What do you think?
Rate this book
The Notations of Cooper Cameron
Eleven-year-old Cooper Cameron likes things to be in order. When he eats, he chews every bite three times on each side. Sometimes he washes his hands in the air with invisible water. He invented these rituals after the death of his beloved grandfather to protect others he loves from terrible harm.
But when Cooper’s strange behavior drives a wedge between his parents, and his relationship with his older sister, Caddie, begins to fray, his mother’s only solution is to take Cooper and Caddie to the family cabin for the summer.
Armed with a collection of rocks, his pet frog, and his notebook, Cooper vows to cure himself and bring his damaged family back together.
But when Cooper’s strange behavior drives a wedge between his parents, and his relationship with his older sister, Caddie, begins to fray, his mother’s only solution is to take Cooper and Caddie to the family cabin for the summer.
Armed with a collection of rocks, his pet frog, and his notebook, Cooper vows to cure himself and bring his damaged family back together.
312 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2017
73 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 28, 2017
4.5 stars
This was a wonderful story with exceptional writing. It’s a story about an eleven-year-old boy with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the affects it has on his family. Cooper decides he wants to cure himself so that his family will be whole again.
I just loved the writing and the story execution. First, I love that his name, Cooper Cameron, is alliterative. This story is written in third person, but at times, the narrative voice sounds how somebody with OCD would think. One of Cooper’s rituals was to read everything in threes. When he read a novel, he would read every word, sentence, and page three times. He thought that if he didn’t, his family would (for example) burst into flames and die. Cooper loved to read Dante’s Inferno and when he read it, he would read it like this:
I’ve heard of people having some of his rituals, especially when he needed to count or touch everything. Another common ritual is his excessive organization such as when he organized the pantry at the family’s cabin. I know people with OCD have to complete their rituals before they leave the house, so it can take a long time for them to finish before they leave.
Cooper kept a journal to write down his thoughts and things he wanted to remember. He’s a smart kid! He’d write insightful things such as, ”Sometimes you cannot see things that are crystal clear.” For an eleven-year-old, his thinking is very philosophical.
It was so easy to become completely engaged in this story and Cooper’s life. I just loved Cooper to death! Other than being smart, he was a sweet boy. His frog Amicus was his best friend and he took great care of him. He wanted to make friends and be normal, but he just didn’t know how. It was so sweet how Cooper made friends with that 90-something year old man. I sympathized for him. I wanted him cured and not be so fearful.
His family didn’t understand him, but his mother and his sister, Caddie, earn points for trying to connect with him. His sister was easily embarrassed by Cooper’s behavior, but she did attempt to play with him. His mother was patient, but his father scared him. Whenever Cooper had an OCD episode, his family would refer to that side of him as “That Boy”. It was as if “That Boy” was a separate entity.
Cooper read people very well. That was another thing I loved about him. When this family went to the cabin for the summer, Cooper met a couple of teen boys on the beach. He immediately knew which kid was the foe. He had more courage than he realized.
The Notations of Cooper Cameron entertained me from beginning to end. I read it in one day because I just couldn’t put it down. I feel like I’m not doing the book justice, so I hope you just take a chance and read it. I’m going to end my review with a couple of Cooper’s journal entries.
Jenny’s Book Bag | Facebook | Twitter
This was a wonderful story with exceptional writing. It’s a story about an eleven-year-old boy with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the affects it has on his family. Cooper decides he wants to cure himself so that his family will be whole again.
I just loved the writing and the story execution. First, I love that his name, Cooper Cameron, is alliterative. This story is written in third person, but at times, the narrative voice sounds how somebody with OCD would think. One of Cooper’s rituals was to read everything in threes. When he read a novel, he would read every word, sentence, and page three times. He thought that if he didn’t, his family would (for example) burst into flames and die. Cooper loved to read Dante’s Inferno and when he read it, he would read it like this:
”We. We. We. In. In. In. Our. Our. Our…We in our turn stepped forward toward the city and through the gate…”
I’ve heard of people having some of his rituals, especially when he needed to count or touch everything. Another common ritual is his excessive organization such as when he organized the pantry at the family’s cabin. I know people with OCD have to complete their rituals before they leave the house, so it can take a long time for them to finish before they leave.
Cooper kept a journal to write down his thoughts and things he wanted to remember. He’s a smart kid! He’d write insightful things such as, ”Sometimes you cannot see things that are crystal clear.” For an eleven-year-old, his thinking is very philosophical.
It was so easy to become completely engaged in this story and Cooper’s life. I just loved Cooper to death! Other than being smart, he was a sweet boy. His frog Amicus was his best friend and he took great care of him. He wanted to make friends and be normal, but he just didn’t know how. It was so sweet how Cooper made friends with that 90-something year old man. I sympathized for him. I wanted him cured and not be so fearful.
His family didn’t understand him, but his mother and his sister, Caddie, earn points for trying to connect with him. His sister was easily embarrassed by Cooper’s behavior, but she did attempt to play with him. His mother was patient, but his father scared him. Whenever Cooper had an OCD episode, his family would refer to that side of him as “That Boy”. It was as if “That Boy” was a separate entity.
Cooper read people very well. That was another thing I loved about him. When this family went to the cabin for the summer, Cooper met a couple of teen boys on the beach. He immediately knew which kid was the foe. He had more courage than he realized.
The Notations of Cooper Cameron entertained me from beginning to end. I read it in one day because I just couldn’t put it down. I feel like I’m not doing the book justice, so I hope you just take a chance and read it. I’m going to end my review with a couple of Cooper’s journal entries.
”Sometimes you don’t know you have done something brave until it is behind you.”
”Sometimes you have to let go. And then you can use both hands to hang on for dear life.”
Jenny’s Book Bag | Facebook | Twitter
August 1, 2021
I stumbled onto this book and had no idea what it was about when it showed up on my LIBBY app. What a wonderful treat.
First of all the writing... this in very close third person, present tense. It is SO close that most of the time it was almost like reading a book in first person. There is gentle humor, playfulness, and tangled emotions. There is just enough description to give you a sense of place.
I loved how even though Caddie gets mad at her brother from time to time, or is embarrassed by him, that she doesn't hang on to that anger, that despite everything she obviously cares for her little brother and is concerned about him. But she doesn't reject him or ignore him. And I love how much Cooper loves his sister and mom, loves them so hard that he feels this crushing, overwhelming need to protect them from any harm or danger, which is the cause of his OCD behavior.
Cooper is a very smart 11 year old who reads Dante. He also has a vivid imagination which is both helpful and a hindrance. He wants to be normal, he wants to be please his mother and sister, but the urges to count and touch things is overpowering, particularly during moments of stress. He is also an astute judge of character.
Cooper's story will linger with me for awhile, the way certain perfumes linger on air.
First of all the writing... this in very close third person, present tense. It is SO close that most of the time it was almost like reading a book in first person. There is gentle humor, playfulness, and tangled emotions. There is just enough description to give you a sense of place.
I loved how even though Caddie gets mad at her brother from time to time, or is embarrassed by him, that she doesn't hang on to that anger, that despite everything she obviously cares for her little brother and is concerned about him. But she doesn't reject him or ignore him. And I love how much Cooper loves his sister and mom, loves them so hard that he feels this crushing, overwhelming need to protect them from any harm or danger, which is the cause of his OCD behavior.
Cooper is a very smart 11 year old who reads Dante. He also has a vivid imagination which is both helpful and a hindrance. He wants to be normal, he wants to be please his mother and sister, but the urges to count and touch things is overpowering, particularly during moments of stress. He is also an astute judge of character.
Cooper's story will linger with me for awhile, the way certain perfumes linger on air.
May 18, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley for an ereader of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was quite an amazing story! It was one of those books I could not put down until I had finished it. A good recommend for a tween audience. Worthy of five (5) stars.
You hear so many people tell you they have OCD which is entirely possible. I am not an expert on this behavior. However I do believe there are degrees from very mild to quite severe.
The author explains within the story how some types of OCD can be treated with medications, some with therapy and some for which neither of these methods is the answer. Such is the case of Cooper Cameron, a young boy of above average intelligence.
At first I thought Cooper was autistic. But some of his behaviors did not totally fit into this category. Coopers other behaviors including fears and anxiety issues; his reading three times three times three, his lack of smiling, his need to touch everything, count everything along with the feeling that anything negative was his fault led me to think of other categories he might fit into. Cooper also felt that these negative behaviors were the result of 'That Boy' being with him. I don't mention all of his behaviors and there were many. The story does not say what brought on this event, but Cooper remembers when he was different, when he was normal before the onset of OCD.
What I also liked about this story was how it showed the way in which Coopers changes affected each member of the family in a different way along with the family as a whole. I would be remiss if I revealed too much. I would rather you read the book once it is released.
Don't get me wrong. This is not a case study but a thoroughly believable piece of fiction. The characters are also believable with each having their own backstory in which Cooper is involved.
What Jane O'Reilly has written is remarkable! She writes about something she knows first hand having had a sister who developed OCD and was successful in conquering it.
As with Cooper, the why appears unknown and like Cooper hers was a story about hope.
This was quite an amazing story! It was one of those books I could not put down until I had finished it. A good recommend for a tween audience. Worthy of five (5) stars.
You hear so many people tell you they have OCD which is entirely possible. I am not an expert on this behavior. However I do believe there are degrees from very mild to quite severe.
The author explains within the story how some types of OCD can be treated with medications, some with therapy and some for which neither of these methods is the answer. Such is the case of Cooper Cameron, a young boy of above average intelligence.
At first I thought Cooper was autistic. But some of his behaviors did not totally fit into this category. Coopers other behaviors including fears and anxiety issues; his reading three times three times three, his lack of smiling, his need to touch everything, count everything along with the feeling that anything negative was his fault led me to think of other categories he might fit into. Cooper also felt that these negative behaviors were the result of 'That Boy' being with him. I don't mention all of his behaviors and there were many. The story does not say what brought on this event, but Cooper remembers when he was different, when he was normal before the onset of OCD.
What I also liked about this story was how it showed the way in which Coopers changes affected each member of the family in a different way along with the family as a whole. I would be remiss if I revealed too much. I would rather you read the book once it is released.
Don't get me wrong. This is not a case study but a thoroughly believable piece of fiction. The characters are also believable with each having their own backstory in which Cooper is involved.
What Jane O'Reilly has written is remarkable! She writes about something she knows first hand having had a sister who developed OCD and was successful in conquering it.
As with Cooper, the why appears unknown and like Cooper hers was a story about hope.
March 12, 2025
“After the death of his grandfather, Cooper invents rituals like chewing each bite of food three times on each side, and washing his hands in the air with invisible water, believing they will protect those he loves from terrible harm.”
This was a sweet, heartwarming story. I loved it!
This was a sweet, heartwarming story. I loved it!
October 17, 2018
Great story of a boy's struggle to cope with the death of his grandfather and his OCD which worsens in spite of his attempts to manage it.
February 27, 2018
the most unique children's realistic fiction book I've ever read.
Read
June 28, 2018This book is about a boy that has PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) because his grandfather had a heart attack while fishing and fell off and drowned.While he was on the boat.He tried to save him but couldn't. Now Cooper thinks he has to chew 3 times, read each word 3 times, read each sentence 3 times, and read each page 3 times. Read this book to find out what happens!!
--Stacy L., PWPLS Teen Reader
Clink the link below to find the book and check availability at the Prince William County Public Library System:
http://librarycatalog.pwcgov.org/pola...
--Stacy L., PWPLS Teen Reader
Clink the link below to find the book and check availability at the Prince William County Public Library System:
http://librarycatalog.pwcgov.org/pola...
January 24, 2018
I just finished this book and before I get into the nitty gritty, it was amazing! The book holds so much emotional insight. The certain things that are special and only in this book interest me very much. For example:
-good and famous book
-I don’t know how to describe this, but when you end a sentence and instead of saying he or she, you move onto the action
-washing his hands in the air
-the rocks
-his fear of water
-the number three
Each one of these, along with ones that are not listed add flavor to the story and keeps the reader wanting more. Cooper seems to find comfort in numbers and patterns, as do we when these things show up again and again, showing its significance. Cooper’s struggle with the need to touch, clean and more really shows through. I noticed that most of the book is in his thoughts, and not so much as dialogue and the world around him. Because of the type of thing Cooper is dealing with, this fits right in. The world descriptions and the ways that Cooper sees the world and takes it in are absolutely beautiful. I often have a hard time finding books containing the main character having a mental illness in the teen section, let alone in the children’s section. We travel through the book, with Cooper’s urges and his sister and his mother and dealing with his father. The books shows that there is more to an exterior which a lot of people struggle with seeing. Cooper builds a few friendships with Mr. Bell and Mike, while still staying true to his frog friend and adventuring into the depths of books to stray away from the pains of the world, along with using it to protect his family. Cooper reads away his stress and the problems with his family, which many of us can relate to. The finishing scene really builds up that ‘sigh of relief’ and it comes to an end perfectly, although all his problems aren’t solved. When Cooper decides to try and just read a word, a sentence, a page once, we all jump for joy while he realizes the world isn’t in flames. Because the book is written from the heart, from personal experiences, it all falls into place perfectly, just like the puzzles Cooper puts together. Cooper Cameron is a wonderfully strange character who brings out the human in us readers.
-good and famous book
-I don’t know how to describe this, but when you end a sentence and instead of saying he or she, you move onto the action
-washing his hands in the air
-the rocks
-his fear of water
-the number three
Each one of these, along with ones that are not listed add flavor to the story and keeps the reader wanting more. Cooper seems to find comfort in numbers and patterns, as do we when these things show up again and again, showing its significance. Cooper’s struggle with the need to touch, clean and more really shows through. I noticed that most of the book is in his thoughts, and not so much as dialogue and the world around him. Because of the type of thing Cooper is dealing with, this fits right in. The world descriptions and the ways that Cooper sees the world and takes it in are absolutely beautiful. I often have a hard time finding books containing the main character having a mental illness in the teen section, let alone in the children’s section. We travel through the book, with Cooper’s urges and his sister and his mother and dealing with his father. The books shows that there is more to an exterior which a lot of people struggle with seeing. Cooper builds a few friendships with Mr. Bell and Mike, while still staying true to his frog friend and adventuring into the depths of books to stray away from the pains of the world, along with using it to protect his family. Cooper reads away his stress and the problems with his family, which many of us can relate to. The finishing scene really builds up that ‘sigh of relief’ and it comes to an end perfectly, although all his problems aren’t solved. When Cooper decides to try and just read a word, a sentence, a page once, we all jump for joy while he realizes the world isn’t in flames. Because the book is written from the heart, from personal experiences, it all falls into place perfectly, just like the puzzles Cooper puts together. Cooper Cameron is a wonderfully strange character who brings out the human in us readers.
October 27, 2017
The heartbeat of Cooper Cameron is to protect... protect his family... protect... always protect. After Cooper's grandfather died, Cooper developed a severe form of OCD which invades every aspect of his life. Cooper's heart is huge, his love for his family deep, and his ability to clearly see the beauty in life profound. This clarity isn't confined to the outside world, for in Cooper's eyes, if he could only cure himself, he could cure his whole family and make them whole again. Very few people understand Cooper, and even his family struggles to deal with his uniqueness. When Cooper's mother feels like her family's life is drifting too far into chaos, she whisks Cooper and her sister up to the family cabin for the summer where a myriad of fears await for Cooper to face.
The novel was beautifully written, portraying the heart of a boy who longed to love his family deeply and dearly. His struggle with OCD was delineated on the page; his many uncontrollable compulsions and his struggle with those compulsions brought to life by Jane O'Reily's pen. Not only does she bring to life his struggles, but she weaves in hope and light and goodness. Poignant and endearing, Cooper is brought to life on the page. By the end of the story I was quite attached to him, captured by his heart and not willing to close the book and say goodbye. An interesting tidbit: having a family member who dealt with severe OCD, Jane writes this book in honor of her beloved sister. This experience led to Jane writing a book that rings with authenticity and love. It is a great read for tweens and will definitely be a book on my classroom shelf. It can give younger reader's a chance to develop empathy for those who are different from them, especially classmates, friends, or family that might deal with OCD of any severity. That alone makes this book very valuable in my opinion.
Thank you to Lerner Publishing Group and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions above are my own.
The novel was beautifully written, portraying the heart of a boy who longed to love his family deeply and dearly. His struggle with OCD was delineated on the page; his many uncontrollable compulsions and his struggle with those compulsions brought to life by Jane O'Reily's pen. Not only does she bring to life his struggles, but she weaves in hope and light and goodness. Poignant and endearing, Cooper is brought to life on the page. By the end of the story I was quite attached to him, captured by his heart and not willing to close the book and say goodbye. An interesting tidbit: having a family member who dealt with severe OCD, Jane writes this book in honor of her beloved sister. This experience led to Jane writing a book that rings with authenticity and love. It is a great read for tweens and will definitely be a book on my classroom shelf. It can give younger reader's a chance to develop empathy for those who are different from them, especially classmates, friends, or family that might deal with OCD of any severity. That alone makes this book very valuable in my opinion.
Thank you to Lerner Publishing Group and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions above are my own.
September 21, 2017
Cooper Cameron is a brilliant eleven-year-old boy who has been struggling with severe OCD since the death of his beloved Grandfather. Cooper employs various compulsions to protect those he loves; he reads every word in his "good and famous books" three times, chews on each side of his mouth three times, all in an attempt to keep his family from going up in flames. With Cooper's frustrated father in the picture, Cooper's mother moves herself, Cooper and his older sister, Caddie to her Dad's family cabin for the summer in hopes of bringing some relief to her son's condition.
One thing I think this book did really well was to convey the panic and uneasiness of OCD. I found myself becoming anxious along with Cooper as he tried to navigate new friendships and family dynamics. There wasn't much character development in any of the other characters, but I think that was both intentional and necessary. The point of the book is to follow Cooper's thoughts and see how debilitating his condition can become.
My only issue with the book is that as I was reading it from a 2017 perspective, it was hard to understand how more had not been explained about past efforts to treat Cooper. The father seemed almost too ignorant for how much awareness there is about mental health today. He seemed so uneducated and frustrated that it was like he had never been told what his son was dealing with. That being said, there are still people who refuse to get educated and so, I guess, lack the understanding needed in dealing with a child who is so different from themselves.
I think this book is an important one for kids who are suffering from extreme OCD and feel like they are alone in the world. I'll miss my enlightening journey with Cooper Cameron--he is one smart and empathetic young man.
Thank-you to Lerner Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC!
One thing I think this book did really well was to convey the panic and uneasiness of OCD. I found myself becoming anxious along with Cooper as he tried to navigate new friendships and family dynamics. There wasn't much character development in any of the other characters, but I think that was both intentional and necessary. The point of the book is to follow Cooper's thoughts and see how debilitating his condition can become.
My only issue with the book is that as I was reading it from a 2017 perspective, it was hard to understand how more had not been explained about past efforts to treat Cooper. The father seemed almost too ignorant for how much awareness there is about mental health today. He seemed so uneducated and frustrated that it was like he had never been told what his son was dealing with. That being said, there are still people who refuse to get educated and so, I guess, lack the understanding needed in dealing with a child who is so different from themselves.
I think this book is an important one for kids who are suffering from extreme OCD and feel like they are alone in the world. I'll miss my enlightening journey with Cooper Cameron--he is one smart and empathetic young man.
Thank-you to Lerner Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC!
July 30, 2017
The Notations of Cooper Cameron is the story of a young boy learning how to manage his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder while grieving the loss of his grandfather. After his mother brings Cooper and his sister to their deceased grandfather's cabin for a summer, Cooper must face all of his fears at once - water, his father's anger, pepperoni, and the thought of all of his loved ones dying if he does not perform rituals such as reading all of the words in his book three times.
For many, this may seem like a bizarre list of fears, but for those who suffer from OCD, it is all too familiar. Written as if the reader resides inside of Cooper's frantic and obsessive mind, this novel will provide young readers (and readers of all ages!) with the chance to experience a condition they may not understand otherwise. O'Reilly's inclusion of Cooper's thoughts throughout the narrative is exhausting, and at times one wishes they could escape his constant fears and rituals and move on to the next event. This is of course exactly what O'Reilly means to do, and she does it well. For Cooper, there is no permanent escape - some days are merely better than others.
Overall, The Notations of Cooper Cameron is an interesting and worthwhile read. One of the only downfalls of the novel is its lack of character development. Cooper's sister Caddie too often fits the predictable mould of the moody, boy-obsessed teenage girl, and Cooper's relationship with his father is too one-dimensional and leaves a lot to be desired. Still, this book is recommended for those who wish to be exposed to a different kind of narrator who can show you exactly what it is like to live inside of his head for a summer.
For many, this may seem like a bizarre list of fears, but for those who suffer from OCD, it is all too familiar. Written as if the reader resides inside of Cooper's frantic and obsessive mind, this novel will provide young readers (and readers of all ages!) with the chance to experience a condition they may not understand otherwise. O'Reilly's inclusion of Cooper's thoughts throughout the narrative is exhausting, and at times one wishes they could escape his constant fears and rituals and move on to the next event. This is of course exactly what O'Reilly means to do, and she does it well. For Cooper, there is no permanent escape - some days are merely better than others.
Overall, The Notations of Cooper Cameron is an interesting and worthwhile read. One of the only downfalls of the novel is its lack of character development. Cooper's sister Caddie too often fits the predictable mould of the moody, boy-obsessed teenage girl, and Cooper's relationship with his father is too one-dimensional and leaves a lot to be desired. Still, this book is recommended for those who wish to be exposed to a different kind of narrator who can show you exactly what it is like to live inside of his head for a summer.
August 12, 2017
Cooper Cameron's counting and repetition felt so familiar to me. I grew up with a family member who had and still has severe OCD. O'Reilly manages to capture just enough of Cooper's compulsions to make you feel the bit of irritation but not enough to make the book hard to read.
There are so many elements here that Cooper is dealing with...grief over Grandpa's death, concern for his sister Caddie, fear of his father, fear of That Boy, the weight of responsibility of keeping everyone safe...For the entire book, I was right there with Cooper, feeling his feelings but also understanding why they were wrong, in many cases. Why his desire to do good would only result in bad things.
This isn't a single-goal, plot-heavy book. As Cooper struggles with his OCD during a summer spent away from his father, with just his sister and mom, he faces many small struggles. And I usually like plot-heavy books. But there's plenty of tension and fear (on Cooper's behalf) here, and I couldn't put this down. In fact, I wish I had had this book as a kid, dealing with my own sibling with OCD (which didn't even have a name back then--you were just assumed to be "crazy").
The only problem I had with the book was that it was unclear to me how much had been done to try to treat Cooper's problems. I wasn't 100% sure whether his OCD had come on just since his Grandpa's death, and I couldn't tell whether real medical help had been attempted or not. So that made it a little hard for me to find me footing at times. But other that that, this is a beautiful, sensitive, engaging book. We need diverse books like this!
There are so many elements here that Cooper is dealing with...grief over Grandpa's death, concern for his sister Caddie, fear of his father, fear of That Boy, the weight of responsibility of keeping everyone safe...For the entire book, I was right there with Cooper, feeling his feelings but also understanding why they were wrong, in many cases. Why his desire to do good would only result in bad things.
This isn't a single-goal, plot-heavy book. As Cooper struggles with his OCD during a summer spent away from his father, with just his sister and mom, he faces many small struggles. And I usually like plot-heavy books. But there's plenty of tension and fear (on Cooper's behalf) here, and I couldn't put this down. In fact, I wish I had had this book as a kid, dealing with my own sibling with OCD (which didn't even have a name back then--you were just assumed to be "crazy").
The only problem I had with the book was that it was unclear to me how much had been done to try to treat Cooper's problems. I wasn't 100% sure whether his OCD had come on just since his Grandpa's death, and I couldn't tell whether real medical help had been attempted or not. So that made it a little hard for me to find me footing at times. But other that that, this is a beautiful, sensitive, engaging book. We need diverse books like this!
January 27, 2018
O’Reilly, Jane The Notations of Cooper Cameron, 312 Pages. Carolrhoda Books 2017. $18.00. Language: G (1 Swear, 0 ‘F’); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
Cooper Cameron is afraid of losing everyone he loves if he doesn’t do the secret rituals he made up after his grandfather’s tragic death. His grandpa had drowned the year before on a fishing trip with Cooper, now Cooper blames himself for the incident and he is afraid he will lose everyone else. Cooper’s family decides they need a break from the city, so they decide to stay at his grandfather’s cabin for the summer. Cooper decides that he has to stop being “That Boy” as his father had called it. Cooper has to bring his family back together again.
I personally think this book will be a bestseller. It had some very exciting moments, and some very deep moments that make you think about what you would do in that situation. I really enjoyed this book. It kept me intrigued and I wanted to keep reading forever. The setting was very detailed and gave me a pretty good idea of to what they were seeing in the book. I will definitely be reading the author’s other books. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an inspiring story.
MS - ADVISABLE. CAS, Student Reviewer, 7th Grade
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Cooper Cameron is afraid of losing everyone he loves if he doesn’t do the secret rituals he made up after his grandfather’s tragic death. His grandpa had drowned the year before on a fishing trip with Cooper, now Cooper blames himself for the incident and he is afraid he will lose everyone else. Cooper’s family decides they need a break from the city, so they decide to stay at his grandfather’s cabin for the summer. Cooper decides that he has to stop being “That Boy” as his father had called it. Cooper has to bring his family back together again.
I personally think this book will be a bestseller. It had some very exciting moments, and some very deep moments that make you think about what you would do in that situation. I really enjoyed this book. It kept me intrigued and I wanted to keep reading forever. The setting was very detailed and gave me a pretty good idea of to what they were seeing in the book. I will definitely be reading the author’s other books. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an inspiring story.
MS - ADVISABLE. CAS, Student Reviewer, 7th Grade
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
July 25, 2017
*I received an advance copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very heartfelt, poignant novel about a young boy struggling with OCD after the death of his grandfather. Believing his grandfather's death to be his fault, Cooper invents rituals he must complete in order to prevent the rest of his family from dying. These same rituals end up causing a rift in Cooper's family; his father just can't understand or accept him. But with the help of his sister who is "becoming more and more believable every day" and some new friends he makes along the way, Cooper gradually begins to understand that he can't control everything, and that he wasn't responsible for his grandfather's death.
At times this novel got quite heavy. It deals with some mature themes, such as death, grief, mental illness and the stigma that comes with it. Cooper is wise beyond his years, always scribbling down words of wisdom in his notebook. I'm tempted to recommend this book only to older readers, but the prose isn't that difficult, and I think the author does a really good job of portraying a highly misunderstood mental illness. So while I'm not sure that every reader will enjoy this story, I think it definitely deserves to be read far and wide.
This was a very heartfelt, poignant novel about a young boy struggling with OCD after the death of his grandfather. Believing his grandfather's death to be his fault, Cooper invents rituals he must complete in order to prevent the rest of his family from dying. These same rituals end up causing a rift in Cooper's family; his father just can't understand or accept him. But with the help of his sister who is "becoming more and more believable every day" and some new friends he makes along the way, Cooper gradually begins to understand that he can't control everything, and that he wasn't responsible for his grandfather's death.
At times this novel got quite heavy. It deals with some mature themes, such as death, grief, mental illness and the stigma that comes with it. Cooper is wise beyond his years, always scribbling down words of wisdom in his notebook. I'm tempted to recommend this book only to older readers, but the prose isn't that difficult, and I think the author does a really good job of portraying a highly misunderstood mental illness. So while I'm not sure that every reader will enjoy this story, I think it definitely deserves to be read far and wide.
October 6, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced ecopy of this book. All opinions are my own.
THE NOTATIONS OF COOPER CAMERON is about an eleven year old boy named Cooper, who has been struggling with the onset of OCD. I love how the author has based this story on her own experiences with her sister, and that readers are given a very honest portrayal life for someone struggling with OCD. Cooper's symptoms have developed since the death of his grandfather, and his family are struggling in their own ways. Cooper's father (whom he calls The Father) is impatient and intolerant of these new behaviors. Cooper's mother is trying to run interference, and is dealing with the breakdown of her marriage. Cooper's sister is doing her best to be encouraging, but often gets frustrated and embarrassed by Cooper. Cooper very much wants to be able to control That Boy, the part of him that feels compelled to count things in threes, and perform other rituals. But most of all, Cooper wants to protect the people in his life, and tries to be a "normal" boy and act/say the things that others want of him.
I love to see books that are bringing attention to disorders such as OCD, and this will be a valuable book to add to a middle grade collection.
THE NOTATIONS OF COOPER CAMERON is about an eleven year old boy named Cooper, who has been struggling with the onset of OCD. I love how the author has based this story on her own experiences with her sister, and that readers are given a very honest portrayal life for someone struggling with OCD. Cooper's symptoms have developed since the death of his grandfather, and his family are struggling in their own ways. Cooper's father (whom he calls The Father) is impatient and intolerant of these new behaviors. Cooper's mother is trying to run interference, and is dealing with the breakdown of her marriage. Cooper's sister is doing her best to be encouraging, but often gets frustrated and embarrassed by Cooper. Cooper very much wants to be able to control That Boy, the part of him that feels compelled to count things in threes, and perform other rituals. But most of all, Cooper wants to protect the people in his life, and tries to be a "normal" boy and act/say the things that others want of him.
I love to see books that are bringing attention to disorders such as OCD, and this will be a valuable book to add to a middle grade collection.
January 27, 2018
DNF
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
I read an uncorrected proof version of this book that was won through Dogo books.The subject matter of this book was not one I especially gravitated towards, but it was on my shelf, so I gave it a try.The topic I'm sure is an important one to discuss and read about, but this one just was to hard to get through, or should I say, into.
The main character was bland, and instead of having something to connect with Cooper on, the entire aura around his characters dialogue, thoughts, and feelings were just to...depressing. The other biggest point is that the book felt soooo drawn out, I dont know what the author wrote about on all those pages, especially because the trip to the cabin happened within the first chapters of the book.
Most importantly, this book felt like it was trying to hard. The writing style was like that of those "artsy" books, wherein things are written in strange curt sentences, or like, I dont know, baby talk? It was just weird because the author didn't pull it off right and it just felt awkward and exhausting to read. And kind of annoying.
I would have to read other reviews of the book, because the motive behind it seemed very personal and touching, but I personally wouldn't recommend. - Zoe
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
I read an uncorrected proof version of this book that was won through Dogo books.The subject matter of this book was not one I especially gravitated towards, but it was on my shelf, so I gave it a try.The topic I'm sure is an important one to discuss and read about, but this one just was to hard to get through, or should I say, into.
The main character was bland, and instead of having something to connect with Cooper on, the entire aura around his characters dialogue, thoughts, and feelings were just to...depressing. The other biggest point is that the book felt soooo drawn out, I dont know what the author wrote about on all those pages, especially because the trip to the cabin happened within the first chapters of the book.
Most importantly, this book felt like it was trying to hard. The writing style was like that of those "artsy" books, wherein things are written in strange curt sentences, or like, I dont know, baby talk? It was just weird because the author didn't pull it off right and it just felt awkward and exhausting to read. And kind of annoying.
I would have to read other reviews of the book, because the motive behind it seemed very personal and touching, but I personally wouldn't recommend. - Zoe
July 4, 2020
I originally picked this one up cause I thought the cover looked really cool. I have never read an author describe OCD so well, especially in the format of a children’s novel. Cooper’s OCD ticks were genuinely so accurate it even slightly triggered some of my older OCD ticks that I’ve overcome in recent years. It describes the constant isolation so well and the fear of unknowing but the constant awareness at the same time. Really impressive.
I love that O’Reilly put Cooper’s OCD into a personified character called “That Boy.” It’s such a simple description of the constant shadow that steps in to take over the body even when you most want it to leave. That’s exactly how OCD feels. Telling your brain to stop unplugging appliances every night because they won’t actually catch on fire, but “That Boy” or “That Girl” does it anyway. Knowing you’ve locked every door and window but the whisper of “That Boy” making you double and triple check. OCD can be an extremely powerful hold if you can’t find freedom from it in different avenues.
While Cooper and I have wildly different coping mechanisms, I saw myself as a young person in him. I hope every young person struggling with OCD has the chance to read this book.
I love that O’Reilly put Cooper’s OCD into a personified character called “That Boy.” It’s such a simple description of the constant shadow that steps in to take over the body even when you most want it to leave. That’s exactly how OCD feels. Telling your brain to stop unplugging appliances every night because they won’t actually catch on fire, but “That Boy” or “That Girl” does it anyway. Knowing you’ve locked every door and window but the whisper of “That Boy” making you double and triple check. OCD can be an extremely powerful hold if you can’t find freedom from it in different avenues.
While Cooper and I have wildly different coping mechanisms, I saw myself as a young person in him. I hope every young person struggling with OCD has the chance to read this book.
December 3, 2017
I've never actually read a book about the perspective of someone who has OCD. Although I have read a book of which the main character has a sibling with a mental disorder, never have I come across a book that shows others what it's like for the people who have it.
I've always thought OCD was just a minor thing, or a pet peeve, and I never really looked into it, or cared about it. But, since I've read this book, I've learned a lot. I've learned that OCD isn't just something that is "minor", but something that can be damaging, and possibly life-threatening to oneself. Because of this book, I've learned that it's not easy to have OCD, or any mental illness for that matter. It makes people doing minor things in life ten times harder for them, and I was on the verge of tears when I was reading this book, learning that it's also hard for people to have close relationships, since having these mental illnesses can possibly destroy them. Overall, I think this book is great, and can teach you a lot about something you might not care about that much, and it will make you think about people who have these illnesses.
I've always thought OCD was just a minor thing, or a pet peeve, and I never really looked into it, or cared about it. But, since I've read this book, I've learned a lot. I've learned that OCD isn't just something that is "minor", but something that can be damaging, and possibly life-threatening to oneself. Because of this book, I've learned that it's not easy to have OCD, or any mental illness for that matter. It makes people doing minor things in life ten times harder for them, and I was on the verge of tears when I was reading this book, learning that it's also hard for people to have close relationships, since having these mental illnesses can possibly destroy them. Overall, I think this book is great, and can teach you a lot about something you might not care about that much, and it will make you think about people who have these illnesses.
August 30, 2017
Thank you to Lerner and Carolrhoda books, along with Netgalley, for the chance to read an advance e-ARC of this book. It definitely helps this librarian plan, purchase, and promote!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars for this quietly nuanced tale about a boy's struggle with OCD. Cooper hasn't been the same since his grandfather's death. In fact, now he knows that he must follow precise rituals to keep the rest of his family alive. The Father does not believe in this, and as a result Cooper accompanies his mother and sister to his grandfather's lake cabin for the summer. His mother hopes the time away will heal Cooper, but he isn't sure he can be "fixed".
The author does a fantastic job of illustrating Cooper's internal struggle with OCD. The story moves quietly, like a long summer day on a lake, and has an open yet hopeful ending. This will be a great title to share rig upper elementary and younger middle school readers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars for this quietly nuanced tale about a boy's struggle with OCD. Cooper hasn't been the same since his grandfather's death. In fact, now he knows that he must follow precise rituals to keep the rest of his family alive. The Father does not believe in this, and as a result Cooper accompanies his mother and sister to his grandfather's lake cabin for the summer. His mother hopes the time away will heal Cooper, but he isn't sure he can be "fixed".
The author does a fantastic job of illustrating Cooper's internal struggle with OCD. The story moves quietly, like a long summer day on a lake, and has an open yet hopeful ending. This will be a great title to share rig upper elementary and younger middle school readers.
August 4, 2017
The Notations of Cooper Cameron was a very interesting and eye opening book. I have read a few other books where the main character is struggling with some form of OCD, but with this book, I really felt Cooper's constant struggle. I felt like I was struggling right along with him. There were numerous times when I wanted to dry wash my hands right along with him, or jump into the book and tell him that it's not his fault and that it's not up to him to keep everyone safe.
I think this is an important book for the middle grade classroom. It will help kids to understand what it is like to live with OCD and it will also help those kids who have it to realize that it's ok and that there isn't something "wrong" wth them. I imagine it will also help them to realize that they should talk about it with the people that they love.
I think this is an important book for the middle grade classroom. It will help kids to understand what it is like to live with OCD and it will also help those kids who have it to realize that it's ok and that there isn't something "wrong" wth them. I imagine it will also help them to realize that they should talk about it with the people that they love.
September 16, 2017
This was another wonderful story that I have read.
This is the story of Cooper - a boy with OCD (that seems to have been triggered from his grandfather's death, in my non-medical purely thinking of connections opinion) - who is struggling to protect his family and not mess things up.
While I have never had OCD - despite my siblings joking about it at times - I connect with Cooper (and his mother and his sister) so much. I connect with wanting to do anything to protect my family and I connect with the fear that comes from confronting something that doesn't seem to be able to be fixed.
This is a story of hope, friendship, and family. It is a story that will help others hopefully and will giver others the chance to see inside someone else's brain - if only for a little while. It is a wonderful story that I would definitely recommend to others.
This is the story of Cooper - a boy with OCD (that seems to have been triggered from his grandfather's death, in my non-medical purely thinking of connections opinion) - who is struggling to protect his family and not mess things up.
While I have never had OCD - despite my siblings joking about it at times - I connect with Cooper (and his mother and his sister) so much. I connect with wanting to do anything to protect my family and I connect with the fear that comes from confronting something that doesn't seem to be able to be fixed.
This is a story of hope, friendship, and family. It is a story that will help others hopefully and will giver others the chance to see inside someone else's brain - if only for a little while. It is a wonderful story that I would definitely recommend to others.
December 30, 2025
Ahoy there mateys! Well, the blurb I originally read was nothing like the actual plot of the book. The cover and description made me think this was a happy story with a boy floating on a raft and having adventures with his pet frog and favorite rock. Turns out it is about a boy, Cooper, dealing with grief, PTSD, and having OCD. This was extremely well-written and made me heart ache. I am so glad to have read this but have to admit it was hard going because of the themes and the father's abusiveness. The author's note too was sad and lovely. Reading Cameron's thoughts made the conditions feel so real and Cameron himself was a lovely character. This was hard reading as an adult. I think middle school me would have been devastated and ugly-cried like crazy. I don't know who I would recommend this to but this read will stick with me. Arrr!
August 29, 2017
Cooper is a boy who loves his frog Amicus the Great. He loves to read his book Inferno. He loves his mom and his sister, and maybe his Dad. Cooper doesn't always understand things like others do, he is literal, likes to do things in threes, and he worries about his family being harmed if he doesn't do these rituals.
This story never tells you that Cooper has a diagnosis of a disorder, but the parents are struggling to understand why Cooper acts like he does. It frustrates dad and Cooper, his older sister Caddie gets embarrassed sometimes, and Mom is doing everything she can to help him find his way.
Beautifully written with great character development and storyline. I highly recommend this book for middle grade and up.
This story never tells you that Cooper has a diagnosis of a disorder, but the parents are struggling to understand why Cooper acts like he does. It frustrates dad and Cooper, his older sister Caddie gets embarrassed sometimes, and Mom is doing everything she can to help him find his way.
Beautifully written with great character development and storyline. I highly recommend this book for middle grade and up.
March 26, 2018
that was trigger happy, people. but also super realistic and understanding? but also SO MANY TRIGGERS. if you have OCD or anxiety, beware.
i received an advance reader copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
it was really good and warm and i loved cooper, caddie and their mother. they were all trying so hard and cooper most of all to get over the death of grandfather and onset of mental illness in cooper and his father being not great at dealing with it and a summer at a cabin in the woods on a lake. it felt just like a summer vacation with time passing slowly and then sped up all at once. there was so much ice cream and sand castles and playing and numerous OCD triggers and warmth and family and trying. really lovely writing and interesting characters and growth.
i received an advance reader copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
it was really good and warm and i loved cooper, caddie and their mother. they were all trying so hard and cooper most of all to get over the death of grandfather and onset of mental illness in cooper and his father being not great at dealing with it and a summer at a cabin in the woods on a lake. it felt just like a summer vacation with time passing slowly and then sped up all at once. there was so much ice cream and sand castles and playing and numerous OCD triggers and warmth and family and trying. really lovely writing and interesting characters and growth.
June 28, 2018
This was a really interesting and timely read. I think there may well be a need for a story about a child who has OCD. Cooper is a boy kids could relate to, he's bright, intelligent, personable, but has some quirks. Everyone does really. His just stand out a bit more. I was thinking he reminded me a lot of kids and adults I've known who have varying degrees of autism. But I've also know folks with OCD. So maybe there is some crossover between the two of symptoms. Anyway, both children with OCD and children who live with them , go to school with them, etc... may enjoy reading this story and maybe finding some understanding of the disorder. Good story, well told!
I received a Kindle ARC in exchange for a fair review from Netgalley.
I received a Kindle ARC in exchange for a fair review from Netgalley.
July 3, 2017
Thnk you Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for a fair review.
After witnessing his grandfather's death Cooper sinks into a world of guilt and fears. He is driven by OCD rituals in an effort to protect those he loves. Returning to his grandfather's summer cabin, the scene of his death, Cooper is forced to confront his fears. As he struggles to become the person he knows his family wants him to be, he desperately tries to break the OCD cycle and end his isolation. With great courage and the love of his mother and sister as well as unexpected friends, Cooper finds a strength within himself.
After witnessing his grandfather's death Cooper sinks into a world of guilt and fears. He is driven by OCD rituals in an effort to protect those he loves. Returning to his grandfather's summer cabin, the scene of his death, Cooper is forced to confront his fears. As he struggles to become the person he knows his family wants him to be, he desperately tries to break the OCD cycle and end his isolation. With great courage and the love of his mother and sister as well as unexpected friends, Cooper finds a strength within himself.
October 31, 2017
Michael Dahl pointed out in a recent article in eSchool News how reading fiction can increase compassion (and prevent bullying) by allowing kids to experience life through another person’s eyes. If that’s so, The Notations of Cooper Cameron is a must read for kids - AND teachers and parents. Cooper’s struggles would be completely heartbreaking if not for his own kind heart, his smarts, his resolute manner – and the bit of hope readers feel as the story wraps up. A beautiful, wrenching book by Jane O’Reilly with just the right amount of family, love, and laughter.
February 1, 2018
I appreciate the objective with this narrative and I think it was a necessary and important voice. Wonderfully executed to give a perspective of an OCD child... however I'm not sure I fully loved the story as a whole. I definitely loved the characters (especially the main character) but there were several plot points that I don't really feel like were vital/ or fully developed. AND I HATE WHEN AN IMPORTANT PIECE IS LEFT IN MYSTERY!!!! just tell us what happened!!! that almost always immediately disappoints me in the overall book.
did-not-finish
August 16, 2019DNF at 9%
I think I’m fatigued of middle grade, which is upsetting. But I just didn’t want to read a depressing story about a dead grandfather, a messed up little boy struggling with his mental health, and an unsupportive family. It’s depressing.
The Goldfish Boy is really really good, and I’d much rather read that. It seems similar, and I know I liked that one better even if I didn’t finish this.
I also didn’t like the repetition even though that’s Cooper’s whole thing. It’s just hard to read. Sorry, man.
Read the Goldfish Boy instead.
I think I’m fatigued of middle grade, which is upsetting. But I just didn’t want to read a depressing story about a dead grandfather, a messed up little boy struggling with his mental health, and an unsupportive family. It’s depressing.
The Goldfish Boy is really really good, and I’d much rather read that. It seems similar, and I know I liked that one better even if I didn’t finish this.
I also didn’t like the repetition even though that’s Cooper’s whole thing. It’s just hard to read. Sorry, man.
Read the Goldfish Boy instead.
November 28, 2023
This book is quite a delight even while dealing with tough stuff - Cooper has witnessed something that he can't quite handle. His mind has responded with obsessive compulsive disordered traits. the disorder is never mentioned by name in the book, and we see the world through Cooper's POV. We spend a summer with him while he battles his inner demons, pays attention to the world around him, and learns that he cannot be responsible for everything.
Probably geared towards 4th -6th graders, but good for older readers, too.
Probably geared towards 4th -6th graders, but good for older readers, too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews