As Sam notes in the story, finding information for family members (particularly children) of those who live with obsessive-compulsive disorder can be challenging. Below are some resources that aim to educate friends, family members, and others about how to be better allies for those with OCD. In addition, we strongly recommend reading both fiction and nonfiction by those who live with OCD to better understand the disorder and the wide variety of forms it can take.

Education and Resources

Research Papers

Recommended Reading

Pregnancy Loss

Sam’s mother’s struggle with OCD after pregnancy loss is based on real-life research. Many cases of OCD are unrelated to trauma, but trauma can trigger or exacerbate existing anxiety disorders. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, and depression are all common after the loss of a pregnancy. In the Company of Angels: A Memorial Book, which Sam’s mother uses to memorialize Sebastian, is a real book and can be purchased online.

Education and Resources

Research Papers

“Post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression following miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy: a prospective cohort study.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27807081

Disabilities and Ableism

Regarding disability, perhaps the most important thing we can do is strive to create a more inclusive world — one in which people with disabilities are seen as part of human diversity. As readers, we can seek out narratives by disabled writers in order to see the world through their eyes. As people, we can find ways to challenge ableism and make our communities accessible to everyone.

Education and Resources

For Educators

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL):

For Allies

Stop Ableism:

Integrated Community Services (ICS):

Recommended Reading

Nijkamp, Marieke, ed. Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring

Disabled Teens. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2018.

Adoption and Adoptees

The range of adoptee experiences is vast, and while there are often common threads, no two adoptees’ stories and feelings are identical. An array of resources can be found at the National Council for Adoption website at http://www.adoptioncouncil.org/resources/general.

Acknowledgments

While Starworld initially came to life between its two authors, it never would have become a book without the countless contributions of other people.

As always our agents played a key role in shaping the story and finding it the best possible home. Thank you to John Cusick, Molly Cusick, and Alexandra Machinist for your industry savvy, time, and dedication.