Ozzie
by L. B. Tillit
Ozzie believes if he ignores all the voices in his head then he’ll make it. He’ll be what everyone expects him to be: Hancock High’s football all-star. But when the chance comes for him to prove who he really is, he becomes numb and doesn’t care about who may be hurt, as long as the comments don’t attack him. But Ozzie’s silence begins to impact those around him. As Ozzie’s world begins to fall apart, the voices in his head remain strong. If he takes a stand for anything, will it even matter? Or worse, if he does speak, will he cause more harm than good?
Details
Lexile Level: HL580L
Interest Level: Young Adult
ISBN: 978-1-7352642-1-9
“In the interactions of these various characters, Tillit effectively addresses such issues as bigotry, homelessness, and mental health . . . Over the course of this novel, Tillit deftly weaves a story of hope into an account of typical high school challenges . . . Overall, the story is engaging without being preachy, which will appeal to many YA readers . . . A thoughtful tale of finding hope amid life’s trials.” Kirkus Reviews
Real Raw & Honest
- Deals with mental health/suicidal thoughts
- Confronts harassment
- Touches on racism and stereotyping
- Encourages self-reflection
- Provides homelessness awareness
The Way I See It Series
Think you’ve got it rough? You’re not alone. Check out more books in The Way I See It series!
The Way I See It series shares real-life teen struggles from different points of view. Raw emotions, tough choices, and honest stories that hit home—no fake drama, just real talk. If you’re into books that get you, with characters who feel real, this series is for you.
