Clea is a seventh grader. She is noticing that school is getting harder and harder. There's a lot more homework and concentrating is getting harder, too. When she tries to do her homework, she gets distracted by every little sound and every crazy thought that crosses her mind. She is also forgetting things. She set her alarm for PM instead of AM making her late for school and her mother furious.
Clea has always relied on her best friend Red, but lately she has been losing her temper and blurting out hurtful things so Red has been keeping his distance. One thing they still have in common is chess club. Unfortunately, the distractions and outbursts have been interfering with chess, too - the thing Clea loves the most.
After her parents have been contacted by the school numerous times, it is decided that Clea needs to be tested for ADHD. Fearful of how this could change her life, Clea is angry and scared. Dr. Gold tries to help her understand how finding out what is wrong will help her deal with school, her feelings, and maybe even her friendships. It won't be easy, but learning how to manage her bouncing thoughts and emotions will be worth it in the long run.
Author Alyson Gerber does a spectacular job of portraying ADHD. From the very beginning I felt what it must be like in Clea's brain. Her frustration and fear were real. Thinking of herself as stupid, dealing with her short-tempered parents, and listening to her critical friends give readers a realistic view of living with ADHD. FOCUSED would be perfect to stimulate discussion as a read-aloud and as a quick read for adults looking for a better understanding of this very common condition.
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