Books About Attention Deficit Disorder (Add-adhd)

The Best Attention Deficit Disorder (Add-adhd) Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about attention deficit disorder (add-adhd)? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Fifty-Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Attention Deficit Disorder (Add-adhd)

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1998

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

By Jack Gantos · Book #1 in the Joey Pigza series

A boy's wild impulses threaten to derail his future.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (1998)

176 pages· 35,620 words· Est. 4 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 17,052 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Joey Pigza struggles with hyperactivity and impulsive decisions, like swallowing keys and running with scissors. His 'dud meds' fail to control his mood swings, landing him in a special-ed program. Determined not to fall through the cracks, Joey faces the challenge of navigating a world that doesn't understand him. Can he find a way to harness his energy and stay on track?

Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets

By Barbara Esham, Mike Gordon (Illustrator) · The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses series

A boy's struggle with focus leads to a creative solution for his restless mind.

32 pages

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 538 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: David often finds himself in trouble for not paying attention in class. His mind races with exciting ideas, making it hard to focus. After a big mistake, he devises a clever plan to manage his wiggle fidgets. This heartwarming tale explores the challenges and triumphs of living with ADHD, offering a humorous and inspiring look at finding solutions. Can David's creativity help him succeed in school and beyond? Discover how determination and understanding can turn difficulties into strengths in this award-winning story.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

New from Here

By Kelly Yang

A boy battles racism and family separation during the pandemic.

368 pages· 64,419 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 4,821 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Knox Wei-Evans faces a whirlwind move from Hong Kong to California as the coronavirus spreads. Separated from his dad and labeled as a virus carrier at school, Knox must navigate prejudice and uncertainty. With his mom's job loss and the family's future in limbo, can Knox find his place and keep his family united across oceans? In a world of fear and division, Knox's journey is one of courage and resilience.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Fifty-Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers

By Caela Carter

Gwendolyn must conquer her 54 quirks to attend horse camp. Can her mom's Twelve Steps help?

336 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,510 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Gwendolyn Rogers, an eleven-year-old with fifty-four 'problems,' faces a summer without horse camp unless she can control her quirks. With her brother Tyler's ADHD and perfect friend Hettie unable to help, Gwendolyn turns to her mom's Twelve Steps for guidance. Can these steps, which once helped her mother, be the key to Gwendolyn's freedom and self-acceptance? Dive into her journey of self-discovery and resilience.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

Focused

By Alyson Gerber

A girl struggles to balance her love for chess with the challenges of ADHD.

304 pages· 60,232 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,411 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Clea loves chess, but her mind is a whirlwind of distractions. With ADHD making school and friendships difficult, Clea faces a new challenge: finding focus. As her world spins, can she learn to control her thoughts and embrace who she is? Discover how Clea navigates the noise and finds clarity in a world that demands her attention.

Sale price

$1049

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2008

It's Hard to Be a Verb!

By Cook, Julia, Carrie Hartman (Illustrator) · National Center for Youth Issues series

A restless boy learns to control his impulses with his mom's help.

32 pages· 1,174 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 229 ratings

$10.95Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Louis can't sit still, his body always in motion at the wrong times. His mom steps in with creative techniques to help him focus and manage his energy. Can Louis learn to control his inner verb and find peace in stillness? Discover the journey of a boy navigating the challenges of ADHD with a little help from his mom's inventive solutions. This story offers hope and practical advice for anyone struggling with attention and impulse control, making it a valuable resource for families and educators alike.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Sidetracked

By Diana Harmon Asher

A misfit joins the track team, facing bullies and fears, discovering unexpected possibilities.

256 pages· 49,609 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,052 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Joseph Friedman, sidelined by fears and bullies, is thrust into the school track team. With Heather, a fearless runner, by his side, he navigates the chaos of middle school. As he steps onto the track, Joseph learns that in the race of life, anything can happen. Will he find his stride or stumble under pressure?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2020

Tornado Brain

By Cat Patrick

A neurodivergent girl races to find her vanished friend, uncovering hidden clues.

286 pages· 59,496 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,188 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Frankie, a neurodivergent seventh grader, struggles with sensory overload and social challenges. When her estranged friend Colette reappears and then mysteriously vanishes, Frankie believes only she can decipher the clues left behind. Enlisting her sister Tess, she embarks on a quest to solve the mystery before it's too late. Will Frankie find Colette and mend their fractured friendship, or will the secrets remain hidden? Dive into a poignant tale of friendship, sisterhood, and self-discovery.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2089

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2022

Button Pusher

By Tyler Page · Book #1 in the Button Pusher series

A boy's struggle with ADHD leads to unexpected challenges and self-discovery.

256 pages· 17,382 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,439 ratings

$21.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Tyler's world is a whirlwind of creativity and chaos. Diagnosed with ADHD, he battles to control impulses that others see as troublemaking. From cutting bus seats to hanging out of windows, his actions bewilder adults. Yet, Tyler is a talented artist, excelling when he can focus. As he navigates the complexities of his mind, Tyler's journey reveals the raw truth of growing up with ADHD. Can he find a way to harness his unique brain and thrive? Discover a story of resilience and understanding, where every challenge is a step toward self-discovery.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2014

Eliza Bing is (Not) a Big, Fat Quitter

By Carmella Van Vleet · Eliza Bing series

Can Eliza conquer taekwondo's challenges and prove her dedication?

176 pages· 34,078 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 225 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Eliza's latest passion is cake decorating, but her parents doubt her commitment. To prove them wrong, she takes on taekwondo, a daunting task for someone with ADHD. Facing discipline struggles and a mean classmate, Eliza must decide if she can truly embrace the martial artist's spirit. Will she rise to the challenge or let her doubts win?

The Bookroo Book Club