This Is Not the Abby Show

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.

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. (July)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

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 message—friends can help bring out the best in someone—is heartwarming. —Booklist

Like Jack Gantos's Joey Pigza books, this lively novel from Fischer offers a firsthand view of life with ADHD.—Publisher's Weekly

A captivating portrayal of one girl's experiences with ADHD. . . . Fischer's spunky and introspective protagonist offers a sympathetic mirror for many kids, both boys and girls.—Kirkus Reviews

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.—School Library Journal

A charming, funny, and heartfelt adventure, Abby's story will touch your heart, your soul, and your funny bone.—DAVID LUBAR, author of Hidden Talents and the Weenies short-story collections
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.