I was trying to remember the other day how I first talked to my daughter about ADHD. I have always been very open with her on the subject. She had struggled before being diagnosed at 9 years old. I never wanted her to feel like ADHD was something to be ashamed of because it isn’t. Like any disability, hidden or not. I just wanted to let her know what ADHD is and how it affects people in so many ways. I was at a loss myself at the time and, at the start of my journey as a parent of a child with ADHD.
As an avid reader, I delved into an array of parenting books. However, I didn’t think to find one for my daughter with ADHD. I did the explanation myself. But I wish now I had thought to find a book. I’d bought my children storybooks for when I went through the divorce with their father. Explaining how it was nothing that they had done. How they would now have two bedrooms and still have a mummy and daddy, they just lived separately now. They were lovely age-appropriate books that I would read to them at bedtime. Why did I not think to get one to explain ADHD? I have no idea!
It would also have been useful to explain ADHD to her twin brother. I’ll never forget after an extremely bad meltdown by my daughter, her twin, my neurotypical (NT) son, turned to me quietly and said, ‘Mummy do you think we could take her to the doctors so they can take a look at her brain?’ Said so innocently and with genuine concern. I did sit down and explain to him that her brain did work a bit differently from his and reassured him that it was all ok. But I really wish I had had some tools to help me.
Hence this blog post! To equip other parents with great books on ADHD for children, recommended by myself and other ADHD parents. I will put a link at the bottom of the post where you can purchase all of these recommended books on Amazon (please note that if you do purchase from this link, I will receive a small commission which does not affect your purchase price).
I really hope these help you on your journey with your child with ADHD. The below list is in no particular order. You will also see I have noted the recommended age group for the book.
Thriving with ADHD
Author: Kelli Miller
Age Group: 7-12
Description:
“This ADHD workbook for kids includes:
An overview of ADHD–Teach your child about common symptoms, different ADHD types, and how ADHD can be an advantage.
Skill-building exercises–Establish key executive functioning skills, like dealing with anger and frustration, staying focused, controlling impulses, and communicating effectively.
Action-oriented learning–Help kids thrive in their daily lives with fun lessons for creating a morning routine, making a homework chart, expressing themselves when they’re upset, and more.
Show your child how to harness their unique gifts and live life to the fullest with their ADHD–this practical workbook will help guide the way”.
All Dogs have ADHD
Author: Kathy Hoopmann
Age Group: 7+
Description:
“All Dogs Have ADHD takes an inspiring and affectionate look at Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). With images from the canine world, it explores a variety of traits that will be instantly recognisable to those who are familiar with ADHD. Charming colour photographs of dogs bring to life familiar ADHD characteristics such as being restless and excitable, getting easily distracted, and acting on impulse. It combines humour with understanding to reflect the difficulties and joys of raising a child with ADHD and celebrates what it means to be considered ‘different’”.
My note: Love this book! The pictures are great. The dogs bring so much humour making it a really easy way to open a conversation with your child. If humour is your thing I highly recommend this book.
Cory Stories: A Kids Book about Living with ADHD
Author: Jeanne Kraus
Age Group: 8-12
Description:
“In short statements and vignettes, Cory describes what it’s like to have ADHD: how it affects his relationships with friends and family, his school performance, and his overall functioning. He also describes many ways of coping with ADHD: medication, therapy/counselling, and practical tips for school, home, and friendships”.
ADHD is our Super Power
Author: Soli Lazarus
Age Group: 7-10
Description:
“In this book, you will meet different girls and boys with ADHD who can do amazing things. You might recognise some of these strengths as things that you can do too! Some of these strengths help with everyday life, like being able to hyper-focus on a task or having boundless energy to try new things. Some strengths are superpowers for interacting with others, like having a strong sense of what is fair or entertaining friends and family to make them feel happy.
Each character also shares things that you can ask grown-ups to do to help you, like providing visual aids, creating calm spaces, communicating effectively and being kind and patient.
This book also provides guidance for parents and teachers, with advice on how they can support children with suspected or diagnosed ADHD at home or in the classroom and provides further resources and bonus content”.
My notes: I just bought this book. I thought at first it was a little ‘thin’ but that doesn’t mean that it’s not packed with brilliant stuff. It’s easy to read with a child and what I love is how Soli has incorporated how individual ADHD can be to each person. This really helped me because I have two children with it and they both present quite differently. Well worth buying.
Can I tell you about ADHD?
Author: Susan Yarney
Age Group: 7-18
Description:
“Meet Ben – a young boy with ADHD. Ben invites readers to learn about ADHD from his perspective. He helps children understand what it means to have ADHD and describes what it is and how it feels. Ben explains how he was diagnosed and what he has learnt about ways to relieve his ADHD symptoms, and how friends and adults can help at home and school. This illustrated book is full of useful information and will be an ideal introduction for young people, aged 7 upwards, as well as parents, friends, teachers and professionals working with children with ADHD. It is also an excellent starting point for family and classroom discussions”.
Mrs Gorski, I think I have Wiggle Fidgets
Author: Barbara Esham
Age Group: 4-8
Description:
“A student’s positive journey through a learning difference that offers an encouraging example of triumph over difficulty. A must-have ADHD book for kids of all ages.
The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses is meant to demonstrate various forms of learning, creativity, and intelligence. Each book introduces a realistic example of triumph over difficulty in a positive, humorous way that readers of all ages will enjoy!
David gets scolded a lot by his teacher, Mrs Gorski, for not paying attention in class. He wants to pay attention but it is just so hard when an exciting idea pops into his head. And he usually can’t tell that he’s making a mistake until after he makes them. But after a particularly big mistake, David comes up with his own plan to tone down his wiggle fidgets.”
My Whirling Twirling Motor
Author: Merriam Sarcia Saunders
Age Group: 4-8
Description:
“Charlie feels like he has a whirling, twirling motor running inside him all the time and sometimes he just can’t settle. When his mom wants to talk to him, he figures he’s in trouble; but she has a surprise for him instead! Includes a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers with more information on ADHD, behaviour management, and helping children focus on the positives”.
The Abilities in Me: ADHD
Author: Gemma Keir
Age Group: 3-8
Description:
“This picture book is dedicated to children with ADHD, also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Explore the day in the life of a young girl with ADHD, through bright, colourful illustrations and text. Perfect for teachers, parents, and children alike, this book will bring awareness of the condition and teach children how to be supportive and be kind. This collection of books shows how each child can celebrate their abilities within their disability, find acceptance and create awareness among those around them. This picture book is aimed at children between the ages of 3-8 years. The character in the book is dedicated to Josie-May Golding, age 11 with ADHD”.
My notes: Have to say I ordered this and my 10-year-old really enjoyed reading it! I was sitting in the lounge having just read it myself, and he picked it up and just started reading! He gave it a thumbs up!
The Survival Guide for Kids with ADHD
Author: John F Taylor
Age Group: 8-12
Description:
“Dr Taylor’s book plays an important role in helping youngsters with ADHD learn practical strategies for managing everyday life. This Guide includes: what ADHD means – and doesn’t mean; ways to make each day go better at home, at school, and with friends; how to deal with strong feelings like anger, worry, and sadness; the lowdown on medicines many kids take for ADHD; info on foods that may help you manage your ADHD; fun quizzes that will help you remember what you’re learning; and much more. It also includes lots of straightforward advice presented in a down-to-earth style with illustrations and quizzes to make it really kid-friendly”.
I really hope this is helpful. With so many books out there I love getting recommendations from parents with children with ADHD. Things that have really worked for them and their child. Please do let me know if you have any favourites. Different books work for different children. Please click this LINK to find all the books listed in this blog. Please note this is not a paid or promotional blog post. All the books I have bought myself or been recommended by fellow parents.
I have started a private support group on Facebook for parents and carers who need support with their child with ADHD. It’s a friendly place to chat with others. Please do click this link ADHDinchildren to join. And for anyone on Instagram, I’m there too ADHD Mum.
Vicki x