Crusaders Faithful Few

Book Reviews

Below are listings and mini-reviews of many books on ADD. The listings are broken down into several categories: books for parents, children and teens with ADD, adults with ADD, and professionals.

BOOKS FOR PARENTS

Anderson, W., Chitwood S., & and Hayden, D. (1990). Negotiating the Special Education Maze: A Guide for Parents and Teachers. Bethesda: Woodbine House. Paperback, 267pp Comments: A "must-have" for any parent who's child needs special education or services in the public school system. Clearly walks the parent through the entire process of how to "build" an individual education plan for their child, and does a good job explaining the ins and outs of the legal rights and responsibilities of the schools.

Barkley, R.A. (1995). Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide For Parents. New York: Guilford Press. Paperback, 294pp. Comments: Becoming a classic. Well-written, very readable, comprehensive guide to ADHD for parents by one of the leading experts in the field.

CHADD. ADD and Adolescence: Strategies for Success from CHADD. Plantation, FL: CHADD. Paperback, 134pp. Can only be ordered from CHADD's distributor Caset by calling 1-800-545-5583, or from the ADD WareHouse Catalog at 1-800-233-9273. Comments: A collection of articles and documents by the top experts and leaders in the field of Attention Deficit Disorders covering diagnosis, treatment, education, social skills, family issues, advocacy, beyond high school and other challenges.

Dendy, C. A. Z. (1995). Teenagers with ADD: A Parent's Guide. Bethesda: Woodbine House. Paperback, 370pp. Comments: The "definitive" refererence/resource for any parent with an adolescent with ADD. Almost every issue is discussed. Lots of great lists that can be copied and used at school meetings. Extremely comprehensive and helpful.

Fowler, M.C. (1990). Maybe You Know My Kid: A Parent's Guide To Identifying, Understanding, and Helping Your Child With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. New York: Birch Lane Press. Comments: A classic. Written for parents by a parent of a child with ADHD.

Fowler, M. (in collaboration with Russell A. Barkley, Ron Reeve and Sydney Zentall). (1992). Educators Manual: Attention Deficit Disorders. An In-Depth Look From an Educational Perspective. Plantation: CHADD. Paperback, 80pp. Can only be ordered from CHADD's distributor, Caset by calling 1-800-545-5583, or from the ADD WareHouse Catalog at 1-800-233-9273. Comments: A most important document about what schools should know and do. It is very important for parents to know what the school knows so they can safeguard their child's education. This manual is therefor an essential document to own.

Hallowell, E. (1996). When You Worry About The Child You Love: Emotional and Learning Problems in Children. New York: Simon & Schuster. Hardcover, 280pp. Comments: This is a warm, informative and moving book by one of the best and most knowledgable communicators of childhood problems. Hallowell manages to guide parents through the most significant causes of problems in childhood in a sensitive, caring way. Highly recommended.

Hallowell, E. & Ratey, J. (1996). Answers To Distraction. New York: Bantam Books. Paperback, 334 pgs. Comments: A comprehensive guide to ADHD, written in an easy to read question/answer format. The sequel to their classic Driven To Distraction.

Ingersoll, B. & Goldstein, S. (1993). Attention Deficit Disorder and Learning Disabilities: Realities, Myths and Controversial Treatments. New York: Bantam Doubleday. Paperback, 246pp. Comments: An important book by two of the best in the field. Accurate, factual information about ADD, LD and their treatments.

Jacobs, E.H. (1998). Fathering the ADHD Child: A Book for Fathers, Mothers, and Professionals. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson, 294 pp. Comments: Fathers and mothers experience parenting differently, and with the ADHD child, the differences in the way parents regard discipline, behavior, and the nature of ADHD itself, interferes with working effectively as a team. This book explores how fathers and mothers can use their differences creatively to parent their ADHD child more effectively.

Johnson, K. (1991). I Can't Sit Still. Santa Cruz: ETR Associates. Paperback, 178pp. Comments: Written by a neuropediatrician, complete and readable, translates complicated medical jargon into simple, down-to-earth language that both caregivers and children can understand and feel good about. Only available from the publisher.

Lynn, G.T. (1996). Survival Strategies For Parenting Your ADD Child. Grass Valley, CA: Underwood Books. Paperback, 268pp. Comments: Offers concise and practical information for parents on dealing with oppositional behavior, dangerous and destructive behavior, depression, obsessions and compulsions, rage, school-related stress, etc.

Phelan, T.W. (1995). 1-2-3-Magic: Training Your Children To Do What You Want. Comments: A classic. Presents very effective behavioral strategies for disciplining young children (2-12), discouraging obnoxious behaviors and encouraging positive ones.

Setley, S. (1995). Taming The Dragons: Real Help For Real School Problems. St. Louis: Starfish Publishing Co. Paperback, 241pp. Comments: A very practical hands-on guide for parents on helping students with academic problems, homework, and specific suggestions for improving skills in reading, math, spelling.

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS WITH A.D.D.

Crist, J. (1996). ADHD: A Teenagers Guide. King of Prussia, PA: Center For Applied Psychology. Paperback, 173pp. Comments: Written specifically for teens with ADHD, presents information and practical advice.

Bramer, J.S. (1996). Succeeding In College With Attention Deficit Disorders. Paperback, 189 pages. Plantation, FL: Specialty Press. A very practical, well written, useful book for college students with ADD and those planning on going to college. Also recommended for counselors and educators.

Cummings, R. & Fisher, G. (1993). The Survival Guide for Teenagers with LD* (*Learning Differences). Minneapolis: Free Spirit. Paperback, 190pp. Comments: Provides information and advise to young people who have different learning styles on such topics as dating, driving, getting a job and planning for the future.

Fellman, W. R. (1997). The Other Me: Poetic Thoughts On ADD For Adults, Kids, and Parents. Plantation, FL: Specialty Press. Paperback, 121 pp. Comments: Touching, funny, insightful poems about living with ADD.

Levine, M. (1994). Keeping A Head in School: A Student's Book about Learning Abilities and Learning Disorders. Cambridge: Educators Publishing Service. Paperback, 297pp. Comments: For the motivated high school student, this book can be the "answer" to learning about how they learn and for building strategies to enhance their education. This book is highly recommended for parents of teens and for school professionals.

Moss, D. (1989). Shelly The Hyperactive Turtle. Rockville, MD: Woodbine Press. Hardcover, 24pp. Comments: An illustrated story, for young children ages 3-7.

Nadeau, K. (1998). Help4ADD@ High School. Bethesda, MD: Advantage Press. Paperback, 117 pages. Comments: A terrific book for high school students written in a very readable "website" format that is fun and easy to navigate. Give it to a teen with ADD and watch them read though it, helped along by sharp graphics and cartoons. Even kids in junior high will benefit from it. Very highly recommended!

Nadeau, K. (1994). Survival Guide for College Students with ADD or LD. New York: Magination Press. Paperback, 56pp. Comments: Provides information needed to survive and thrive in the college setting. Filled with practical suggestions and useful information.

Nadeau, K., & Dixon, E. Learning To Slow Down And Pay Attention. Paperback, 70pp. Comments: For ages 6-12, provides age-appropriate information and practical suggestions.

Parker, R.A. (1992). Making The Grade: An Adolescent's Struggle With A.D.D. Plantation, FL: ADD Warehouse. Comments: A classic, on managing ADHD behaviors for ages ages 9-12.

Quinn, P. (1995). Adolescents and ADD: Gaining the Advantage. New York: Magination Press. Paperback, 81pp. Comments: Addresses the particular concerns of adolescents diagnosed with ADD and offers coping strategies as well as personal stories from teens with the disorder.

Quinn, P. (Ed.) (1994). ADD and the College Student: A Guide for High School and College Students with Attention Deficit Disorder. New York: Magination Press. Paperback, 113pp. Comments: Filled with practical wisdom of both specialist and those who have ADD themselves, this reassuring book is full of practical information and advise to help students effectively navigate the difficult transition to college life.

Quinn, P. (1992). Putting On The Brakes. New York: Magination Press. Paperback, 64pp. Comments: General information and coping strategies for ADHD, well written, for ages 8-12..

BOOKS FOR ADULTS WITH A.D.D

Hartmann, T. (1993; revised 1997). Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception. Grass Valley, CA: Underwood. Comments: An interesting hunter/farmer metaphor for ADD which emphasizes the positive aspects of having and living with ADD.

Hallowell, E. & Ratey, J. (1994). Driven To Distraction. New York: Pantheon Books. Paperback, 319 pgs. Comments: A classic, considered by many as the "bible" of ADD books. Covers general ADHD issues from childhood to adulthood, with lots of practical information and suggestions.

Kelly, K., & Ramundo, P. (1995). You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy?! Cincinatti, OH: Scribner. Comments: A classic by two women with ADD, clearly written, provides practical advice.

Kelly, K., & Ramundo, P. (1997). The ADDed Dimension: Everyday Advice For Adults With ADD. More practical advice and coping skills from two pioneers in adult ADD.

Nadeau, K. (1996). Adventures In Fast Forward: Life, Love, and Work for the A.D.D. Adult. Paperback, 219pp. Comments: Well written, readable, with clear information and practical suggestions for ADD adults. Highly recommended for ADDults and those who wish to understand ADDult behaviors better.

Richardson, W. (1997). The Link Between ADD and Addiction: Getting The Help You Deserve. Paperback, 315pp. Comments: A review of ADD, subtance abuse, and addictive behaviors, useful and well written by a certified addiction specialist.

Solden, S. (1995). Women With Attention Deficit Disorder. Paperback, 288pp. Comments: Focus on particular issues for women with ADHD, by a female therapist. Highly recommended by many women with ADD.

BOOKS FOR PROFESSIONALS AND TEACHERS

Barkley, R.A. (1990). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook For Diagnosis And Treatment. New York: Guilford Press. Hardback, 747pp. Comments: Despite its publication date still the classic source of comprehensive information on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD.

Copeland, E. D., & Copps, S.C. (1995). Medications for Attention Deficit Disorders and Related Medical Problems: A Comprehensive Handbook. Plantation, FL: Specialty Press. Hardover, 406pp. Comments: Accurate and authoritative information on the medication selection and dosing of medications for ADD and related disorders.

DuPaul, G. J. & Stoner, G. (1994). ADHD in the Schools: Assessment and Intervention Strategies. New York: Guildford Press. Hardcover, 269pp. Comments: Presents solid research to support effective and appropriate assessment and interventions in the schools.

Goldstein, S. (1997). Managing Attention and Learning Disorders in Late Adolescence and Adulthood: A Guide for Practitioners. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Hardcover, 496pp. Comments: With contributions by Rob Crawford, M.Ed., Michael Goldstein, M.D., Barbara D. Ingersoll, Ph.D., Patrician H. Latham,. J.D., Peter S. Latham, J.D., and Mary McDonald Richard this book is designed to be an accurate and authoritative guide for professionals on the subject matter covered.

Jones, C. B. Sourcebook for Children with Attention Deficit Disorder: A Management Guide for Early Childhood Professionals and Parents. Published by COMMUNICATION SKILL BUILDERS (The Psychological Corporation) 1-800-763-2306. Comments: Packed with information on identification and management tips for parents and teachers of preschoolers with ADD. Includes specific activities with goals, materials needed and clear directions. A "must-have" for early childhood programs.

Levine, M. (1994). Educational Care: A System for Understanding and Helping Children with Learning Problems at Home and in School. Cambridge: Educators Publishing Service. Hardcover, 325pp. Comments: Dr. Levine dedicates his book to "innocent children whose stifled struggles to succeed have been misinterpreted.

McCarney, S.B. (1989). The Attention Deficit Disorders Intervention Manual. Columbia, MO: Hawthorne Educational Services. Paperback, 404pp. Comments: Provides a wealth of practical guidelines and suggestions for school based accomodations, for both learning and behavioral problems. Should be required reading for anyone attending an IEP conference for a child with ADHD.

Nadeau, K. (1995). A Comprehensive Guide To Attention Deficit Disorder In Adults. New York: Brunner/Mazel. Hardcover, 408 pgs. Comments: Well written, research based, and comprehensive review of adult ADD issues.

Pfiffner, L. J. (1996). All About ADHD: The Complete Practical Guide For Classroom Teachers. Jefferson City, MO: Scholastic Professional Books. Paperback, 173 pp. Comments: An excellent, well written, comprehensive manual for classroom teachers on identifying and managing ADHD behaviors. Very practical information from one of our leading researchers in the area of classroom management and family-based interventions for ADHD.