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King of the Neuro Verse
A powerful, joyful novel in verse about a Black teen with ADHD who finds self-expression and first love during one epic summer school season, perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and On the Come Up.
For the third summer in a row, Pernell is back in the classroom, facing the same struggles that have always made school seem more like a battlefield than a place of learning. This summer is different, he’s battling to become the Cypher King, leader of the lunchroom’s impromptu rap circles. Here, the rhythm flows and the words fly, creating a space where the wittiest and most rhythmically inclined reign supreme. Here, Pernell’s ADHD gives him an edge.
But life outside the cypher isn’t as forgiving. Pernell’s English teacher has it out for him. His parents are pressuring him to see a doctor for his lack of focus. And Electra, his friend-slash-crush and the only one who truly gets him, is too busy chasing her dream internship to give him the time of day.
If Pernell doesn’t pull himself together, he won’t just lose the title of Cypher King—he’ll lose his chance to graduate high school. In a world where the systems are turned against kids like him, Pernell needs to find a way to succeed with his ADHD, rather than in spite of it.
For the third summer in a row, Pernell is back in the classroom, facing the same struggles that have always made school seem more like a battlefield than a place of learning. This summer is different, he’s battling to become the Cypher King, leader of the lunchroom’s impromptu rap circles. Here, the rhythm flows and the words fly, creating a space where the wittiest and most rhythmically inclined reign supreme. Here, Pernell’s ADHD gives him an edge.
But life outside the cypher isn’t as forgiving. Pernell’s English teacher has it out for him. His parents are pressuring him to see a doctor for his lack of focus. And Electra, his friend-slash-crush and the only one who truly gets him, is too busy chasing her dream internship to give him the time of day.
If Pernell doesn’t pull himself together, he won’t just lose the title of Cypher King—he’ll lose his chance to graduate high school. In a world where the systems are turned against kids like him, Pernell needs to find a way to succeed with his ADHD, rather than in spite of it.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 14, 2025
13 people are currently reading
2492 people want to read
About the author
Idris Goodwin
23 books31 followersIdris Goodwin is an multi award-winning writer and storyteller whose work spans stage, screen, audio, and page. From his widely produced breakbeat plays and historical dramas such as How We Got On, Hype Man: A Break Beat Play, This is Modern Art and Bars and Measures to books for young readers including Your House is Not Just a House (Harper/Clarion) and King of the Neuro Verse (Simon & Schuster/Atheneum) Goodwin’s been commissioned and or produced by The Kennedy Center, The Eugene O'Neill Conference, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and Arena Stage. A United States Artist Fellow and seasoned educator, he has created content for HBO Def Poetry, Sesame Street, and NPR. Idris is an Associate Professor of Dramatic Writing at Arizona State University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
October 15, 2025
King of the Neuro Verse is a coming of age novel in verse set in the 90's about a Black teen boy struggling in summer school, getting diagnosed with ADHD, and expressing himself through rhymes and verse. It's a fantastic look at the challenges of being neurodivergent, especially as a person of color, with teachers who don't really understand how you learn and assume you're just being intentionally difficult.
Pernell is trying to get through summer school and into his senior year, but his English teacher is his nemesis and rapping during lunch is the only time he really feels free and like himself. His parents are worried and want him to see a psychiatrist for evaluation but he's worried that a diagnosis or medication will just stigmatize him. The novel is told mostly through verbal recordings he's making throughout the summer. A quick read and a good one. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
Pernell is trying to get through summer school and into his senior year, but his English teacher is his nemesis and rapping during lunch is the only time he really feels free and like himself. His parents are worried and want him to see a psychiatrist for evaluation but he's worried that a diagnosis or medication will just stigmatize him. The novel is told mostly through verbal recordings he's making throughout the summer. A quick read and a good one. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
August 12, 2025
Thank you Simon Teen for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
• My Reading Experience: Loved!!
• Book Spice: None
• Content Thoughts:
I went into this book only knowing that the main character has an ADHD diagnosis (like me), so I figured it’d be a story I would relate to in some ways.
I wasn’t quite expecting the specific direction the overall story and journey would take, but I was fully intrigued from the start. I can already tell (or at least I hope) that the audiobook is going to be AMAZING! I’m definitely looking forward to rereading this in audio form once it’s released.
Pernell’s journey was relatable in so many ways—navigating your learning environment and trying to work while dealing with a learning difference that you’re not fully aware of at first. I really appreciated that he had a community around him who wanted to ensure he had the right support.
As for the writing, yes, it’s in verse, and some sections are written as pure dialogue between 2–3 characters. But the story still flowed cohesively and was extremely easy to follow, even in this format.
Well done!!
Oh and side note, there is mention of first love in the synopsis that I see online—that is barely touched on 😂
• My Reading Experience: Loved!!
• Book Spice: None
• Content Thoughts:
I went into this book only knowing that the main character has an ADHD diagnosis (like me), so I figured it’d be a story I would relate to in some ways.
I wasn’t quite expecting the specific direction the overall story and journey would take, but I was fully intrigued from the start. I can already tell (or at least I hope) that the audiobook is going to be AMAZING! I’m definitely looking forward to rereading this in audio form once it’s released.
Pernell’s journey was relatable in so many ways—navigating your learning environment and trying to work while dealing with a learning difference that you’re not fully aware of at first. I really appreciated that he had a community around him who wanted to ensure he had the right support.
As for the writing, yes, it’s in verse, and some sections are written as pure dialogue between 2–3 characters. But the story still flowed cohesively and was extremely easy to follow, even in this format.
Well done!!
Oh and side note, there is mention of first love in the synopsis that I see online—that is barely touched on 😂
October 24, 2025
This is such an impassioned and important novel. The journey of self acceptance and discovery is richly explored through verse and poetry. This novel beautifully captures many of the struggles of trying to navigate adolescence--and especially school--without the proper resources and supports. But also show the importance of a good support system and friends.
There is something so special about creative expression and recognizing the beauty and validity of different ways of thinking and expressing oneself. And while exploring these themes, this book still weaves in the value of diagnosis and helps to normalize interventions. Without shying away from biases and internalized fears, this novel explores the options available and works to embrace Neuro diversity.
There is a lot of honesty and vulnerability in this book and I feel like this is such an important novel and perspective for a lot of people.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Atheneum Books for Young Readers for providing me with a digital review copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
There is something so special about creative expression and recognizing the beauty and validity of different ways of thinking and expressing oneself. And while exploring these themes, this book still weaves in the value of diagnosis and helps to normalize interventions. Without shying away from biases and internalized fears, this novel explores the options available and works to embrace Neuro diversity.
There is a lot of honesty and vulnerability in this book and I feel like this is such an important novel and perspective for a lot of people.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Atheneum Books for Young Readers for providing me with a digital review copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Read
August 24, 2025In Idris Goodwin’s forthcoming young adult verse novel King of the Neuro Verse, it’s 1999 and Pernell is in summer school, again. His English teacher, Ms. Harding, dismisses his attention deficit disorder and just keeps failing him.
Pernell’s favorite part of summer school is the rap competitions that spring up in the school cafeteria. His summer goal is to become the King of the Neuro Verse, toppling the current king. This, of course, echoes Hamlet, the play Ms. Harding insists they study, though Pernell initially can’t connect with Shakespeare. As the Shakespeare thread becomes important to the plot, it feels a bit forced. Shakespeare is hard for most students, and it seems like a stretch that a neurodiverse student would be so eager to embrace Shakespeare.
There is much to admire in this short book. Most of the verse in King of the Neuro Verse captures Pernell’s mind at work: fragmented free verse reflects his restless thoughts, while couplets and longer rap passages showcase his clarity and focus when rhyming. The 1999 setting underscores how differently ADHD was understood then compared to now. While I’m not wild about negative teacher stereotypes, Ms. Harding’s character still rings true. The most satisfying plot development is how Pernell eventually claims agency by creating a self-directed project celebrating the couplet as the basis of both rap and classical poetry.
King of the Neuro Verse is a solid suggestion for young readers who are into rap or who can relate to a character with neurological differences who is learning to navigate high school.
Thanks to NetGalley for early access to this title.
Pernell’s favorite part of summer school is the rap competitions that spring up in the school cafeteria. His summer goal is to become the King of the Neuro Verse, toppling the current king. This, of course, echoes Hamlet, the play Ms. Harding insists they study, though Pernell initially can’t connect with Shakespeare. As the Shakespeare thread becomes important to the plot, it feels a bit forced. Shakespeare is hard for most students, and it seems like a stretch that a neurodiverse student would be so eager to embrace Shakespeare.
There is much to admire in this short book. Most of the verse in King of the Neuro Verse captures Pernell’s mind at work: fragmented free verse reflects his restless thoughts, while couplets and longer rap passages showcase his clarity and focus when rhyming. The 1999 setting underscores how differently ADHD was understood then compared to now. While I’m not wild about negative teacher stereotypes, Ms. Harding’s character still rings true. The most satisfying plot development is how Pernell eventually claims agency by creating a self-directed project celebrating the couplet as the basis of both rap and classical poetry.
King of the Neuro Verse is a solid suggestion for young readers who are into rap or who can relate to a character with neurological differences who is learning to navigate high school.
Thanks to NetGalley for early access to this title.
June 3, 2025
Thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy.
I truly adore this book. As an English teacher, I really disliked Harding. She never tried to understand what works best for P. I’ve had to adapt my instruction to meet the needs of all learners.
I also love that the book takes you through what it’s like to have adhd as a kid. The representation is also appreciated.
I truly adore this book. As an English teacher, I really disliked Harding. She never tried to understand what works best for P. I’ve had to adapt my instruction to meet the needs of all learners.
I also love that the book takes you through what it’s like to have adhd as a kid. The representation is also appreciated.
July 11, 2025
This was a real cool ARC read. Idris Goodwin gave the opportunity to know exactly what a child may feel who deals with ADHD. I think that so many children don’t know how to express exactly all the emotions that’s running around inside their head or have a comfortable outlet to be able to do so. Which causes them to get in trouble, when they just need to express themselves. I was so glad that Pernell found his through mostly cyphering and recording conversations for the future.
Mrs. Harding my goodness! I’m not sure if she lost her passion or just really didn’t know what avenue to take with Pernell. I do know her approach was wrong and out of line. It can be challenging when teaching but this is what you sign up for. Therefore when you are dealing with children you try to meet them at their level and give them all the tools possible to be successful! I’m glad she retired. It was long overdue.
The blessing was that Pernell had a great support team in friends(especially Electra) and family. He found what he loved and did a great job expressing himself through that. Also big kudos to his parents for standing up for their son and having a family reset to see what works for them as a family. Again a nice read that I believe everyone would enjoy!
Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity of an early read!
Mrs. Harding my goodness! I’m not sure if she lost her passion or just really didn’t know what avenue to take with Pernell. I do know her approach was wrong and out of line. It can be challenging when teaching but this is what you sign up for. Therefore when you are dealing with children you try to meet them at their level and give them all the tools possible to be successful! I’m glad she retired. It was long overdue.
The blessing was that Pernell had a great support team in friends(especially Electra) and family. He found what he loved and did a great job expressing himself through that. Also big kudos to his parents for standing up for their son and having a family reset to see what works for them as a family. Again a nice read that I believe everyone would enjoy!
Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity of an early read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2025
This was a book I ended up needing to listen to and read. Part of it is because it is a story in verse, but it's not exactly poetry or rap as I normally think of it. But I needed to listen to the author read it in his own voice, which helped me pick up nuances I would have missed just reading it on my own. On the other hand, I also needed to have the book in front of me because when the main protagonist has a conversation with someone, the book indicates who is speaking, but that's not conveyed in the audio (it would probably sound awkward if it did). I think it would have helped me if the author had changed his voice when speaking dialog between two people, but he didn't do that much. So, the best experience for me was reading and listening simultaneously.
In terms of the story, the main character resonated with me. In some ways, he reminds me of students that I've had and the frustration with no one understanding them, but also feeling like they are less than everyone else because of their differences. What I liked about this story is that even if his parents didn't understand him and were at their wits end trying to help him, they still believed in him and just felt he had to find his way, even if they weren't sure what that looked like. And even though he said he didn't have any friends because it was too much work, it was clear that he did have at least one friend.
What I loved about this story was that it was mostly told through recordings that he made during the summer before his senior year, which means he shares about his innermost thoughts and you get to know this young man and how much he has been affected by his neurodivergence and being misunderstood by everyone, but especially his teachers--most especially his English teacher. I also appreciated him sharing about his diagnosis and not wanting to stand out (even more than he does) and how the medicine might make him feel, never mind the stigma of having to take meds. I was so frustrated with his English teacher, as there were many times I think she could have chosen different. And yet, I think part of her inflexibility led him to discoveries about himself, and in the end, she wasn't that important. HE was the one who was important and he was going to discover and embrace himself in spite of her.
This was a short but powerful book about a young black teen struggling with ADHD, but ultimately learning to embrace it as a gift rather than a curse.
I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for characters who struggle to fit in because of their neurodivergence.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In terms of the story, the main character resonated with me. In some ways, he reminds me of students that I've had and the frustration with no one understanding them, but also feeling like they are less than everyone else because of their differences. What I liked about this story is that even if his parents didn't understand him and were at their wits end trying to help him, they still believed in him and just felt he had to find his way, even if they weren't sure what that looked like. And even though he said he didn't have any friends because it was too much work, it was clear that he did have at least one friend.
What I loved about this story was that it was mostly told through recordings that he made during the summer before his senior year, which means he shares about his innermost thoughts and you get to know this young man and how much he has been affected by his neurodivergence and being misunderstood by everyone, but especially his teachers--most especially his English teacher. I also appreciated him sharing about his diagnosis and not wanting to stand out (even more than he does) and how the medicine might make him feel, never mind the stigma of having to take meds. I was so frustrated with his English teacher, as there were many times I think she could have chosen different. And yet, I think part of her inflexibility led him to discoveries about himself, and in the end, she wasn't that important. HE was the one who was important and he was going to discover and embrace himself in spite of her.
This was a short but powerful book about a young black teen struggling with ADHD, but ultimately learning to embrace it as a gift rather than a curse.
I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for characters who struggle to fit in because of their neurodivergence.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 28, 2025
Thank you Simon Teen for this ARC!
This story follows Pernell, a teen who loves rapping, specifically participating in cyphers in summer school. He also has ADHD and has to combat this as it brings about challenges specifically in the classrooms that teachers seemingly don’t understand.
I like this story. At times it felt a little confusing to read as it would becomes jump with the verse style format. I took into account that we were reading from the perspective of a teenager with ADHD, so that was probably the point. Once I remembered this perspective it did become easier for me to follow. I think it gave a good idea of what children with ADHD deal with, especially when people don’t understand even when they try to help. His teacher was impatient and lacked empathy when it came to him, whereas his parents often try to get him help to determine what his needs were. I feel like the fact that this story was set in the past, pre-2000s set the tone and added a lot of context as well to the response Pernell received. I think a lot of people that have ADHD will relate to this story.
One of the main things that I think would’ve made this reading experience better for me would be to have the audiobook to read along with the text. I think with the way the story is written and the fact that it’s in verse made it a little awkward to read at times, but this is a personal preference and I don’t think it takes away from the story.
This story follows Pernell, a teen who loves rapping, specifically participating in cyphers in summer school. He also has ADHD and has to combat this as it brings about challenges specifically in the classrooms that teachers seemingly don’t understand.
I like this story. At times it felt a little confusing to read as it would becomes jump with the verse style format. I took into account that we were reading from the perspective of a teenager with ADHD, so that was probably the point. Once I remembered this perspective it did become easier for me to follow. I think it gave a good idea of what children with ADHD deal with, especially when people don’t understand even when they try to help. His teacher was impatient and lacked empathy when it came to him, whereas his parents often try to get him help to determine what his needs were. I feel like the fact that this story was set in the past, pre-2000s set the tone and added a lot of context as well to the response Pernell received. I think a lot of people that have ADHD will relate to this story.
One of the main things that I think would’ve made this reading experience better for me would be to have the audiobook to read along with the text. I think with the way the story is written and the fact that it’s in verse made it a little awkward to read at times, but this is a personal preference and I don’t think it takes away from the story.
August 10, 2025
Pernell is starting his third year of summer school as he heads into his senior year due to his academic struggles that are a result of his difficulty focusing. He is clearly bright with two involved and educated parents who want him to do well, but aren't sure of how to help him. At one point, Pernell says of his father, "And I know, I'm not what he thought he was gonna have in a son-bad grades, all this summer school, no discernible talent-but he still believes in me, I know he does." And you just ache for all of them. As an educator, I was annoyed that the school hadn't done anything to try to figure out what was happening with his poor academic performance, which suggests other underlying issues in our education system. However, I appreciated how Idris Goodwin portrayed the challenges and joys (being a Cypher king) a teenager experiences with ADHD at home and school, and liked seeing the road to support/success via his parents' support, therapy, and some accommodating (finally) at school. As Dr. Yessler tells him, "It's not about changing who you are, Pernell. It's about giving you a fair shot, making the game a little less rigged."I think teens and teachers would appreciate this novel in verse.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy.
July 11, 2025
4.5⭐️ The title of this book immediately caught my attention and the book did not disappoint! I loved the premise of the book and thought the author did a great job realistically portraying the frustrations of a high school teen with undiagnosed ADHD in the late 90s. I also loved that the novel in verse format of the book purposefully connects to the main character.
As an English teacher, I hated how Ms. Harding treated Pernell and couldn’t imagine ever treating a student the same way she did to him!
The only issue I had was that Pernell’s summer school situation was never clearly resolved. It seems unrealistic that he’d never end up hearing back from the teacher as to whether or not he passed even if the teacher retired, especially going into his senior year. I think we’re meant to assume that he does pass, but I also wanted to hear the teacher’s comments since he proposed and presented such a unique project as a way to pass summer school.
Despite my issue with the ending, I loved the book and will definitely be buying a physical copy to add to my classroom library for my students. Anyone who is a fan of Jason Reynolds or Angie Thomas will love this book too!
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for this arc!
As an English teacher, I hated how Ms. Harding treated Pernell and couldn’t imagine ever treating a student the same way she did to him!
The only issue I had was that Pernell’s summer school situation was never clearly resolved. It seems unrealistic that he’d never end up hearing back from the teacher as to whether or not he passed even if the teacher retired, especially going into his senior year. I think we’re meant to assume that he does pass, but I also wanted to hear the teacher’s comments since he proposed and presented such a unique project as a way to pass summer school.
Despite my issue with the ending, I loved the book and will definitely be buying a physical copy to add to my classroom library for my students. Anyone who is a fan of Jason Reynolds or Angie Thomas will love this book too!
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for this arc!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC to review!
I think, for me, this book was 3 stars. But I’m not the intended audience and the critical thinking part of me sees a lot of good in this one. But my emotional investment was low. I did like the throwback to Y2K - some people really thought the world might collapse and the format of P talking to the future was a good lens to tell the story.
I think it’s great to see a teenage boy struggling with ADHD in this book - although, in the era of TikTok this may not be as much of an invisible illness as it was in 2000. The verse was quick to read, but I have a feeling teens reading this will have wanted more cypher scenes by the end.
I think, for me, this book was 3 stars. But I’m not the intended audience and the critical thinking part of me sees a lot of good in this one. But my emotional investment was low. I did like the throwback to Y2K - some people really thought the world might collapse and the format of P talking to the future was a good lens to tell the story.
I think it’s great to see a teenage boy struggling with ADHD in this book - although, in the era of TikTok this may not be as much of an invisible illness as it was in 2000. The verse was quick to read, but I have a feeling teens reading this will have wanted more cypher scenes by the end.
October 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this! I am a big fan of books in verse, so I was very excited to get my hands on this one. I was lucky to have the e-book and the audio available, and I highly recommend either option. As this is a story centered on ADHD, I found it very informative, and I loved the inclusion of freestyling and music. Also set in 1999, it was interesting (especially as a teacher!) to see how much education has changed. I don't have ADHD myself, so I wasn't quite as connected as I'm sure many others are. This will definitely be on my list to recommend. Also: this is a very clean, appropriate YA for any classroom!
4.25⭐
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc.
4.25⭐
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc.
November 24, 2025
I love how the algorithm lead me to this audiobook while i’m on track to getting my own adhd diagnosis. It was all very relatable.
November 29, 2025
It's the 90s and Pernell finds himself in summer school again during his junior year. Pernell narrates the book in almost a stream of consciousness way as he is talking into a recorder leaving messages for the future. Pernell talks about his failures, successes, and how his life is going. I really enjoyed this read as I could relate to the characters and it was written in a way that flowed perfectly.
June 22, 2025
Thank you so much to Simon Teen for approving me for this ARC.
This book is one of my favorite in-verse novels that I've read. For the third consecutive summer, Pernell is facing summer school. He has always faced the same struggles with learning, so it feels more like a battlefield than a high school. His English teacher is out for him, his parents are pressuring him to see a doctor for his ADHD, and his best friend, Electra, is too busy chasing her dreams to give him the time of day. He also wants to become Cypher King, who is the leader of the lunchroom's rap battles. He will lose everything, including not graduating from high school, if he doesn't find a way to succeed with his ADHD.
I may not be the correct audience for this book, but I loved how this book will become an impactful one. It was frustrating, though. Pernell knows exactly how to conquer his ADHD, but no one seems to understand what works best. His English teacher doesn't exactly give a crap, and instead of working with him, Ms. Harding decides to yell, fight, and fail him. It shines a light into the real world on how many children aren't diagnosed correctly and are just thrown aside in our education system. I especially love the integration of music and rap in this book and how it helped with Pernell's feelings and thoughts, and the way it helps with his chaotic mind. It shows that not everyone is straightforward with their thinking, and not everyone learns the same.
Overall, I loved this. I feel like this is a great representation of being a teenager with ADHD. It's vulnerable and covers a hard topic, but does it in such a joyful way that it makes you feel like it's going to be okay.
This book is one of my favorite in-verse novels that I've read. For the third consecutive summer, Pernell is facing summer school. He has always faced the same struggles with learning, so it feels more like a battlefield than a high school. His English teacher is out for him, his parents are pressuring him to see a doctor for his ADHD, and his best friend, Electra, is too busy chasing her dreams to give him the time of day. He also wants to become Cypher King, who is the leader of the lunchroom's rap battles. He will lose everything, including not graduating from high school, if he doesn't find a way to succeed with his ADHD.
I may not be the correct audience for this book, but I loved how this book will become an impactful one. It was frustrating, though. Pernell knows exactly how to conquer his ADHD, but no one seems to understand what works best. His English teacher doesn't exactly give a crap, and instead of working with him, Ms. Harding decides to yell, fight, and fail him. It shines a light into the real world on how many children aren't diagnosed correctly and are just thrown aside in our education system. I especially love the integration of music and rap in this book and how it helped with Pernell's feelings and thoughts, and the way it helps with his chaotic mind. It shows that not everyone is straightforward with their thinking, and not everyone learns the same.
Overall, I loved this. I feel like this is a great representation of being a teenager with ADHD. It's vulnerable and covers a hard topic, but does it in such a joyful way that it makes you feel like it's going to be okay.
July 3, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Kids for the ARC of this book.
A well-written novel in verse that offers many literary allusions and puts center stage the challenges that can be associated with experiencing, being diagnosed with, and treated for ADHD. I could see some young readers struggling with this book because it doesn’t really have a typical narrative arc with a climax/significant action; however, the nature of its format (verse) does make it a fast read and it could prove to be a good addition in a poetic forms unit or unit in disability studies.
I would place this book in upper middle school/lower high school.
A well-written novel in verse that offers many literary allusions and puts center stage the challenges that can be associated with experiencing, being diagnosed with, and treated for ADHD. I could see some young readers struggling with this book because it doesn’t really have a typical narrative arc with a climax/significant action; however, the nature of its format (verse) does make it a fast read and it could prove to be a good addition in a poetic forms unit or unit in disability studies.
I would place this book in upper middle school/lower high school.
October 28, 2025
Thank you to the publishers for an early look at this riveting novel-in-verse! KING OF THE NEURO VERSE follows a Black teen with ADHD across one memorable summer in 1999. Pernell is determined to pass summer school and become the Cypher King, the best lyricist in his school’s freestyle rap circle. Inside the cypher, Pernell can let his creativity fly, but in the classroom his English teacher has it out from him. Can he harness his creativity and find love before the summer ends?
KING OF THE NEURO VERSE is BRILLIANT. Full stop. Just describing it as a “novel-in-verse” doesn’t begin to cover how immersive and clever the writing is. You’re fully absorbed into Pernell’s life, art, and thought process. Pernell feels like a 3-D character that’s ready to pop off the page with his vitality and depth.
This book covers so many topics: ADHD/neurodivergence, freestyle rap, Blackness, music, high school coming-of-age, and first love. Despite its breadth, the KING OF THE NEURO VERSE is extremely fast paced and easy to read. I found it compulsively readable and absolutely devoured every page.
This is a portrayal of ADHD unlike any I’ve seen before because instead of sprinkling in some representation, the entire way the book operates is based on the neurodivergent experience. The word choice, flow, and style is specifically neurodivergent. It is a piece of neurodivergent ART in every sense of the word.
I loved this book and I’m so excited for all the teen (and adult!) readers who are going to discover and appreciate it like I did.
KING OF THE NEURO VERSE is BRILLIANT. Full stop. Just describing it as a “novel-in-verse” doesn’t begin to cover how immersive and clever the writing is. You’re fully absorbed into Pernell’s life, art, and thought process. Pernell feels like a 3-D character that’s ready to pop off the page with his vitality and depth.
This book covers so many topics: ADHD/neurodivergence, freestyle rap, Blackness, music, high school coming-of-age, and first love. Despite its breadth, the KING OF THE NEURO VERSE is extremely fast paced and easy to read. I found it compulsively readable and absolutely devoured every page.
This is a portrayal of ADHD unlike any I’ve seen before because instead of sprinkling in some representation, the entire way the book operates is based on the neurodivergent experience. The word choice, flow, and style is specifically neurodivergent. It is a piece of neurodivergent ART in every sense of the word.
I loved this book and I’m so excited for all the teen (and adult!) readers who are going to discover and appreciate it like I did.
October 9, 2025
Enter the mind that moves like music and find your rhythm in the chaos.
💬 King of the Neuro Verse by Idris Goodwin is a cerebral, atonal, vibrant, and introspective exploration of identity, neurodivergence, creativity, race, the mind's intricate wiring that's electric with rhythm. Goodwin uses the elasticity of verse to mirror the mental landscapes he describes - fragmented, luminous, nonlinear, and brimming with truths. Using the structure of verse as an active, pulsing form of consciousness with line breaks and bends, resulting in a mirroring of the fractured, luminous "neuro verse" of the mind.
Personally, I think writing this story in verse amplifies its impact. It literally gives the reader a small taste of what it can be like inside the brain of a person with ADHD. The skill it must take to get the articulation just right so that it stays in verse, cantabile (smooth and flowing), while also being impactful? To me, this is a masterpiece.
💭 Written in verse, our protagonist P (Pernell) is a Black teen in highschool who is neurodivergent (ADHD). P is on a mission to become the Cypher King in their lunchroom freestyle rap battles. Join P as he deals with internal and external pressures bearing down on him while he battles with cyphers while holding court in the lunchroom.
💬 This book is for readers who think differently, who know what it feels like to be misunderstood, those who care about expression, identity, and finding a voice. It's about more than just overcoming obstacles (although that's plenty in and of itself). But it's about finding beauty and power in being oneself - especially when one's own mind doesn't always conform.
📖 At its core, it revolves around what it means, and what it's like, to inhabit a brain that isn't neurotypical. Instead of portraying it as a deficit
✍🏼 The prose is gorgeous and flows smoother than the most expensive silk. How Goodwin manages all of this, without veering into purple I'll never be able to understand. The skill shown here is incredible. The story within is easy to follow, even for my literal brain.
Goodwin writes in free verse with musical precision, borrowing the cadence from hip-hop, the structure of performance poetry, and the introspection of contemporary verse drama. What I especially loved was the rhythm felt like synapses firing (not that I actually feel mine firing, but it evokes that feeling for me, if that makes any sense). Ideas jumping and bouncing around, forming links and sometimes echoing - it captures movement, creativity, and thought and transcribes them into words - without losing that essence of quick, precise movement.
I don't think I've read a book in verse since high school, but I wanted to challenge my brain and expand my horizons. I'm unbelievably grateful that I did.
I'm not typically a fan of poetry because my brain is VERY literal, so I find that I often don't understand it. But this? It just works, and it draws all of the emotions out.
While I loved it being written in verse, not everyone will. The dialogue I can see some readers not particularly enjoying in this format.
⏳This is a short book, under 300 pages as I recall, but a lot happens without it feeling rushed.
Themes:
Art and resistance: words as an art, and form of rebellion. Goodwin's use of spoken-word rhythm brings together hip-hop and oral tradition - tools of empowerment and survival. The act of writing, performing, and naming oneself becomes a form of sovereignty.
Identity and duality: Goodwin examines the inner conflict between one's public persona and inner reality - between performance and authenticity.
Technology and humanity: in this book, the "neuro verse" doubles as both the brain itself and the digital network - a metaphor for how our consciousness is now partly coded, streamed, and shared. Goodwin examines how technology amplifies and distorts identity, connection, and truth.
Landscapes of the mind: the title of this book evokes a cerebral kingdom. One that for P (and many people), is a place where imagination, anxiety, and creativity battle for dominion. Goodwin explores the idea that the mind itself can both be a crown and a cage.
🗺️ The world Goodwin creates is both mental and cosmic. The "neuro verse" is a cast internal universe inside P's mind. Imagined as a network of neurons firing like stars with ideas ricocheting like comets and memories forming constellations. The setting results in the human brain feeling like a digital cosmos - alive, wired, and infinite.
The kingdom of thought, creativity, trauma, and hope - it's internal, yet universal. Verses pulse like heartbeats, or a metronome at times, while words are electric. It's alive with both sound and motion. It's also unstable and evolving, reflecting how our consciousness is constantly reshaping itself.
👥 The characters are well developed, diverse, and have depth and nuance. You'll love P and loath a certain teacher. P, the cypher king, is both autobiographical and universal and represents the conscious, self-navigating chaos of the mind, culture, and creation. While he doesn't rule people or a literal kingdom, he rules neurons and verses - a metaphor for agency over one's own mind and art. P is an exploration of what it means to be an artist in the modern world - self-aware, self-critical, whole managing to stay fiercely creative.
💬 King of the Neuro Verse doesn't just create a fictional planet - no, it creates a whole mental cosmos. A world made of neurons, verses, and beats. A world where identity is king, thought is architecture, and language is rebellion. It's part inner monologue, part revolution, and part dreamscape.
I could go on and on because this book is magic and a must read, in my opinion.
Thank you to @idrisgoodwin, @ Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC. Thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
💬 King of the Neuro Verse by Idris Goodwin is a cerebral, atonal, vibrant, and introspective exploration of identity, neurodivergence, creativity, race, the mind's intricate wiring that's electric with rhythm. Goodwin uses the elasticity of verse to mirror the mental landscapes he describes - fragmented, luminous, nonlinear, and brimming with truths. Using the structure of verse as an active, pulsing form of consciousness with line breaks and bends, resulting in a mirroring of the fractured, luminous "neuro verse" of the mind.
Personally, I think writing this story in verse amplifies its impact. It literally gives the reader a small taste of what it can be like inside the brain of a person with ADHD. The skill it must take to get the articulation just right so that it stays in verse, cantabile (smooth and flowing), while also being impactful? To me, this is a masterpiece.
💭 Written in verse, our protagonist P (Pernell) is a Black teen in highschool who is neurodivergent (ADHD). P is on a mission to become the Cypher King in their lunchroom freestyle rap battles. Join P as he deals with internal and external pressures bearing down on him while he battles with cyphers while holding court in the lunchroom.
💬 This book is for readers who think differently, who know what it feels like to be misunderstood, those who care about expression, identity, and finding a voice. It's about more than just overcoming obstacles (although that's plenty in and of itself). But it's about finding beauty and power in being oneself - especially when one's own mind doesn't always conform.
📖 At its core, it revolves around what it means, and what it's like, to inhabit a brain that isn't neurotypical. Instead of portraying it as a deficit
✍🏼 The prose is gorgeous and flows smoother than the most expensive silk. How Goodwin manages all of this, without veering into purple I'll never be able to understand. The skill shown here is incredible. The story within is easy to follow, even for my literal brain.
Goodwin writes in free verse with musical precision, borrowing the cadence from hip-hop, the structure of performance poetry, and the introspection of contemporary verse drama. What I especially loved was the rhythm felt like synapses firing (not that I actually feel mine firing, but it evokes that feeling for me, if that makes any sense). Ideas jumping and bouncing around, forming links and sometimes echoing - it captures movement, creativity, and thought and transcribes them into words - without losing that essence of quick, precise movement.
I don't think I've read a book in verse since high school, but I wanted to challenge my brain and expand my horizons. I'm unbelievably grateful that I did.
I'm not typically a fan of poetry because my brain is VERY literal, so I find that I often don't understand it. But this? It just works, and it draws all of the emotions out.
While I loved it being written in verse, not everyone will. The dialogue I can see some readers not particularly enjoying in this format.
⏳This is a short book, under 300 pages as I recall, but a lot happens without it feeling rushed.
Themes:
Art and resistance: words as an art, and form of rebellion. Goodwin's use of spoken-word rhythm brings together hip-hop and oral tradition - tools of empowerment and survival. The act of writing, performing, and naming oneself becomes a form of sovereignty.
Identity and duality: Goodwin examines the inner conflict between one's public persona and inner reality - between performance and authenticity.
Technology and humanity: in this book, the "neuro verse" doubles as both the brain itself and the digital network - a metaphor for how our consciousness is now partly coded, streamed, and shared. Goodwin examines how technology amplifies and distorts identity, connection, and truth.
Landscapes of the mind: the title of this book evokes a cerebral kingdom. One that for P (and many people), is a place where imagination, anxiety, and creativity battle for dominion. Goodwin explores the idea that the mind itself can both be a crown and a cage.
🗺️ The world Goodwin creates is both mental and cosmic. The "neuro verse" is a cast internal universe inside P's mind. Imagined as a network of neurons firing like stars with ideas ricocheting like comets and memories forming constellations. The setting results in the human brain feeling like a digital cosmos - alive, wired, and infinite.
The kingdom of thought, creativity, trauma, and hope - it's internal, yet universal. Verses pulse like heartbeats, or a metronome at times, while words are electric. It's alive with both sound and motion. It's also unstable and evolving, reflecting how our consciousness is constantly reshaping itself.
👥 The characters are well developed, diverse, and have depth and nuance. You'll love P and loath a certain teacher. P, the cypher king, is both autobiographical and universal and represents the conscious, self-navigating chaos of the mind, culture, and creation. While he doesn't rule people or a literal kingdom, he rules neurons and verses - a metaphor for agency over one's own mind and art. P is an exploration of what it means to be an artist in the modern world - self-aware, self-critical, whole managing to stay fiercely creative.
💬 King of the Neuro Verse doesn't just create a fictional planet - no, it creates a whole mental cosmos. A world made of neurons, verses, and beats. A world where identity is king, thought is architecture, and language is rebellion. It's part inner monologue, part revolution, and part dreamscape.
I could go on and on because this book is magic and a must read, in my opinion.
Thank you to @idrisgoodwin, @ Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC. Thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
August 16, 2025
2.5 stars.
I tend to love a novel in verse, and I understand that at times, it was a good choice. But I just think this novel was lacking...overall. The story was disjointed. The character didn't really show any growth. This is the kind of book that could have been read in a few hours, but it took me a few days because I lost interest around the halfway mark. I think King of the Neuro Verse had a lot of potential, but I ultimately didn't like it.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I tend to love a novel in verse, and I understand that at times, it was a good choice. But I just think this novel was lacking...overall. The story was disjointed. The character didn't really show any growth. This is the kind of book that could have been read in a few hours, but it took me a few days because I lost interest around the halfway mark. I think King of the Neuro Verse had a lot of potential, but I ultimately didn't like it.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2025
King of the Neuro Verse is a powerful, poignant story about Pernell, a junior in high school, who faces the same learning challenges year after year. It’s also a statement on trying to fit into the school system where they expect everyone to be uniform and excel at every subject, even if you are a square peg being pounded into a round hole.
Once again, Pernell ends up in summer school only to find out that his nemesis, Ms. Harding, is teaching this summer. Only this summer he is battling to become Cypher King, leader of the lunchroom’s impromptu rap sessions. While Pernell has trouble putting his thoughts on paper, in the cafeteria his ADHD is an asset, allowing him to easily keep a beat and produce rhymes. Once again, Ms. Harding has it in for him and his parents are pressuring him to see a doctor and take medication. Pernell doesn’t want to take drugs just to be normal and “play in the game of Life” and just so he doesn’t get punished for insubordination by the bullying Harding. Can Pernell pass summer school and graduate high school on time? Does he become Cypher King? How can he succeed with his ADHD rather than in spite of it?
This book was so relatable. Unfortunately, my loved one had a teacher like Harding who told her she would never amount to anything. She is still working on improving her self-esteem after her experiences in school. Like Pernell, she had a creative outlet to showcase her talents. I rooted for Pernell after his creative outlet was taken away. I also rooted for his parents who supported him and were able to adapt to Pernell’s learning style and give him a chance to succeed. They were truly his best cheerleaders and advocates who worked with Harding on a different type of assessment.
This book will appeal to many young people, especially those who have learning difficulties or challenges, and those who enjoy reading books by Jason Reynolds. I would also highly recommend to any parents, but particularly to those whose children might be struggling in school. Most of all, I wish teachers would read this to understand what children have to go through to cope and try to fit into the norm.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review the eARC of this book in exchange for this review.
Once again, Pernell ends up in summer school only to find out that his nemesis, Ms. Harding, is teaching this summer. Only this summer he is battling to become Cypher King, leader of the lunchroom’s impromptu rap sessions. While Pernell has trouble putting his thoughts on paper, in the cafeteria his ADHD is an asset, allowing him to easily keep a beat and produce rhymes. Once again, Ms. Harding has it in for him and his parents are pressuring him to see a doctor and take medication. Pernell doesn’t want to take drugs just to be normal and “play in the game of Life” and just so he doesn’t get punished for insubordination by the bullying Harding. Can Pernell pass summer school and graduate high school on time? Does he become Cypher King? How can he succeed with his ADHD rather than in spite of it?
This book was so relatable. Unfortunately, my loved one had a teacher like Harding who told her she would never amount to anything. She is still working on improving her self-esteem after her experiences in school. Like Pernell, she had a creative outlet to showcase her talents. I rooted for Pernell after his creative outlet was taken away. I also rooted for his parents who supported him and were able to adapt to Pernell’s learning style and give him a chance to succeed. They were truly his best cheerleaders and advocates who worked with Harding on a different type of assessment.
This book will appeal to many young people, especially those who have learning difficulties or challenges, and those who enjoy reading books by Jason Reynolds. I would also highly recommend to any parents, but particularly to those whose children might be struggling in school. Most of all, I wish teachers would read this to understand what children have to go through to cope and try to fit into the norm.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review the eARC of this book in exchange for this review.
June 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Blackstone Publishing, and Idris Goodwin for the opportunity to read King of the Neuro Verse in exchange for an honest review.
King of the Neuro Verse is a novel told in a poetic verse style. Let's take a loot at the title for a moment. The main character, Pernell, has ADHD. It's his third year of summer school English. At summer school, there is a group of kids who like to cypher. In poetic terms, this is basically going around in a circle and taking turns saying poetry, often bouncing of what others say. So, a poetry circle, kind of like for beats! The students love their cipher time, and Pernell shows some skills that dub him the Cypher King. English is challenging for him when it comes to deeper meaning, but when applied to a poetic form, he gets it! The Neuro aspect to the title likely refers to Pernell being neurodivergent, and it's the poetic beats that help him make connections.
The novel takes place in 1999, an important element to how ADHD is perceived at the time, especially by educators. When his summer school teacher has a last minute emergency, his least favorite teacher takes up the role. He thinks she's out to get him, but really, there is a disconnect between the teacher and Pernell's best way of learning information. Once they have a discussion about his ADHD, he aims to use his unique way of learning as an advantage to learning the English curriculum.
This novel is a well-written exploration of self-expression featuring a Black teen with ADHD. The poetic verse style offers its own beat for the reader, and gives it a more joyful bounce while Pernell navigates through summer school, ADHD, poetry cyphers, and his long-standing romantic crush. It makes for a unique, diverse, and fun novel for teen readers.
King of the Neuro Verse is a novel told in a poetic verse style. Let's take a loot at the title for a moment. The main character, Pernell, has ADHD. It's his third year of summer school English. At summer school, there is a group of kids who like to cypher. In poetic terms, this is basically going around in a circle and taking turns saying poetry, often bouncing of what others say. So, a poetry circle, kind of like for beats! The students love their cipher time, and Pernell shows some skills that dub him the Cypher King. English is challenging for him when it comes to deeper meaning, but when applied to a poetic form, he gets it! The Neuro aspect to the title likely refers to Pernell being neurodivergent, and it's the poetic beats that help him make connections.
The novel takes place in 1999, an important element to how ADHD is perceived at the time, especially by educators. When his summer school teacher has a last minute emergency, his least favorite teacher takes up the role. He thinks she's out to get him, but really, there is a disconnect between the teacher and Pernell's best way of learning information. Once they have a discussion about his ADHD, he aims to use his unique way of learning as an advantage to learning the English curriculum.
This novel is a well-written exploration of self-expression featuring a Black teen with ADHD. The poetic verse style offers its own beat for the reader, and gives it a more joyful bounce while Pernell navigates through summer school, ADHD, poetry cyphers, and his long-standing romantic crush. It makes for a unique, diverse, and fun novel for teen readers.
October 21, 2025
This novel in verse is a powerful contribution to young adult literature, especially in its representation of Black neurodivergent youth. Goodwin uses verse not only as an artistic choice but as a narrative strategy. The rhythm and flow of the language reflect how Pernell’s mind processes the world around him, which creates a deeply immersive and affective reading experience.
Pernell’s struggle to succeed in an educational system that is not designed for neurodivergent students is rendered with both honesty and hope. His gift for language and rhythm becomes a site of power rather than a problem to be fixed. This reframing is significant, particularly in a landscape where narratives about neurodivergence often center on deficit or pathology.
The text is very much situated within the realities of adolescence, especially the cultural moment of late 1990s youth. Its tone is playful and sincere, never diminishing its thematic weight. Goodwin’s choice to situate the story around a rap cypher creates a cultural space where skill, identity, and belonging intersect, allowing Pernell to inhabit a role where his ADHD gives him an advantage rather than being something he must overcome.
As someone diagnosed as an adult, I find this representation especially meaningful. Stories like this are vital for Black children and teens who rarely see themselves reflected in neurodivergent narratives. I hope to see even more stories like this in the future, particularly centered on Black girls and women.
King of the Neuro Verse succeeds as a work of young adult literature that is both joyful and politically resonant. It resists narratives of erasure or tragedy and instead celebrates voice, rhythm, and self-definition.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
Pernell’s struggle to succeed in an educational system that is not designed for neurodivergent students is rendered with both honesty and hope. His gift for language and rhythm becomes a site of power rather than a problem to be fixed. This reframing is significant, particularly in a landscape where narratives about neurodivergence often center on deficit or pathology.
The text is very much situated within the realities of adolescence, especially the cultural moment of late 1990s youth. Its tone is playful and sincere, never diminishing its thematic weight. Goodwin’s choice to situate the story around a rap cypher creates a cultural space where skill, identity, and belonging intersect, allowing Pernell to inhabit a role where his ADHD gives him an advantage rather than being something he must overcome.
As someone diagnosed as an adult, I find this representation especially meaningful. Stories like this are vital for Black children and teens who rarely see themselves reflected in neurodivergent narratives. I hope to see even more stories like this in the future, particularly centered on Black girls and women.
King of the Neuro Verse succeeds as a work of young adult literature that is both joyful and politically resonant. It resists narratives of erasure or tragedy and instead celebrates voice, rhythm, and self-definition.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
November 17, 2025
A Book that Needs the Spotlight
When I was younger, I used to write poems for every good thing or bad thing that happened because it was the easiest way to get thoughts onto paper. I wish I had the talent to tell my story the way Idris Goodwin does—this was truly outstanding. The novel itself is a coming-of-age story told in verse, set in the 1990s. It follows a Black teen boy named Pernell who is struggling in summer school, grappling with a diagnosis of ADHD, and ultimately learning to express himself through his own rhymes.
This book offers a fantastic and crucial look at the challenges of being neurodivergent, particularly as a person of color. It captures the difficulty of dealing with teachers who don't understand how you learn and wrongly assume you're being intentionally difficult. As someone who has been underestimated the majority of my life for things beyond my control, Pernell’s journey truly resonated with me and hits home in the best way. While I might not be Black, I understand challenges on a similar level. Pernell’s navigation of his learning environment and his struggle to work effectively while dealing with a learning difference he wasn't fully aware of yet was deeply relatable. I really appreciated that he had a community around him, committed to ensuring he had the right support.
This book needs more of a spotlight. It is a short read that delivers a powerful, necessary message about self-acceptance and takes a direct swing at knocking down the outdated concept of "being different" as a bad thing. King of the Neuro Verse is uniquely itself, and it is beautiful.
When I was younger, I used to write poems for every good thing or bad thing that happened because it was the easiest way to get thoughts onto paper. I wish I had the talent to tell my story the way Idris Goodwin does—this was truly outstanding. The novel itself is a coming-of-age story told in verse, set in the 1990s. It follows a Black teen boy named Pernell who is struggling in summer school, grappling with a diagnosis of ADHD, and ultimately learning to express himself through his own rhymes.
This book offers a fantastic and crucial look at the challenges of being neurodivergent, particularly as a person of color. It captures the difficulty of dealing with teachers who don't understand how you learn and wrongly assume you're being intentionally difficult. As someone who has been underestimated the majority of my life for things beyond my control, Pernell’s journey truly resonated with me and hits home in the best way. While I might not be Black, I understand challenges on a similar level. Pernell’s navigation of his learning environment and his struggle to work effectively while dealing with a learning difference he wasn't fully aware of yet was deeply relatable. I really appreciated that he had a community around him, committed to ensuring he had the right support.
This book needs more of a spotlight. It is a short read that delivers a powerful, necessary message about self-acceptance and takes a direct swing at knocking down the outdated concept of "being different" as a bad thing. King of the Neuro Verse is uniquely itself, and it is beautiful.
September 8, 2025
Thank you Simon Teen for the ARC! 🫶🏾 #SimonTeenInfluencer
In this story, Goodwin play with style, rhythm, and language to show us how a teenage mind with ADHD moves through the world. In 1999, Pernell, AKA Special P, spends his third year in summer school balancing a teacher who’s committed to misunderstanding him and his love for rhymes/rap. Without fully understanding why his brain works the way it does, this book reads like a flow of consciousness, shifting from one thought to another often without warning. As Pernell tries to understand the things happening around him, readers get a front row seat to what it could be like to have ADHD as a teen.
The flow of the book can be hella frustrating lol so I know a lot of folks probably won’t stick with it. But I remembered that I know intimately what ADHD feels like/how the mind can process so many things at once. Once I got comfortable with knowing that, I was able to appreciate the lowkey experimental style of writing and looked forward to seeing the world through Pernell’s lens. Like other readers, I do wish that more of his rhymes were included, but when they did appear they did what needed to be done.
(Maybe spoilers?) I think my favorite parts were: 1. Anytime he connected with his dad through poetry and 2. Once his diagnosis was explained to him & he learned that his experiences weren’t a reflection of him being disruptive, but more so about how his brain processes. I think parents can also learn a lot about empathy and grace for their children from this story.
In this story, Goodwin play with style, rhythm, and language to show us how a teenage mind with ADHD moves through the world. In 1999, Pernell, AKA Special P, spends his third year in summer school balancing a teacher who’s committed to misunderstanding him and his love for rhymes/rap. Without fully understanding why his brain works the way it does, this book reads like a flow of consciousness, shifting from one thought to another often without warning. As Pernell tries to understand the things happening around him, readers get a front row seat to what it could be like to have ADHD as a teen.
The flow of the book can be hella frustrating lol so I know a lot of folks probably won’t stick with it. But I remembered that I know intimately what ADHD feels like/how the mind can process so many things at once. Once I got comfortable with knowing that, I was able to appreciate the lowkey experimental style of writing and looked forward to seeing the world through Pernell’s lens. Like other readers, I do wish that more of his rhymes were included, but when they did appear they did what needed to be done.
(Maybe spoilers?) I think my favorite parts were: 1. Anytime he connected with his dad through poetry and 2. Once his diagnosis was explained to him & he learned that his experiences weren’t a reflection of him being disruptive, but more so about how his brain processes. I think parents can also learn a lot about empathy and grace for their children from this story.
September 15, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Kids for the ARC.
There’s so much to love about King of the Neuro Verse. This book is filled with joy, self-discovery, and even a touch of ’90s nostalgia but at its core, it offers a heartfelt, authentic look at ADHD. Idris Goodwin captures what it feels like for a child to live with ADHD in a way that’s vulnerable, real, and deeply empathetic.
So often, children with ADHD don’t have the words or the safe outlets to express the whirlwind of emotions inside their heads. That inability to fully communicate can land them in trouble, when what they really need is understanding. Pernell’s story resonated with me because he does eventually find his outlet: cyphering and recording conversations with the future. These moments felt both powerful and affirming.
What stood out the most for me, though, was the joy Pernell experienced. He’s surrounded by friends and family who encourage his growth, nurture his creativity, and help him lean into his strengths rather than punish his struggles. Goodwin does a phenomenal job showing that not everyone learns the same way, and when adults recognize and embrace that, young people can truly shine.
Though the verses were quick to read, I found myself wishing for a few more cypher scenes by the end. I’d recommend it especially for teens, educators, and families who want to better understand ADHD through the lens of art and creativity.
There’s so much to love about King of the Neuro Verse. This book is filled with joy, self-discovery, and even a touch of ’90s nostalgia but at its core, it offers a heartfelt, authentic look at ADHD. Idris Goodwin captures what it feels like for a child to live with ADHD in a way that’s vulnerable, real, and deeply empathetic.
So often, children with ADHD don’t have the words or the safe outlets to express the whirlwind of emotions inside their heads. That inability to fully communicate can land them in trouble, when what they really need is understanding. Pernell’s story resonated with me because he does eventually find his outlet: cyphering and recording conversations with the future. These moments felt both powerful and affirming.
What stood out the most for me, though, was the joy Pernell experienced. He’s surrounded by friends and family who encourage his growth, nurture his creativity, and help him lean into his strengths rather than punish his struggles. Goodwin does a phenomenal job showing that not everyone learns the same way, and when adults recognize and embrace that, young people can truly shine.
Though the verses were quick to read, I found myself wishing for a few more cypher scenes by the end. I’d recommend it especially for teens, educators, and families who want to better understand ADHD through the lens of art and creativity.
June 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for an eARC to read and review.
There is so much to love in King of the Neuro Verse. There's joy, understanding, self-discovery, and 90s nostalgia. But most importantly, there's an insight into ADHD that feels authentic and vulnerable.
I think what I loved most about King of the Neuro Verse was the joy that Pernell expressed and experienced. He found himself surrounded by friends and family that supported him and helped him to discover his innate talents. He was allowed the opportunity to explore an artistic outlet that worked for him, both through the cyphers and seemingly innocuous conversations with the future. Idris Goodwin did a phenomenal job articulating and showing that not everyone has the same learning style, and when adults acknowledge and embrace that, they allow their children and students to shine.
As someone who was just diagnosed with ADHD in my early 40s and who was a high school senior graduating in 2000, this book felt like a time capsule. It reminded me of why I became an educator and how important it is to see everyone as individuals, not just the characteristics that they or others would use to describe them. Idris Goodwin has written a book that shares the human experience in a vulnerable and joyful way.
There is so much to love in King of the Neuro Verse. There's joy, understanding, self-discovery, and 90s nostalgia. But most importantly, there's an insight into ADHD that feels authentic and vulnerable.
I think what I loved most about King of the Neuro Verse was the joy that Pernell expressed and experienced. He found himself surrounded by friends and family that supported him and helped him to discover his innate talents. He was allowed the opportunity to explore an artistic outlet that worked for him, both through the cyphers and seemingly innocuous conversations with the future. Idris Goodwin did a phenomenal job articulating and showing that not everyone has the same learning style, and when adults acknowledge and embrace that, they allow their children and students to shine.
As someone who was just diagnosed with ADHD in my early 40s and who was a high school senior graduating in 2000, this book felt like a time capsule. It reminded me of why I became an educator and how important it is to see everyone as individuals, not just the characteristics that they or others would use to describe them. Idris Goodwin has written a book that shares the human experience in a vulnerable and joyful way.
October 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to Simon Teen for the gifted ARC copy! #simonteeninfluencer
King of the Neuro Verse follows a black neuro divergent high school teenage boy, named Pernell. He is struggling in school and having a really hard time with a particular teacher. Unfortunately for Pernell, he has had to complete summer school 3 summers in a row. He knows his mind feels different, but it takes some time into the book before he actually has an assessment and gets an official diagnosis of ADHD. While his ADHD causes him difficulty with school, one area where it helps him succeed is with his rapping. He wants to be Cypher King and his ADHD gives him an edge up in his opponents
Thoughts:
This is written in novel in verse style, but also felt that it read the way I would imagine the mind of someone with ADHD would operate. During several times in the book- there seems to be a stream of thoughts that jump from one to the next. I think this was intentional by the author to illustrate the internal mind of someone with ADHD. Despite this, it still felt cohesive enough to follow but took some time getting used to! I think those with ADHD would really enjoy this and find it relatable. I appreciated the self discovery journey Pernell went on and his commitment to making his diagnosis work for him.
Thank you to Simon Teen for the gifted ARC copy! #simonteeninfluencer
King of the Neuro Verse follows a black neuro divergent high school teenage boy, named Pernell. He is struggling in school and having a really hard time with a particular teacher. Unfortunately for Pernell, he has had to complete summer school 3 summers in a row. He knows his mind feels different, but it takes some time into the book before he actually has an assessment and gets an official diagnosis of ADHD. While his ADHD causes him difficulty with school, one area where it helps him succeed is with his rapping. He wants to be Cypher King and his ADHD gives him an edge up in his opponents
Thoughts:
This is written in novel in verse style, but also felt that it read the way I would imagine the mind of someone with ADHD would operate. During several times in the book- there seems to be a stream of thoughts that jump from one to the next. I think this was intentional by the author to illustrate the internal mind of someone with ADHD. Despite this, it still felt cohesive enough to follow but took some time getting used to! I think those with ADHD would really enjoy this and find it relatable. I appreciated the self discovery journey Pernell went on and his commitment to making his diagnosis work for him.
July 26, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you so much Simon Teen for the e-arc of this book! King of the Neuroverse follows Pernell who is a teen with ADHD. He’s a boy who wants it all- the cool girl, to be the rap king at lunch, and to pass high school. However, his plans make it hard when he has ADHD because his attention is torn between 14 different things. The story is told in verse and I think it works really well because of how a neurodivergent person’s brain works. It shows how his thoughts jump back and forth and I myself have ADHD, so it’s realistic. The book is a quick read, and I felt like the way it was written was perfect for my own ADHD. I personally loved the pop-culture and 90’s references, but I’m not sure if teens today will get it or if the 90’s is making a come-back in popularity. But it added a level of nostalgia especially in terms of rap music back in the day. This is one of those books that places you in someone else’s shoes, and I think it’s an important story to be told because it shows how neurodivergent teens may think and how they’re treated at school (looking at you, Mrs. Harding). The story is told in a joyful tone despite everything and I just love Pernell as a character.
Thank you so much Simon Teen for the e-arc of this book! King of the Neuroverse follows Pernell who is a teen with ADHD. He’s a boy who wants it all- the cool girl, to be the rap king at lunch, and to pass high school. However, his plans make it hard when he has ADHD because his attention is torn between 14 different things. The story is told in verse and I think it works really well because of how a neurodivergent person’s brain works. It shows how his thoughts jump back and forth and I myself have ADHD, so it’s realistic. The book is a quick read, and I felt like the way it was written was perfect for my own ADHD. I personally loved the pop-culture and 90’s references, but I’m not sure if teens today will get it or if the 90’s is making a come-back in popularity. But it added a level of nostalgia especially in terms of rap music back in the day. This is one of those books that places you in someone else’s shoes, and I think it’s an important story to be told because it shows how neurodivergent teens may think and how they’re treated at school (looking at you, Mrs. Harding). The story is told in a joyful tone despite everything and I just love Pernell as a character.
September 17, 2025
Reading a book in verse is not something I would typically choose to do. However, given the story centers on a neurodivergent teenage boy who happens to fall in love with hip-hop and a girl around the same time, I think it's a clever way to tell a story about (awkward) teenage love. And it is a coming-of-age story that. to me, isn't over-the-top cheesy or down-in-the-dumps depressing. There are some areas where I felt pacing was off and others where storytelling might seem disjointed. But then I remembered this is a book about a teenage boy with ADHD and so, with that in mind, I think it actually helps enhance the story. As a reader, you get a bit of an immersive experience in neurodivergence as I feel Goodwin does a really good job at (what I perceive to be) capturing the mind of a teenager with ADHD. When reflecting on the book to write this review, I realized I became frustrated with pacing and storytelling because I am not neurodivergent so some things didn't make sense to me (and they don't have to!).
King of the Neuro Verse is a book I'd recommend to any teenager diagnosed with ADHD (and maybe other neurodivergent conditions) or an interest in hip-hop or slam poetry. It's tolerable to read but please keep Lin-Manuel Miranda AWAY from any adaptation of this book!
King of the Neuro Verse is a book I'd recommend to any teenager diagnosed with ADHD (and maybe other neurodivergent conditions) or an interest in hip-hop or slam poetry. It's tolerable to read but please keep Lin-Manuel Miranda AWAY from any adaptation of this book!
October 24, 2025
I loved this book! As a millennial, it was really cool that this book took place in 1999 with Y2K playing a minor role in the story. Especially since Y2K fashions are back in vogue, this would definitely be an interesting read for teens today. The story is written as though we are listening to a transcript of an audio recording, with Pernell speaking directly to future listeners.
This was an enlightening look into the struggles of a Black teen with ADHD, and I loved how he was able to find joy and an outlet for his creativity. I empathized with Pernell's struggle to do well in a class where the teacher has it out for you. Pernell also feels lonely, since his best friend has already graduated and has no time to hang out anymore, which also felt very relatable.
This book is a short and easy read, and would be great for reluctant readers. Since it's written in verse the pages are more white space than text, so it feels very approachable. I remember kids in my class devouring books written in free verse, like Ellen Hopkins' Crank, and I think this book could be similarly popular.
The audiobook is read by the author and truly elevates the text; I recommend listening while you read along to get the fullest experience.
Thank you to the publishers for the advance copy.
This was an enlightening look into the struggles of a Black teen with ADHD, and I loved how he was able to find joy and an outlet for his creativity. I empathized with Pernell's struggle to do well in a class where the teacher has it out for you. Pernell also feels lonely, since his best friend has already graduated and has no time to hang out anymore, which also felt very relatable.
This book is a short and easy read, and would be great for reluctant readers. Since it's written in verse the pages are more white space than text, so it feels very approachable. I remember kids in my class devouring books written in free verse, like Ellen Hopkins' Crank, and I think this book could be similarly popular.
The audiobook is read by the author and truly elevates the text; I recommend listening while you read along to get the fullest experience.
Thank you to the publishers for the advance copy.
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