ADH-Me!

by John Hutton MD, Lisa M. Griffin (Illustrator)

Overview

“As far back as I can recall (starting when I was very small) I’ve daydreamed, gazing into space, climbed and jumped all over the place...” Written by a pediatrician and health literacy expert, ADH-Me! is an empathetic journey from the perspective of a child learning to live and succeed with ADHD. An accessible, rhyming narrative and inviting illustrations help families know what to expect from diagnosis through stages of treatment, while reminding all readers that love and support are the surest means to a happy ending.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781936669523
Publisher:	blue manatee press
Publication date:	09/01/2016
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	5 - 7 Years

About the Author

Lisa M. Griffin holds her BFA in Illustration and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She enjoys creating art that evokes a sense of wonder and hopes her playful illustrations bring a smile to many. Born and raised in New England, she currently resides in New Hampshire. Dr. John S. Hutton is a pediatrician and author from Cincinnati, OH. His areas of expertise include reading, screen time and early brain development. Having been a child himself, he is passionate about the power of books to help children understand, imagine, and grow.

Editorial Reviews

"ADH-Me!, with its joyful art and all the wisdom in its stanzas, is a sparkly antidote to the stigma surrounding this prevalent disorder." —Katherine Ellison, author, Buzz: A Year of Paying Attention


"This clear, informative, and caring story of a child who has ADHD is beautifully paired with warm and expressive art . . . A 'must-have' book for families, educators, heath-care professionals, and clergy." —Robie H. Harris, children's book author


"Knowledgeably written by pediatrician and health literacy expert John S. Hutton, and charmingly illustrated by Lisa M. Griffin, ADH-Me! is an empathetic journey told from the perspective of a child learning to live and succeed with ADHD." —Midwest Book Review


"A simple tale of a young child coming to understand his attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) . . . Rhyming text accompanies friendly, bright illustrations." —Dorcas Hand, School Library Journal

From the Publisher

07/01/2016
K-Gr 2—A simple tale of a young child coming to understand his attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Rhyming text accompanies friendly, bright illustrations that show the boy acting out and generally having difficulty interacting with others. Soon, worried-looking parents take the child to the doctor's office, where he is diagnosed with ADHD and reassured that lots of folks have it—likely the boy's father and uncle Gene as well as artists, scientists, and more. Steps on how to manage ADHD (keeping lists on the refrigerator, watching less television, and meeting with counselors and teachers) are woven into the story. The final step is taking medicine. By the end, the young protagonist is coloring, reading, and playing soccer with friends (some resembling the same kids who earlier snubbed him). This is an overly sweet look at ADHD; while intended for primary-age children, it will most likely be appreciated by parents looking to comfort their children. Back matter includes helpful tips and additional facts. VERDICT Best suited for doctors' and counselors' offices.—Dorcas Hand, Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston, TX

School Library Journal

2016-06-22
A pediatrician-penned story from the perspective of a child with ADHD.Rhyming, first-person text follows an unnamed white boy as he learns to manage his ADHD after struggles at school and home and with the help of his parents, teachers, doctor, and medication. The rhyme detracts from the book—in no way does this style enhance or add to the delivery of the content—and in some cases it's jarring and distracting. For example: "It felt good getting work done / and helping with chores, / eating healthy, early bedtime / (I even tried not to snore)." But there are practical tips, such as using to-do lists, restricting sugar, and getting enough sleep, as well as a matter-of-fact acceptance of medication as a tool. Of course, medication isn't the path that all kids with ADHD take, and this isn't acknowledged in the text, which may give some readers pause. Furthermore, the culminating statement, "I'm oh-so-proud to be A-D-H-Me!" isn't reflective of any sense of pride developed in the text—beyond the pride of managing the disorder. In other words, there's too little attention to the things that make this child an individual (he doesn't even have a name). The graphite and digital illustrations are largely redundant of the happily-ever-after text, though they do introduce a pet dog for the boy and multiracial classmates. A potentially useful if undistinguished book about managing ADHD. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews