School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up-As someone who has come to understand and even celebrate his disorder, the author presents a very different view of ADHD. The book contains 60 topics arranged in a somewhat random order, with advice for young people who have ADHD to help them to be successful in life. Chesner writes with a great deal of humor and makes good use of examples to get his points across. Not only does he give great suggestions on how to succeed in secondary school, but he also candidly talks about the advantages of having a "special brain" and how thinking in a different way can be something to be proud of. While the tips are short, easy to read and understand, and very useful, there is one small caution. The book is written on colorful pages with a variety of graphics and backgrounds. Although this mimics the thought patterns of a person with ADHD, it might prove to be too distracting for a "special brain" to read and comprehend. However, it's definitely worth the try. Chesner's frank approach to problems that have occurred in his life is refreshing as well as somewhat disarming. Those who are struggling with ADHD need to see that having it is not all a downer and that there are many people with the disorder who have been uber-successful.-Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
A writer with ADHD shares his experiences and offers practical advice to readers who might also have brains that are wired differently. "My name is Jonathan, and I have a special brain," says Chesner, who is quick to tell readers he is a perfectly smart person; he even attended the University of Southern California and received a degree in public policy. But he knew early on that his brain wasn't like other people's brains. He says, "I had the type of brain that would wear a Hawaiian shirt, bright red pants, and cool painted shoes to a wedding." From garish cover to hyperactive format, the design of the volume imitates the author's brain--lots of bright yellow, more than 60 short chapters on distinct topics for easy and frenetic skipping around and many photographs, drawings and speech bubbles. In the midst of the hyperactive goings-on, Chesner offers plenty of good-hearted advice on such topics as dating, homework, snacks and family life, concluding by advising readers to follow their hearts and dreams. He cautions that life isn't a fairy tale, and "most dreams don't come true," but readers will never know if they don't try. Readers with ADHD, and anyone else for that matter, will like the "go for it" spirit of a writer who found blessings in his struggles with his "special brain." (glossary, index, about the author) (Nonfiction. 12 up)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Actor, entrepreneur, and artist Chesner, who was diagnosed with ADHD at an early age, has created the kind of upbeat and informative book for those with special brains that he would have liked to have read as a teen. Throughout the many, mostly two-page chapters, the focus is on seven topics that pop up randomly but are easily discernible by icons, or topic keys, placed within each of the sections, so those just interested in reading about, for instance, school can simply flip to those sections with that icon. The other topics are authority figures (parents, too!), distractions, food, the future, meds, and social life. Pocket-size, eccentrically designed, and filled with humorous black-and-white visuals (with ample yellow highlights), this will surely appeal to those who have short attention spans. With much practical advice (for example, taking baby steps when trying to establish eating habits), this packs in plenty of valuable content and is pretty enjoyable, too.--Enos, Randall Copyright 2010 Booklist
