ADHD in HD: Brains Gone Wild
Jonathan Chesner, Author
Free Spirit Publishing, Non-fiction, April 2012
Suitable for: Teens and Young Adults
Themes: ADHD, Special Brains, Abilities, Relationships with Family and Friends, School and Homework, Interactions with Co-workers
Opening/Book Jacket Synopsis: “From an early age, Jonathan knew he had the kind of brain that would wear a Hawaiian shirt, bright red pants, and cool painted shoes to a wedding while most other people’s brains would wear three-piece suits. He also knew that if he learned how to manage the difficulties of ADHD and harness its awesome powers, he would help other “special brains” by sharing this knowledge in a book to slay all other books.
This is that book. If people say you’re always distracted, but you can spend hours zoned in on something you love, this book is for you. And if you’re coping with homework or haters or schedules or meds, this book is definitely for you. Read how to do big things, follow your dreams, and be like Mr. T.”
Why I like this book: This book stands above anything I have read on the ADHD. Jonathan Chesner has written one of the most creative, entertaining and inspirational books for teens and young adults with ADHD. The cartoon-like artwork is expressive, bold, outrageous and hilarious. There were times when I laughed until I cried. It is the kind of book I wished I could have handed to my daughter when she was a teen. It is so upbeat and uplifting. It focuses on the special brains ADHD kids and all the positive things they can do. No room for negativity in this book – only possibilities. Chesner, who was diagnosed at age 9, shares his own personal stories of failure and successes. He offers many tips on how to carry out things that don’t come easy. Chesner gives advice about interacting with families and friends, finding the best way to learn at school and complete homework, dating, getting a job, connecting with peers and co-workers, and eating the right diet. Chesner says “that ADHD isn’t all that bad — it can actually be a blessing in disguise.”
Chesner is an actor appearing in commercials and television shows such as Veronica Mars and Bones. While attending college, he turned his off-campus apartment into an art studio/art gallery/surfboard shaping room/T-shirt factory. Major surf companies including Von Zipper and Future Fins have incorporated his conceptual work. You may visit Jonathan Chesner at his website. View his great video below!
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This book has been provided to me free of charge by the publisher in exchange for an honest review of the work.
Children's Books Heal 
How cool. What a brilliant idea to incorporate lots of illustrations and icons even though this is for teens and older. This sounds like such a welcome, positive and creative book on ADHD. Great find, Pat!
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Thanks Joanna. I was very excited about sharing this book. It is so funny! And, the video gives you a sense of Chesner and his book. I shared it with a friend who is a child psychiatrist and treats a lot of kids with ADHD and she was in stitches. She’s ordered copies to give to some of her clients. Kids with ADHD will realize that they have special brains and find the book a companion.
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Sounds really brilliant.
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Niamh, this is very special book written by a very special young man. And, it’s going to help a lot of young people with ADHD. It is brilliant!
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Very necessary book. I would imagine an ADHD kid reading it will feel a great sense of relief, and would go forward with a new outlook on the future. Great choice, Pat.
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Thanks Genevieve! This really is an outstanding book! I am so excited to share it and get the word out about the book. It is such a tremendous resource for teens and young adults.
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I love the video! This sounds like a really great (and fun/funny) book! I want to get this one!
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Yes, the video is cool! It gives you a sense of the book and the writer. I’m sure you know some kids with ADHD at school.
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I love that the book focuses on the special aspects of the brain rather than the problem. Sounds like it could be empowering. 🙂
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Coleen, it is a much needed book for teens. I laugh every time I pick it up. Chesner is an inspiration for kids with ADHD.
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Instead of pills, doctors should be handing out this book! I used to work with ADD and ADHD kids and they were amazing. So creative and talented and so much fun to be around. Unfortunately they were labeled odd or unmanageable by parents and teachers and had low self esteem. Wish I would have had this book to give to them.
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Darlene, I’m glad you liked Jonathan’s book. Since you’ve worked with kids with ADD and ADHD you know that some are very talented and creative. This book is a great example. It would be great to hand every teen with ADHD with this book. It may just make a huge difference in their lives. They have special brains.
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