My Brother Booh Has ADHD ISBN: 9781910039069
Published by British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF), 2014
Toby and Booh are identical twins, adopted as babies. They have an adopted younger sister too, and the family is a supportive and happy one. However, Toby has one big problem. His brother Booh is very disruptive and difficult. He confides in his diary that sometimes he wishes he didn't have a brother. Booh is called Booh because he loves jumping out at people and shouting 'Boo', which they really don't like. Booh is often in trouble, and Toby realises that this is partly due to the fact that he, Toby, is good at his school work, while Booh is considerably less so, and their little sister sometimes cries when Booh is too rough with her. He has tantrums too and cries easily, and is never invited to parties. Teachers tend to compare the two boys, and Toby is aware that this is not a good idea and wishes they could see that Booh is good at football and PE. When the boys parents finally take them to a paediatrician to see if they can find out what Booh's problem is, she diagnoses ADHD and explains that he is not naughty but finds it difficult to stop being silly. He is given medicine to help his behaviour, and gradually begins to be calmer even though he doesn't like the medicine. In the questions and answers at the end of the book, we learn that not all children need medication, but that specialists can help in other ways too. This story is probably more useful for siblings and parents of children with ADHD, but sufferers may well find it helpful too. Small coloured illustrations are sprinkled through the book. Available from Amazon, from good bookshops, and from the publisher: BAAF, Saffron House, 6-10 Kirby Street, London EC1N 8TS.
Age: 7+
Categories: