October is ADHD Awareness Month (carlthemaker (123RF))
While October is normally associated with spooky season, it is also Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Awareness Month. This month, we wanted to highlight books where the main character, subject or author has ADHD. If you also want some spooky and scary recommendations, click here and here.
“The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan (2005) (Middle Grades) (Fantasy) (Mythology)
When Percy Jackson can’t focus in school or control his temper, he learns that it is more than just his ADHD: He is actually a demi-god and must be sent to “Camp Half Blood” for others who are half-god like him. There are 17 books in the Percy Jackson series, so there are plenty to keep any reader occupied for a while.
“My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders” by Monzusu and Ben Trethewey (Translator) (2022) (Manga) (Non-Fiction)
This manga anthology follows nine people, each with different disorders and disabilities: a former “problem” child, a man learning to experience the world while on his new medication, a middle school dropout and more.
“A Duke by Default” by Alyssa Cole (2018) (Romance) (Fiction)
A New York socialite with ADHD, Portia Hobbs, has found a new passion, sword-making. However, she has also found a new passion with her sword-making teacher, Tavish McKenzie, who is equal parts annoying and fascinating, as well as the secret son of a Scottish duke. Will more than sword skills flourish between these two?
Books next to a window (ketchana (123RF))
“Cory Stories: A Kid’s Book About Living With ADHD” by Jeanne Kraus and Whitney Martin (Illustrator) (2004) (Children’s) (Non-Fiction) (Psychology)
Using short vignettes and statements, Corey shares his tips and experiences of life with ADHD, hoping to help other kids cope with medication, therapy, school, life and friendships.
“Extra Focus: The Quick Start Guide to Adult ADHD” by Jesse J. Anderson (2023) (Non-Fiction) (Self-Help)
Rather than get bogged down with clinical jargon, this book is more akin to talking about ADHD with a friend. Anderson shares his tips for managing energy and time, avoiding burnout, dealing with memory issues and more.
“Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston (2019) (Young Adult) (Fiction) (Queer)
Alex is the son of the President of the United States; he also has ADHD. On top of everything else, he begins a secret relationship with Prince Henry from the U.K. that could derail the relationship between the two nations.
“A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD” by Sari Solden and Dr. Michelle Frank (2019) (Non-Fiction) (Self-Help)
This book isn’t just about living with ADHD but thriving with it. This book discusses breaking the cycle of negative self-talk and shame and developing confidence in your life.
Many books on a large bookshelf (escapejaaj (123RF))
“Yes & I Love You” by Roni Loren (2021) (Contemporary Romance) (Fiction) (Chick Lit)
Aspiring actor Jasper has ADHD and learns that he has been serving coffee every day to Miz Poppy, the famous nightlife reviewer who could put Jasper’s career on the map. In exchange for helping her launch a video blog, Miz Poppy might just be able to help Jasper and maybe find love along the way.
“ADHD and Me: What I Learned from Lighting Fires at the Dinner Table” by Blake E.S. Taylor (2008) (Memoir) (Psychology)
Blake E.S. Taylor was always a little “impulsive” growing up: accidentally launching rockets into the neighbor’s pool, setting off alarms in museums, being distracted during exams and somehow ending up with a ton of spiders as pets. Taylor shares his stories hoping to inspire others like him.
“Revenge of the Killer Flamingos” by Patricia Burroughs (2018) (Fiction) (Mystery)
Meet MJ O’Malley: She has ADHD, and she solves murders. People seem to be dropping dead in Pisgah Cove, North Carolina and it is up to O’Malley to solve the case before she becomes the latest murder victim.
