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My Friend Has ADHD
My friend Robby has a disability called ADHD. But that doesnt matter to us. We play basketball, tell jokes, go canoeing, and help each other with our homework. Im glad Robby is my friend!
24 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Amanda Doering Tourville
82 books7 followersAmanda Doering Tourville is the author of books for children. Amanda lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. She loves animals and would have an entire zoo if she could.
Also writes as Amanda F. Doering
Also writes as Amanda F. Doering
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 8, 2024
Is this book inclusive or othering? Even now, ages after I read it, I'm not entirely sure. I know I liked how the book explained ADHD in a way people could easily understand. I'm not sure about the tone of it though and what message a child would take away from this particular story.
It's so hard to find books which present topics which relate to topics of this nature. I am glad that this author made the attempt though, and for that I'll give this book 3 stars. If I could it would be 3.5.
It's so hard to find books which present topics which relate to topics of this nature. I am glad that this author made the attempt though, and for that I'll give this book 3 stars. If I could it would be 3.5.
August 29, 2019
This book is a great way to introduce ADHD. It enables young children to understand, It is ok to make friend with someone different than yourself. In this story, Nick is trying his best to understand Jack and help him in anyway he can. Reading this story to the children will enable them to know what children with ADHD do different than others. It also benefit teachers to know the facts written on the book that say, "Did You Know?" which describes plenty details on what ADHD kids do.
February 18, 2013
This is a fictional story about a boy, Marcus, and his best friend, Robby. Robby has ADHD and Marcus shares what it is like to have a friend with ADHD and covers some typical behaviors/feelings. Most pages include a "Did you know?" ADHD fact. There is also a definition of ADHD in the back, as well as some resources for more information.
July 5, 2023
Christ on a cracker, I think I'll skip the autism one for my own sanity and just assume it's as bad as this one.
"Kids with ADHD don't always know how to act around others." I just. Ma'am. We're not ALIENS.
I was a kid with AHD in the 80s and 90s. The "information" in this book is outdated by decades in spots.
The pop-up facts are just weird and off-putting. Kids with ADHD aren't "impatient" - that implies a character flaw or lack of discipline when their brains are just wired differently. Likewise, telling a kid with adhd that "fighting isn't cool" isn't going to help his anger outbursts. It's an older book; maybe it WAS still believed that kids with ADHD were capable of acting like neurotypical kids at all times, they just chose not to. God knows that seemed to be the case when I was a kid. But...regardless this book shouldn't be around as an educational resource now; it's just full of bad info.
Not giving it one star because at the very least it acknowledges that ADHD is more than just having a hard time paying attention/sitting still, and a lot of times the social aspects of ADHD are often overlooked entirely. Like, this writer clearly doesn't UNDERSTAND them, but at least she's acknowledging them. (The bar is ON THE GROUND, people.) It also acknowledges inattentive type, at least in the extra information in the back.
I'll just hope that this book is simply outdated and a genuine product of its time rather than a product of poor research.
"Kids with ADHD don't always know how to act around others." I just. Ma'am. We're not ALIENS.
I was a kid with AHD in the 80s and 90s. The "information" in this book is outdated by decades in spots.
The pop-up facts are just weird and off-putting. Kids with ADHD aren't "impatient" - that implies a character flaw or lack of discipline when their brains are just wired differently. Likewise, telling a kid with adhd that "fighting isn't cool" isn't going to help his anger outbursts. It's an older book; maybe it WAS still believed that kids with ADHD were capable of acting like neurotypical kids at all times, they just chose not to. God knows that seemed to be the case when I was a kid. But...regardless this book shouldn't be around as an educational resource now; it's just full of bad info.
Not giving it one star because at the very least it acknowledges that ADHD is more than just having a hard time paying attention/sitting still, and a lot of times the social aspects of ADHD are often overlooked entirely. Like, this writer clearly doesn't UNDERSTAND them, but at least she's acknowledging them. (The bar is ON THE GROUND, people.) It also acknowledges inattentive type, at least in the extra information in the back.
I'll just hope that this book is simply outdated and a genuine product of its time rather than a product of poor research.
October 4, 2020
Wow. I just read and reviewed My Friend Has Autism, and idk if it's because I'm not as well-educated on ADHD or because I don't have as much of a personal stake in it, or if this book really is just much better, but.... This book was much better.
It gives you some very basic facts about ADHD and presents challenges equally along with positives! It highlights how people with ADHD are often adventurous and willing to try new things, creative, and fun to hang out with.
Now, there were some pretty harsh dirty looks in the illustrations of this story, but the text was way more positive in my opinion compared to the autism book.
For one thing, the opening fact box just says that 1 in 25 kids in the US has ADHD, whereas the opening fact box in the autism book talked about how it's ~such a mystery~ and there's no *cure*, ugh.
So, better. Probably a good basic introduction to ADHD.
As a side note though, I thought it was pretty creepy how much the two main characters looked like the ones from the other book when they aren't supposed to be the same people. Like, they have different hairstyles but it's still a brown boy with dark hair and white boy with red/orange hair... idk.
It gives you some very basic facts about ADHD and presents challenges equally along with positives! It highlights how people with ADHD are often adventurous and willing to try new things, creative, and fun to hang out with.
Now, there were some pretty harsh dirty looks in the illustrations of this story, but the text was way more positive in my opinion compared to the autism book.
For one thing, the opening fact box just says that 1 in 25 kids in the US has ADHD, whereas the opening fact box in the autism book talked about how it's ~such a mystery~ and there's no *cure*, ugh.
So, better. Probably a good basic introduction to ADHD.
As a side note though, I thought it was pretty creepy how much the two main characters looked like the ones from the other book when they aren't supposed to be the same people. Like, they have different hairstyles but it's still a brown boy with dark hair and white boy with red/orange hair... idk.
March 1, 2021
This book is about two friends. One has ADHD and the other friend does not have ADHD. The book describes what the friend (Robby) might be struggling with and how his friend (Marcus) can do to help him.
I would recommend this book. I first like the illustration the book uses. I think it is fun and will be entertaining for a young child. I like how the book not only describes the struggles that Robby faces having ADHD but also what Marcus can do to help him. I also like how the book gives “Did You Know” facts on each page. It provides facts and information about ADHD. Another great thing about the book is it gives positive traits that Robby has, not just the struggles he faces having ADHD. This is a fun book about friendship and how they can help each other with their struggles. The book teaches kids about acceptance.
I think this could be used by both parents and teachers. This would be a great book to read to a classroom. I believe this is good for ages 5-7.
I would recommend this book. I first like the illustration the book uses. I think it is fun and will be entertaining for a young child. I like how the book not only describes the struggles that Robby faces having ADHD but also what Marcus can do to help him. I also like how the book gives “Did You Know” facts on each page. It provides facts and information about ADHD. Another great thing about the book is it gives positive traits that Robby has, not just the struggles he faces having ADHD. This is a fun book about friendship and how they can help each other with their struggles. The book teaches kids about acceptance.
I think this could be used by both parents and teachers. This would be a great book to read to a classroom. I believe this is good for ages 5-7.
October 10, 2017
The book is about two friends, Marcus and Robby. Robby has ADHD. The story follows their friendship and Marcus explains in the story how Robby experiences life differently than others. Marcus explains that Robby is a hard-worker in sports and schoolwork, however at times, he gets sidetracked and talks when he shouldn't. As his friend, Marcus, shares the his friendship with Robby through their memories as friends and the traits he loves about Robby.
I recommend this books for students K-2nd. The story does a great job of explaining ADHD in story form with events that can happen if students have a classmate that has ADHD. The story does contain bubbles labeled "did you know" and gives facts about ADHD. Even the illustrations follow along well with the story and does not create a bias. I highly recommend this book.
I recommend this books for students K-2nd. The story does a great job of explaining ADHD in story form with events that can happen if students have a classmate that has ADHD. The story does contain bubbles labeled "did you know" and gives facts about ADHD. Even the illustrations follow along well with the story and does not create a bias. I highly recommend this book.
November 2, 2017
This book started off page one describing how Marcus's friend Robby has ADHD. This book is just like "My Friend Has Down Syndrome" in that it states facts about kids with ADHD which is super neat. Marcus describes how him and Robby share a lot of the same interests like basketball and other sports, but that Robby tends to talk when he shouldn't be talking but it isn't n purpose. I liked how Marcus stands up for Robby and he tries to help him make the right decision like when he told him that fighting isn't cool. The book did a great job of staying positive about the child with ADHD and was able to tell hoe Robby can easily get side-tracked and distracted but he still looks the same as the other kids in school. Marcus really loves spending time with Robby, and so do the other kids once they get to know him.
April 5, 2018
I loved this book. I choose it because it would be fun to read and give me some great information. It was the story of a boy who speaks about how is friend had ADHD. Most kids have ADHD so it could be important for teachers and even students to read this so they become more familiar with this disability.
November 14, 2022
Holy Shit ADHD May Be My Super Power
Yeah, I'm a selfish prick making this about me. Think I fell through the cracks because I'm a "girl".
Anyway, this book was nice because it explained things nicely. Like I said, the good with the bad. But. I don't know. It wasn't perfect. I'm not sure what's missing. It's a good place to start.
Yeah, I'm a selfish prick making this about me. Think I fell through the cracks because I'm a "girl".
Anyway, this book was nice because it explained things nicely. Like I said, the good with the bad. But. I don't know. It wasn't perfect. I'm not sure what's missing. It's a good place to start.
March 2, 2024
A boy has a best friend named Robby. Robby has ADHD. He loves to talk, but not always when he's supposed to. He has trouble waiting, so he plays quiet games with his friend to pass the time. Robby is creative and always open to new ideas. The book talks all about ADHD, giving facts and ways to cope with harder symptoms.
December 21, 2021
it is great
May 27, 2022
🎧📖
Dengar di storytel. Ceritanya sederhana tapi memberi informasi ttg adhd dengan kesan positif dan sesuai dengan usia anak-anak. Menarik!
Dengar di storytel. Ceritanya sederhana tapi memberi informasi ttg adhd dengan kesan positif dan sesuai dengan usia anak-anak. Menarik!
January 6, 2025
Read to my 10 year old daughter, who has ADHD. I'm not sure how she processed it, but I like the way they presented ADHD.
October 31, 2025
What it's like to have a friend with ADHD from the first person perspective of a child. A great resource to teach classroom children about children with ADHD and how to be patient and compassionate.
October 22, 2012
Marcus has a friend named Robby who has ADHD. Throughout the book Marcus explains how although Robby is his friend, he may be experiencing life much different than he does. Marcus takes us through many day to day situations that showcase Robby's unique characteristics such as playing basketball and being at school. Along with each situation Marcus points out what is different about Robby. He explains that often times Robby is extra competitive and has a hard time staying quiet during class. However, Robby is great at art and loves to be adventurous. All in all, Marcus accepts his friend Robby. He realizes that it is hard for his friend at times, but it is not his fault. The best thing Marcus can do is to continue to accept him for who he is.
I would recommend this book for grades K-1st. Often times students in kindergarten and first grade are left wondering why certain kids in their class get extra treatment. Educating young ones about the different needs of individual students can help them better understand what ADHD is. In doing this, student can be more accepting of their extra "attention" and learn more about what they can do to help.
An activity I would plan to go along with this book is a friendship letter. I may want to do this at the end of the year, when speaking of Kindergarten however drawing pictures would be acceptable. I would allow each student to chose a friend to write a message to. In the message they would explain what they enjoy about that person. They could talk about things they like to do with them or list some qualities that make them great. When the students finish, they would then be able to drop the letter off in that person's box. I think this would be a great reminder in acceptance and offer an opportunity for students to embrace their classmates.
Doering Tourville, Amanda. 2010. My Friend Has ADHD. Picture Window Books.
I would recommend this book for grades K-1st. Often times students in kindergarten and first grade are left wondering why certain kids in their class get extra treatment. Educating young ones about the different needs of individual students can help them better understand what ADHD is. In doing this, student can be more accepting of their extra "attention" and learn more about what they can do to help.
An activity I would plan to go along with this book is a friendship letter. I may want to do this at the end of the year, when speaking of Kindergarten however drawing pictures would be acceptable. I would allow each student to chose a friend to write a message to. In the message they would explain what they enjoy about that person. They could talk about things they like to do with them or list some qualities that make them great. When the students finish, they would then be able to drop the letter off in that person's box. I think this would be a great reminder in acceptance and offer an opportunity for students to embrace their classmates.
Doering Tourville, Amanda. 2010. My Friend Has ADHD. Picture Window Books.
November 5, 2014
My friend has ADHD is a story of a young boy Robby who has ADHD told from the point of view of his friend Marcus. The book is not so much a story as a list of different behaviors Robby has in different situations. Robby acts as many children with ADHD do, and the book is careful to highlight the positives of people who have the disorder. Also, the book is interspersed with "Did You Know?" boxes that give factual information about ADHD to help assist the story.
The book does a decent job in its purpose: to inform children about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in an easy to understand way and promote acceptance. The difficult thing about writing such a book is that not every case of ADHD is the same, and so the book might lead children to think that if they have a friend with the disorder, that friend will experience all of the issues Robby has. This is often not true, just speaking from my own experience living with a younger sister and having a best friend whom both have ADHD, yet react quite differently in different situations. Also, the book is not super interesting since there is no real story. I imagine children would get very bored with this book.
Kristin Sora's illustrations are a fun addition to the picture book and help create at least a semblance of a story. Her characters are multiethnic, which is nice for diversity. The pictures bring life to Robby and Marcus and make them seem like real friends. I would say the most encouraging content from the book comes from the story of acceptance told through the illustrations.
The book does a decent job in its purpose: to inform children about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in an easy to understand way and promote acceptance. The difficult thing about writing such a book is that not every case of ADHD is the same, and so the book might lead children to think that if they have a friend with the disorder, that friend will experience all of the issues Robby has. This is often not true, just speaking from my own experience living with a younger sister and having a best friend whom both have ADHD, yet react quite differently in different situations. Also, the book is not super interesting since there is no real story. I imagine children would get very bored with this book.
Kristin Sora's illustrations are a fun addition to the picture book and help create at least a semblance of a story. Her characters are multiethnic, which is nice for diversity. The pictures bring life to Robby and Marcus and make them seem like real friends. I would say the most encouraging content from the book comes from the story of acceptance told through the illustrations.
January 23, 2014
My friend has ADHD is about two little boys, Marcus and Robbie. The two boys are in grade school together and they are best friends. Robbie has ADHD and Marcus who narrates the book talks about his friend Robbie and the challenges they face together, dealing with Robbie's ADHD. This book would be a great read for any child, especially a child who needs to better understand ADHD.
February 4, 2020
Awesome book! I think this book has present day value. Every classroom has a child who has some variation of ADHD and this book presents interaction and understanding. This would be a good book for a teacher to use in class to make a child who has ADHD feel understood and also make other students understand the child with ADHD.
February 24, 2013
This was not my favorite read on how to explain what a child or a friend of a child with ADHD. It was very basic and misleading. Yet, it could serve as a strting place to create further discussion and teaching about ADHD.
Grade: 2-4
Topic: ADHD
Grade: 2-4
Topic: ADHD
October 4, 2010
Another in the series of books about kids who have medical issues to contend with. Serves as a great introduction to others about the condition so all kids can be understood and included.
April 17, 2017
This is a children's book that talks about ADHD. It is told through the eyes of a friend of someone who has ADHD. It makes the disability relatable and includes how the child with ADHD is still perfectly capable of doing everyday activities. They play basketball, tell jokes, study together and much more.
This is a great book in the sense that it has no "loaded language" meaning it does not put the disability down in any way. It could even give other children with ADHD hope that they can find perfectly accepting friends who do not judge their disability at all.
This is a great book in the sense that it has no "loaded language" meaning it does not put the disability down in any way. It could even give other children with ADHD hope that they can find perfectly accepting friends who do not judge their disability at all.
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April 17, 2017"My Friend Has ADHD" by Amanda Doering Tourville talks about a little boy whose friend has ADHD. It is written in Marcus' perspective and talks about how children with ADHD act. What was interesting about this book was that is had an information text format, and often included "Did you know.." sidebars. This book was very informative to young readers to understand how these types of kids act, but also teaches you that they are just like everyone else.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews