Fidgeting, interrupting, losing homework, daydreaming — these are all common signs of ADHD, according to the Child Mind Institute. Now add the Middle School experience into the mix, and it can be a tough road to navigate for a child.
For parents who are looking for an engaging and unique way to understand how their middle schooler with ADHD might be feeling right now, a new graphic novel, ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING from author-artist Damian Alexander, is providing a funny and thoughtful exploration of what it is like to grow up with Inattentive ADHD.
ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING follows a charming but scattered sixth-grader named Marcella who can’t figure out why life feels harder for her than her friends. Featuring energetic, approachable art and an imaginative, heartwarming story, the graphic novel is out September 9, 2025 from Graphic Universe™, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group.
“ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING was inspired by my own childhood experiences with inattentive ADHD in middle school and finding direction through art,” said Damian Alexander in a press release.
“Marcella is actually a character I doodled in my notebooks back then. I hope her story will connect with young readers today, especially those who may be feeling a lot like I did.”
Lately, life feels like a lot for Marcella. Sixth grade seems complicated on purpose. Marcella keeps forgetting her homework or getting distracted while she’s doing it. Plus, her bestie has new friends, and her parents even want to move apartments. She’s trying to keep track of the changes—but absolutely everything is stressing her out! Does Marcella just need to force herself to “be better”—or is there another way for her to create a path to the life she wants?
Damian’s explanation of Marcella’s journey might feel like very familiar territory to those with ADHD or those with kids who have it, as it drew from his own experience. In the comic, when Marcella decides her essay topic isn’t up to par with the other kids, she hopes her teacher may not notice it, afraid she’ll disappoint her.
“When I was in middle school and thought I did a poor job I’d also slide my work under other kids in hopes my teacher would be too tired from grading others’ work to notice how bad mine was. Marcella is then confronted by her teacher who keeps her a few minutes after class, which is one of the most embarrassing things possible. This ultimately leads to Marcella’s best friend being judgmental of her favorite teacher and introducing a small crack in their previously solid friendship.”
These can be tough dynamics to navigate at the middle school age, and Damian offers readers a glimpse into what is like growing up with inattentive ADHD with an empathetic and destigmatizing eye, said Sean Tulien, Editorial Director of Graphic Universe.
Damian “thoughtfully weav[es] back and forth between humor, frustration, sadness, and the levity which only friends and family can provide. Marcella’s heartwarming journey to understanding and accepting herself will resonate with anyone who’s ever questioned their place in this world,” he added.
A perfect story for kids who want to feel less alone in their ADHD experience, and for parents and caregivers to foster empathy and understanding as they help the youth who might be struggling in their lives.
You can order your copy of ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING by clicking here, and get an exclusive preview of pages 98-103 below!
