In a starred review, Booklist called Alyson Gerber's first novel, Braced, 'a masterfully constructed and highly empathetic debut about a different kind of acceptance.' With Focused, she explores even further how, when life gives you a challenge, the best way to face it is with an open mind, an open heart, and the open support of the people around you.Īwards and Praise for Focused: Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2019Today Show Best Kids' Books of 2019A Mighty Girl's 2019 Books of the YearAustin Public Library's Best Middle Grade Fiction of 2019The Children's Book Review Best Kids Books from 2019, So FarJunior Library Guild Gold Standard SelectionRhode Island Middle School Book Award NomineeOklahoma Library Association's Book Award NomineeMichigan Library Association's Book Award Nominee'A story full of charm, compassion, and empathy.' - TODAY'An accurate and compassionate picture of growing up with ADHD is the icing on the cake of this well-told novel.' - Kirkus Reviews, starred review'Author Gerber, who has ADHD herself, is able to compassionately and realistically convey the experience in this sweetly appealing story.' - Booklist, starred review'This book includes middle school family drama, a little romance, and could be used for growth mindset lessons about being assertive and an effective communicator, identifying what individuals need to succeed, and learning to become a self-advocate.' - School Library Connection, Highly Recommended'Gerber handles this very detailed and informative look at a mind under the influence of ADHD with remarkable grace and clarity, highlighting both the difficulties and the lesser-known advantages.' - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 'Readers with and without ADHD will relate to Clea's struggles.' - School Library Journal Praise for Braced: * 'The author doesn't diminish Rachel's difficulties, but at heart her story is uplifting. But that's what she's going to have to do, to find a way to focus. She's just not sure how you can fix a problem that's all in your head. When Clea fails one too many tests, her parents take her to be tested, and she finds out that she has ADHD, which means her attention is all over the place instead of where it needs to be.Ĭlea knows life can't continue the way it's been going. It's starting to be a problem-not just in school, but when Clea's playing chess or just hanging out with her best friend. but how can she do that when the people around her are always chewing gum loudly or making other annoying noises?

She knows she can't just say whatever thought comes into her head.

Following Braced, which had three starred reviews, comes a story of a girl caught between her love of chess and her ADHD.Ĭlea can't control her thoughts.

Alyson gerber focused