Focused by Alyson Gerber

Reviewed by Lori
Title: Focused

Author: Alyson Gerber

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 181907

Description:  Twelve-year-old Clea wants to do her homework, follow instructions, pay attention in school, and play chess on the school team, but it's difficult. When she is diagnosed with ADHD, she becomes determined to learn how to focus.

Rubric Rating: Level 2 - Like It

Why I Read It: Having a daughter with ADHD I thought this would be a title that she would identify with.

Notes:  I really wanted to give this title a better grade but unfortunately it fell quite short of the mark in my opinion.  I read this title aloud with my daughter, even without ADHD I found the chapters way too long, and if the appeal of this book is to target readers with ADHD I'm not sure they would have the sustained attention needed.  Clea is struggling in school, she can't seem to focus in class she's distracted by the things around her, her mind flying off in all different directions, she either doesn't complete her school work or doesn't complete it correctly.  When finally identified by the school (which seemed rather late as she is in grade 7) she and her parents meet with a doctor.  They are miraculously able to get in quickly and the first suggestion is to try medication.  As a parent of a child with ADHD I found these chapters almost unbearable.  They read more like an ADHD doctor's office pamphlet, explaining ADHD and the value of medication, than it did part of the novel.  I questioned Clea's relationship with her parents as while her mother advocated for her sister, she seems to leave Clea to struggle on her own with no understanding of her academics and/or personal life.  I did like the friendships and how they were portrayed.  Clea's best friend Red is having family problems of his own and he lashes out at Clea.  She makes mistakes as a result of her impulsivity and acting before thinking which I felt were authentic to the character.   My daughter could relate very well to this aspect.  The new friendship that developed between Clea and Sanam, and her burgeoning relationship with Dylan made the book most enjoyable.  All of the friends are part of the school Chess Club, and I could see how this is used as an analogy for how to deal with ADHD; being able to look at the bigger picture, the importance of focus, not just on the next move but with the end in mind, seeing the strengths and weaknesses of your pieces and that of your opponents.   Unfortunately, I found this book heavy handed and I felt like I was being hammered with information on ADHD rather than given the opportunity of really connecting with the characters.  I gave it a level 2 rating because it's about a girl who overcomes her weaknesses to play to her strengths.  My daughter was encouraged by Clea's positivity and how she began advocating for what she needs.  Important skills that she herself will have to use. 

Recommended Readers:  Grade 7 and up

Themes: ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Friendship, Families, Sisters, Bullying, Mean Girls, Relationships, Coming-of-age, Empathy, Perseverance, Self-Regulation, Chess

Cross-Genre Links:

Movie: Searching for Bobby Fisher
Games: Chess
Social Studies: ADHD and Learning Disabilities

Inquiries and Activities:

  • Do you have ADHD or know anyone with ADHD?  What is it like?  What strengths and weakness might someone with ADHD have?  
  • Why does Red get angry at Clea?  Do you think he was right or wrong?  How would you have dealt with that situation?   
  • What do you discover about Sanam?  How does she help Clea?  
  • What are some ways that you can advocate for things that you need?  
  • Why is Quinn so mean to Clea?  What do we see that makes us understand why she might act that way at school?  How does this compare to Henley's treatment at her school?
  • What happens when a friend you have had all your life, suddenly doesn't want to be your friend anymore?   How would that make you feel?   
  • Empathy is very important in understanding what it might be like to be in someone else's shoes.  Is there are character that you felt like you really understood?   Or you have faced a similar situation?  



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