10 Riveting Reads for Spirited Kids

When ADHD symptoms make them feel different or misunderstood, our children can benefit tremendously from connections with likeminded kids — even if they're fictional characters. Here is a collection of books for kids with ADHD and learning differences, for children of all ages. Read on!

Henry Winkler (of "Happy Days" fame) brings his childhood to life in the Hank Zipzer (#CommissionsEarned) books. Like Henry, Hank is a young boy growing up with ADHD and dyslexia who constantly finds himself in outrageous situations — like the time his report card ended up in a salami! The books are full of humor for adults and children alike, and any kid who learns differently will really identify with Hank.

Buy Hank Zipzer (#CommissionsEarned)

This book, a cousin to  Taking A.D.H.D. to School (#CommissionsEarned), explains what’s going on inside a child with dyslexia. The main character, Matt, is a great role model for kids. Throughout the story, he explains his difficulties with reading and math, and describes the steps he took to learn about the nature of his learning challenges and to get help at school.

Buy Taking Dyslexia to School. (#CommissionsEarned)

[Get This Free Resource: Overcoming Common Learning Challenges]

Ellie Bean. (#CommissionsEarned) is the latest children’s book about sensory processing disorder (SPD), a condition that affects at least 40 percent of kids with ADHD and/or autism. Ellie Bean seems to get scared over nothing, and can’t handle simple tasks because of her SPD. Her mother takes her to an occupational therapist, who helps her put her feelings into words and feel better. This book is a good introduction to SPD for young children.

Buy Ellie Bean. (#CommissionsEarned)

Emily is smart, but can’t focus in class. Her teacher tries to keep Emily’s thoughts on track, but soon changes her tune when she learns Emily is most creative when distracted. Free Association: Where My Mind Goes During Science Class.(#CommissionsEarned) targets “twice-exceptional” kids: children with gifted levels of intelligence along with ADHD and/or learning disabilities. It celebrates their unique gifts while acknowledging the difficulties they face.

Buy Free Association: Where My Mind Goes During Science Class.(#CommissionsEarned)

[Click to Read: Books for Kids with ADHD and LD]

Though ADHD is never mentioned in This Morning Sam Went to Mars (#CommissionsEarned), 8-year-old Sam often struggles to pay attention or follow instructions. The book focuses on lifestyle changes that should be considered before a formal diagnosis or a decision to medicate is made. It’s a fun, engaging story that young children will love, and a note at the end has strategies parents can use to help kids improve their attention.

Buy This Morning Sam Went to Mars (#CommissionsEarned)

Cory has ADHD. In short stories and poems, he describes how it affects his day-to-day life, his relationships, and his schoolwork. Cory Stories (#CommissionsEarned) offers age-appropriate introductions to ADHD treatments like medication, counseling, and behavior modifications. If your child has difficulty coming to terms with his ADHD or his treatment plan, this is a great book to help him understand he isn’t alone.

Buy Cory Stories (#CommissionsEarned)

There are two sides to every story — especially when the stories are about Joey Pigza (#CommissionsEarned), a kind, impulsive boy, who often lands knee-deep in trouble. The books handle tough topics like feeling left out, taking medication, and more. Parents should read these books before reading them to their children, because they deal with some heavy topics like divorce and alcoholism — and you want to be sure your child is ready for them.

Buy Joey Pigza. (#CommissionsEarned)

Author Linda Burton approaches the subject of inattention with grace, humor, and love. The narrator’s over-the-top (and rhyming!) efforts to get her daughter’s attention will have any family smiling and laughing. Pay Attention, Emily Brown! (#CommissionsEarned) ends on a reassuring note, setting the perfect tone for a non-threatening discussion about paying attention.

Buy Pay Attention, Emily Brown! (#CommissionsEarned)

Main character Eddie Akamai struggles with a learning disability that makes it difficult for him to read. But with the help of his friends, family, and some fun alphabet-bearing plants, he overcomes his fears and saves the magical Aloha Island. Children struggling with learning disabilities will recognize themselves in Eddie, and grow in confidence as he does in Aloha Island (#CommissionsEarned).

Buy Aloha Island (#CommissionsEarned)

This is an engaging, visually appealing approach to ADHD, told through the eyes of a 9-year-old girl — perfect for girls aged 9 to 13. Get Ready for Jetty(#CommissionsEarned) is a non-threatening, true-to-life introduction to living, learning, and succeeding with ADHD.

Buy Get Ready for Jetty (#CommissionsEarned)

[Read This Next: 8 Perfect Books for Reluctant Readers (Even Yours!)]

#CommissionsEarned As an Amazon Associate, ADDitude earns a commission from qualifying purchases made by ADDitude readers on the affiliate links we share. However, all products linked in the ADDitude Store have been independently selected by our editors and/or recommended by our readers. Prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.