges of coping with mental illness through the story a boy and his support group. Narrator Johnathan McClain masterfully gets inside the head of 14-year-old Adam, who is trying to cope with his worsening OCD symptoms as well as his parents’ divorce while trying to rescue his stressed-out mother, his anxiety-ridden stepbrother, and anyone else he perceives is in need of saving—all while trying to navigate his first crush and control his rituals. McClain uses his voice well, especially as the anxiety-ridden stepbrother, Sweetie; the compassionate group leader, Chuck; and Adam himself, who will inspire listeners with his grit. N.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2015]