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jestrudel's review
1.0
I rarely leave one or two star reviews because I don't think they are particularly helpful most of the time, and I hate the thought of hurting an author's feelings. In this case, I felt it was necessary because, as someone with ADHD, this book could be damaging kids with the disorder.
The fact the book is labelled "a book about ADHD" is ludicrous. It looks at only the most stereotypical ADHD symptoms (fidgeting, disrupting the classroom, lack of concentration, etc.) which are symptoms of the hyperactive form of the disorder, not at the broader range of symptoms, and are the least likely symptoms for girls with the disorder to display. It's really a story about a girl who happens to have ADHD, but it is not the whole of who she is. The label of "about ADHD" makes it the whole of who she is to readers. I wish there were more books out there with characters who just have ADHD, without it having to be overtly stated. In the end, everyone congratulates the protagonist for figuring out the mystery, as though it's surprising she could have done it, what with her having ADHD and all. She had to "concentrate really hard" to accomplish it, after all.
This book is unforgettable, just not in the way I like my books to leave a lasting impression.
The fact the book is labelled "a book about ADHD" is ludicrous. It looks at only the most stereotypical ADHD symptoms (fidgeting, disrupting the classroom, lack of concentration, etc.) which are symptoms of the hyperactive form of the disorder, not at the broader range of symptoms, and are the least likely symptoms for girls with the disorder to display. It's really a story about a girl who happens to have ADHD, but it is not the whole of who she is. The label of "about ADHD" makes it the whole of who she is to readers. I wish there were more books out there with characters who just have ADHD, without it having to be overtly stated. In the end, everyone congratulates the protagonist for figuring out the mystery, as though it's surprising she could have done it, what with her having ADHD and all. She had to "concentrate really hard" to accomplish it, after all.
This book is unforgettable, just not in the way I like my books to leave a lasting impression.
etienne02's review
2.0
In this SEN Superpowers collection, the authors try to positively present special needs students. The subject can’t be closer to be, having dedicated my professional life to those kids with special needs, but unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this book, or the other I read from this collection. I find the magical thinking behind it looking like it came out from a fairytale and I didn’t find the representation (positive and negative aspects of it) done or explain well. I wouldn’t recommend that book!
backpackingbookworm's review
4.0
After break, Izzy and her classmates return to their classroom to feed the pet rabbit, only to find the food bag empty. Suspecting a thief, Izzy struggles to concentrate on school work as her mind is caught up thinking about how the food could have gone missing. She taps her fingers, chews her pencil, and sits on top of her desk in an attempt to think. The teachers asks her to calm down. Then Izzy notices the open window and runs up to look out. The class are intrigued and the teacher allows them to go outside and investigate further. Izzy discovers a squirrel has taken the food and solves the mystery.
Izzy has ADHD which is highlighted with her energetic behaviour, concentration struggles, and visual memory. It is a good book for highlighting the condition and focusing on the positives as much as the tendencies. Izzy's energetic nature is infectious and she is a likable character from the start. Children will love her strong personality and eagerness to solve the mystery. The illustrations are a great accompaniment and really bring the story to life.
There are notes for parents and teachers at the back of the book, explaining ADHD in further detail and encouraging discussion with children so they can understand. There are also tips for boosting abilities which I think is great - we all learn and react differently to situations and it should be encouraged to treat people as individuals rather than taking a 'one size fits all' approach.
Izzy has ADHD which is highlighted with her energetic behaviour, concentration struggles, and visual memory. It is a good book for highlighting the condition and focusing on the positives as much as the tendencies. Izzy's energetic nature is infectious and she is a likable character from the start. Children will love her strong personality and eagerness to solve the mystery. The illustrations are a great accompaniment and really bring the story to life.
There are notes for parents and teachers at the back of the book, explaining ADHD in further detail and encouraging discussion with children so they can understand. There are also tips for boosting abilities which I think is great - we all learn and react differently to situations and it should be encouraged to treat people as individuals rather than taking a 'one size fits all' approach.
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