Families who loved Compulsion by Heidi Ayarbe often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.

Reach for this book when you suspect your teenager is masking internal turmoil behind a facade of high achievement. It is a powerful resource for parents of teens who seem to have it all together but struggle with private rituals, intrusive thoughts, or the crushing weight of perfectionism. Through Jake, a star soccer player, the story explores the exhausting reality of living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The narrative dives deep into themes of shame, the fear of being seen as broken, and the courage required to seek help. While the content is raw and realistic, it offers a vital mirror for teens who feel isolated by their own minds. It is most appropriate for high schoolers due to its mature handling of mental health and the intense pressure of the adolescent social hierarchy. Parents will find it an excellent bridge for discussing neurodivergence and the importance of mental health over performance.