All the Things That Could Go Wrong

Alex suffers from severe OCD, manifesting in ritualized hand-washing and a constant fear of germs and 'bad thoughts.' Dan is his primary tormentor at school, but Dan's aggression is a shield for the pain of his father's departure and his mother's new relationship. When their mothers (who are friends) force them to spend the winter holidays together building a raft, the boys are forced to confront the reality of each other's lives. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book handles OCD and mental health with a secular, direct, and clinical accuracy that feels deeply realistic. It also addresses parental abandonment and bullying. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: neither the OCD nor the family trauma is 'cured,' but the characters find better ways to cope. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story starts with high tension and mutual dislike. It feels heavy and claustrophobic initially, mirroring Alex's anxiety and Dan's rage. As they work on their shared project, the tone shifts toward tentative trust and mutual respect, ending on a note of resilient hope. IDEAL READER: A middle schooler who feels like an outsider, or a child who has been labeled a 'troublemaker' and needs to see a character who learns to redirect their anger. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might see their child being targeted by a bully or, conversely, receive a call that their child has been the aggressor. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware that Alex's intrusive thoughts can be distressing. Preview the scenes involving Dan's home life to discuss how anger often comes from a place of hurt. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (10-11) will focus on the tension of the bullying and the coolness of the raft-building project. Older readers (13-14) will better grasp the psychological nuances of the 'two sides to every story' narrative structure. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many books about bullying, this gives equal weight and empathy to the bully's perspective without excusing his actions, providing a sophisticated look at human behavior.