ADHD and Me

“My name is Malory, I’m 8 years old and I have ADHA. ADHD is short for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It can mean different things for different kids. My mom says that it’s part of what makes me special. She says because of it, I am unique. Being unique means that you are one of a kind. That doesn’t mean I’m alone though”

ADHD and Me by Chelsea Radojcic
Illustrated by Leonie Cheetham
Publisher yet to be announced
Expected Date: 4 July 2017

This opening paragraph in the book is a beautiful beginning to a book that brings ADHD to life and evokes emotion. Malory shares the difficulties she faces everyday, which are often misunderstood by society. Malory describes how fidgeting, finding it hard to stay focused and trying not to be noisy during school classes can be so hard to achieve. Malory’s story isn’t unique, it just isn’t heard about a lot which is what makes this book so important.

What I appreciate about this book is Malory’s awareness about her challenges and what causes them. The author has not only discussed Malory’s feelings and worries but those of the parents as well. This book has given me great insight into ADHD, the challenges, sadness, worry, tears, embarrassment and anger that can be felt within the space of a short time. I also saw the hope, learning to stay focused and find calmness through art, being able to talk about the flurry of feelings, feeling beautiful and loved by those around you.

The author instills in the reader that it is OK to be you are, no matter who you are.

The illustrations are artistic and done in beautiful watercolours. They are bright and expressive and the huge eyes on each character gives you a look into their souls. I am fascinated by each illustrated detail and how each line and stroke of colour has been done in a whimsical but somehow refined way.

Apart from the opening statement, the part of the book that impacted me the most was a picture of Malory crying a lone tear. That lone tear that we cannot understand unless we go through the struggle that the character goes through each and every day. What makes this even more compelling is that the author knows this struggle only too well considering this is her story, this was her childhood.

I would put this book in the category of easy reader and encourage not only children with challenges to read this book but any child. Giving children the knowledge of what it is like to struggle through each day is a good teacher of compassion.