Reviews
"The format of this book is perfect for a child with ADHD (late elementary to middle school level) and their parents, teachers and caregivers. This book would complement a library’s section on special needs and disabilities."
-CAPHIS Consumer Connections
-CAPHIS Consumer Connections
Reviewed by Rebecca Rizoli, Program Specialist, FCSN
(Federation for Children with Special Needs; Informing, Educating, Empowering Parents)
Having ADHD can be a struggle. In addition to the frustration of dealing with the symptoms of the disorder, people with ADHD often feel alone and like a misfit. Being “different” can be especially frustrating for children and adolescents, who are trying so desperately to fit in and find their place.
Fortunately for these young people, there’s “Journal of an ADHD Kid,” by Tobias Stumpf, a middle school student who was diagnosed with ADHD in the second grade. This book consists of a series of diary entries penned by Stumpf, who chronicles his thoughts, feelings, and challenges about having ADHD. Following each entry, Stumpf poses a set of questions for the reader, such as “When and why did people start to wonder if you had ADHD? Did you ever feel like something was ‘different’ about you?”
Any reader with ADHD will feel a connection with Stumpf and his story. I have ADHD, and I saw my own struggles and challenges in the pages of his book. On page 5, he writes, “ADHD makes me feel not so normal. You see, sometimes I get off track. I was just writing in this journal and then a big noise happened and I forgot what I was doing.” When I read this, I smiled and nodded, as I could completely relate to Stumpf. Like him, when I am writing or engaging in any activity that requires total concentration and I hear an unexpected noise, I often get distracted and lose my train of thought to the point that I have to start all over again.
Stumpf also demonstrates the creativity and humor that is present in so many people with ADHD. He likens ADHD to what he calls a “magnet mind,” because so many thoughts cling to his brain, just as paper clips will cling to a magnet. He also refers to the “volcano in his locker” that has an “eruption” when he’s trying to find a particular book or folder.
This book is a must read for all young people with ADHD who need to be reassured that they are not alone!
(Federation for Children with Special Needs; Informing, Educating, Empowering Parents)
Having ADHD can be a struggle. In addition to the frustration of dealing with the symptoms of the disorder, people with ADHD often feel alone and like a misfit. Being “different” can be especially frustrating for children and adolescents, who are trying so desperately to fit in and find their place.
Fortunately for these young people, there’s “Journal of an ADHD Kid,” by Tobias Stumpf, a middle school student who was diagnosed with ADHD in the second grade. This book consists of a series of diary entries penned by Stumpf, who chronicles his thoughts, feelings, and challenges about having ADHD. Following each entry, Stumpf poses a set of questions for the reader, such as “When and why did people start to wonder if you had ADHD? Did you ever feel like something was ‘different’ about you?”
Any reader with ADHD will feel a connection with Stumpf and his story. I have ADHD, and I saw my own struggles and challenges in the pages of his book. On page 5, he writes, “ADHD makes me feel not so normal. You see, sometimes I get off track. I was just writing in this journal and then a big noise happened and I forgot what I was doing.” When I read this, I smiled and nodded, as I could completely relate to Stumpf. Like him, when I am writing or engaging in any activity that requires total concentration and I hear an unexpected noise, I often get distracted and lose my train of thought to the point that I have to start all over again.
Stumpf also demonstrates the creativity and humor that is present in so many people with ADHD. He likens ADHD to what he calls a “magnet mind,” because so many thoughts cling to his brain, just as paper clips will cling to a magnet. He also refers to the “volcano in his locker” that has an “eruption” when he’s trying to find a particular book or folder.
This book is a must read for all young people with ADHD who need to be reassured that they are not alone!
I learned a great deal
By Thomas S. Westman on August 7, 2013
Amazon Verified PurchaseI just finished reading the book, Journal of an ADHD Kid and I found it facinating and entertaining. Learning about ADHD from the perspective of a middle school young man that has it, made the reading very authentic. Before reading the book I knew very little about ADHD, only that young people were often diagnosed with it and treated with medication. I think this book would be especially valuable for other young people with ADHD that have the same struggles that Tobias has experienced. Knowing that there are many others, just like Tobias, that have same frustrating issues with school, family and life in general, would help. The strategies Tobias has developed to deal with his ADHD will hopefully help others to manage their lives too.
Parents and teachers will benefit from this book, it gives you a perspective of ADHD that you won't find in text books or when you Google it. The words Tobias writes come come from the heart and from his real-life experiences.
I am a member of the same community in central Minnesota as Tobias. He has been a great customer of mine at the Farmers Market and I coached his traveling basketball team two years ago. He is a very intelligent, compassionate young man.
Tobias was very brave to write this book. He realizes he may be opening himself to teasing or possibly bullying; but he wants to tell his story to help others. I think this book will accomplish just that. What a kid!
Fabulous resource for kids, parents, families, and teachers!
By Nyssa M Brown on December 4, 2013
As a teacher, I am so impressed with the candor and wisdom shared by Toby's book. This young man has shared his day-to-day experiences with such courage so that we can understand his life - and by association - the lives of many other people we know. What makes this book so powerful is Toby's genuine willing to sharing his personal experience. For teachers and families, this book can help us understand what young people are going through and realize how we can best support our students and loved ones. MAJOR kudos to Toby for his effort, time, and intention to positively impact the world and people's lives. (And gratitude to his family for all their support and encouragement of Toby as his shares his story.)
A GREAT book
By Jill Bishop on September 8, 2013
This book is just great. In addition to doing what it is supposed to do, help other kids with ADHD, it is going to educate a lot of adults too, probably some with ADHD themselves. I learned a lot and went to Wikipedia to learn more, but actually Toby covered all the important parts in a simple and readable way. The format is great, short chapters, so readable. Great job, Toby! ...and Dawn too.
Great Book!!
By Tara Cade on September 2, 2013
I just finished it this weekend! It's a great book for any kid/teen who is or has been diagnosed with ADHD. I would recommend this book to any parent, educator, counselor or person who would like to better understand the mind of an ADHD kid. This book also gives some great tips and suggestions in dealing with some everyday struggles, told from the perspective of a kid. It explains the process, feelings, and insight from a middle school kid dealing with this that I think many will be able to read and find a piece of them in this book. This would be a great reference book to a parent of or child who has just been diagnosed with ADHD. It's a brave book that will remind many they aren't alone in dealing with some of these struggles.
By Thomas S. Westman on August 7, 2013
Amazon Verified PurchaseI just finished reading the book, Journal of an ADHD Kid and I found it facinating and entertaining. Learning about ADHD from the perspective of a middle school young man that has it, made the reading very authentic. Before reading the book I knew very little about ADHD, only that young people were often diagnosed with it and treated with medication. I think this book would be especially valuable for other young people with ADHD that have the same struggles that Tobias has experienced. Knowing that there are many others, just like Tobias, that have same frustrating issues with school, family and life in general, would help. The strategies Tobias has developed to deal with his ADHD will hopefully help others to manage their lives too.
Parents and teachers will benefit from this book, it gives you a perspective of ADHD that you won't find in text books or when you Google it. The words Tobias writes come come from the heart and from his real-life experiences.
I am a member of the same community in central Minnesota as Tobias. He has been a great customer of mine at the Farmers Market and I coached his traveling basketball team two years ago. He is a very intelligent, compassionate young man.
Tobias was very brave to write this book. He realizes he may be opening himself to teasing or possibly bullying; but he wants to tell his story to help others. I think this book will accomplish just that. What a kid!
Fabulous resource for kids, parents, families, and teachers!
By Nyssa M Brown on December 4, 2013
As a teacher, I am so impressed with the candor and wisdom shared by Toby's book. This young man has shared his day-to-day experiences with such courage so that we can understand his life - and by association - the lives of many other people we know. What makes this book so powerful is Toby's genuine willing to sharing his personal experience. For teachers and families, this book can help us understand what young people are going through and realize how we can best support our students and loved ones. MAJOR kudos to Toby for his effort, time, and intention to positively impact the world and people's lives. (And gratitude to his family for all their support and encouragement of Toby as his shares his story.)
A GREAT book
By Jill Bishop on September 8, 2013
This book is just great. In addition to doing what it is supposed to do, help other kids with ADHD, it is going to educate a lot of adults too, probably some with ADHD themselves. I learned a lot and went to Wikipedia to learn more, but actually Toby covered all the important parts in a simple and readable way. The format is great, short chapters, so readable. Great job, Toby! ...and Dawn too.
Great Book!!
By Tara Cade on September 2, 2013
I just finished it this weekend! It's a great book for any kid/teen who is or has been diagnosed with ADHD. I would recommend this book to any parent, educator, counselor or person who would like to better understand the mind of an ADHD kid. This book also gives some great tips and suggestions in dealing with some everyday struggles, told from the perspective of a kid. It explains the process, feelings, and insight from a middle school kid dealing with this that I think many will be able to read and find a piece of them in this book. This would be a great reference book to a parent of or child who has just been diagnosed with ADHD. It's a brave book that will remind many they aren't alone in dealing with some of these struggles.