Mini Review: The Trouble with Peer Pressure by Darlene R Wood!

Title: The Trouble with Peer Pressure: A Simple "My ADHD Story" for Young Teens
Author: Darlene R Wood
Format: Paperback, 32 pages
Pub. Date: October 20th 2014
Source: Darlene R Wood


Book Description via Goodreads:

When the world seems too difficult for a person with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) to cope with, peer pressure just seems to compound any situation. Somehow, some way we just need to figure out how to get along with everyone in this small world.

Review:

★★★★

I was drawn to this book for a few different reasons. The first of which is because I'm in school to be a teacher, so gaining any additional insight into the minds of young people is a great help. The other reason is because my girlfriend has ADHD, and I often fail at learning to step into her shoes. She was only recently diagnosed in adulthood, though she's struggled with school and learning for a long time. So, I thought I'd check this book out in order to learn a thing or two.

The first thing that really draws the attention is the illustrations. They're really well done, with good, vibrant colors. This is good for keeping the attention. And I found that each illustration was well corresponded with whatever topic was being discussed in the book at that present moment.

This book is written in choppy, short sentences, but I think that's a good thing considering the subject matter and intended audience. It's also written in a first person narrative, so those who know what it's like to live with ADHD can easily relate, and those who do not know this life are forced to put themselves in that position. There's a lot of questions narrated in this book, making it easier to think out loud and to formulate a discussion.

That's actually how I think this book is best used- a discussion starter. It opens the doors to have a bigger, more meaningful conversation but leaves something to be desired in the actual story itself. I don't think that the themes of ADHD and peer pressure always blend together in this book, but I understood the point well enough. I think this is the type of book best shared between parents and children, used as a communication or educational tool. It's a solid book that I'm sure parents and educators alike will find useful.

Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for my honest review.