This Is Not the Abby Show

May 2, 2016
Like Jack Gantos’s Joey Pigza books, this lively novel from Fischer (Swimming with the Sharks) offers a firsthand view of life with ADHD. Abby Green intends to be a great actress someday and is currently a math whiz, but due to her disorganization and impulsiveness, she is a failure in English class, at least according to Mr. Finsecker, “the meanest teacher in the whole seventh grade.” Instead of spending the summer at a performing arts camp, Abby has to attend summer school. Worse, she’s grounded for vandalizing a car that she (wrongly) thought belonged to Mr. Finsecker. Though Abby believes this could be her worst summer to date, things turn out differently thanks to a special summer-school teacher and classmates who accept her as she is. Abby’s first-person narrative honestly expresses her frustrations with herself and those who don’t understand her, while hilariously recounting situations at school and at home with her colorful family. With the help of her therapist, Abby learns how to manage some of her behaviors and tap into talents she didn’t realize she had. Ages 9–12. Agent: Steven Chudney, Chudney Agency.

May 1, 2016
Twelve-year-old Abby's plans for summer quickly unravel when she learns she needs to attend summer school after failing English.Abby enjoys entertaining others with her comic antics, but her impetuosity can get in her way. Abby has ADHD ("the type...boys usually have, the hyperactive/impulsive variety) and lately finds herself apologizing a lot. After an impulsive scheme for revenge on her teacher goes awry, Abby reaches a turning point. Thanks to the guidance of Dr. C and the mentoring of a dedicated and caring summer school teacher, Abby's summer is transformed. Meeting and working with the diverse group of summer school students fosters new relationships for the white girl. She soon develops genuine friendships with free-spirited Latina Trina, the seemingly aloof Amy, and new student Max. (The latter are both white.) Fischer creates a captivating portrayal of one girl's experiences with ADHD. She captures Abby's vibrant personality and sense of humor while sympathetically addressing her struggles, deftly revealing Abby's dismay when her remarks inadvertently upset others. Fischer conveys Abby's uncertainties behind her extroverted facade. As the summer progresses, Abby's relationships, both with her family and new friends, deepen as she gains a greater self-understanding.Fischer's spunky and introspective protagonist offers a sympathetic mirror for many kids, both boys and girls. (author's note) (Fiction. 10-14)

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May 1, 2016

Gr 4-6-Abby has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She knows she was born for the spotlight and has a hard time sitting still and not blurting out things that others might find hurtful. When she fails her English class, she does the unthinkable. She and a friend, attempting to play a mischievous but ultimately harmless prank, accidentally ruin their English teacher's car. Basically grounded for the summer by her parents, Abby must repeat English as well as prove to her family that she can be responsible despite her ADHD. With the help of some new friends and a different, helpful English teacher, Abby's wish may soon come true. The characters are likable and fun to follow from start to finish, and their growth rings true. The author does a great job of shining some light on ADHD and how it can affect people differently. The plot, on the other hand, feels simplistic given the intended age group. Overall, fans of humor and realistic fiction will enjoy reading this.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2016
Grades 3-6 Abby lives with ADHD, and it gets her into trouble every day. Blurting out the wrong things and constant bruises make her feel like a walking disaster. When she flunks English and has to give up theater camp for summer school, she thinks her life is over. That is, until she meets a great teacher and new friends who not only accept and like her the way she is but understand that her goofiness and fast thinking are some of her best assets. The author places a heavy emphasis on what it feels like to live with ADHD and endeavors to illustrate different ways it can present itself. Abby is an extreme case, but it's a good look into what life is like for some people who struggle with it every day. Abby's funny and engaging first-person narrative recalls the tone of Jeff Kinney's Wimpy Kid and Rachel Renee Russell's Dork Diaries, and the ultimate messagefriends can help bring out the best in someoneis heartwarming.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)