Lily Williams has OCD, but she is not defined by her OCD. Her own experience with OCD and CBT exposure therapy helped inspire Peyton's story. She is the creator of the If Animals Disappeared picture book series, the Eisner-nominated graphic novel Go With The Flow, and its sequel, Look On The Bright Side. She grew up in Northern California and worked in feature film animation before moving to Colorado, where she skis often.

"A compassionate, vulnerable look into the mind and body of a kid with OCD, and the bravery it takes to face it. Not everyone's brains work the same way, and this sweet story is a reminder that struggles can be invisible, but no less real. Essential, relatable reading in a time when we need empathy more than ever." -- Vera Brosgol, New York Times-bestselling author of Return to Sender

"A realistic look at OCD that is illuminating, hopeful, and deeply moving. Lily Williams has created something beautiful." -- Kayla Miller, New York Times-bestselling author of the Click graphic novel series

"Williams presented CBT and ERP in a thoughtful way that distills the important aspects and gives struggling readers an idea of what's ahead. There are many kids (and adults) who could use this introduction and reinforce the message that they are not alone. This was the book I needed as a kid. In short: This story could change a young reader's life...share it widely." -- Wesley King, #1 New York Times-bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author of OCDaniel

"I wish Exposures had been available when I was in middle school; it would have helped me explain to my parents what was going on inside my brain and would have made me feel less alone. Thank you, Lily Williams, for a story that will lead to so many necessary conversations about mental health." -- John Schu, librarian and New York Times-bestselling author of Louder Than Hunger

"I'm so glad such a thoughtful book like this exists to allow kids who need it to feel seen and understood, and to help every reader better understand and empathise with anxiety disordered thinking. Lily's own experience and her love for the characters and readers is visible in every line." -- Lucy Knisley, New York Times-bestselling author of Stepping Stones

"A young teen finds herself struggling with intrusive thoughts in this extraordinary honest and heartfelt look at a much misunderstood diagnosis." -- Victoria Ying, Harvey Award-winning author and illustrator

Publisher: First Second

Pub date: 2026-08-11

Length: 352 pages