Book Recommendations
My Top 10 Must Reads⭐
These are the books that have most shaped my understanding of ADHD, neuroscience, executive functioning, parenting, and learning. If you're looking for a place to start, start here.
- Taking Charge of ADHD — Russell Barkley
Why: The gold standard for understanding ADHD. Evidence-based, practical, and foundational. - ADHD 2.0 — Edward Hallowell & John Ratey
Why: Hopeful, strengths-based, and accessible. A wonderful introduction to modern ADHD thinking. - Your Brain's Not Broken — Tamara Rosier
Why: One of the best books for understanding executive functioning challenges and translating them into practical strategies. - Mind, Brain, and Education Science — Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa
Why: This book completely changed how I think about learning, teaching, and the brain. - Smart but Scattered — Peg Dawson & Richard Guare
Why: The practical guide to executive functioning that every parent, educator, and ADHD family should own. - A New Understanding of ADHD in Children and Adults — Thomas Brown
Why: Brown's executive functioning model helps explain why ADHD is about so much more than attention. - Spark — John Ratey
Why: The definitive book on exercise, brain health, learning, attention, and mental well-being. - How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk — Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
Why: Not an ADHD book, but one of the most valuable parenting and communication books ever written. - Hardwiring Happiness — Rick Hanson
Why: A powerful introduction to neuroplasticity, negativity bias, and how positive experiences can reshape the brain. - The Explosive Child — Ross Greene
Why: Completely changes how you view challenging behavior. A must-read for parents, educators, and anyone supporting neurodivergent children.
⭐ Bonus Recommendation
- Self-Compassion — Kristin Neff
Why: ADHD often comes with years of shame, self-criticism, and feeling "not enough." This book is transformative and one I wish everyone would read.
ADHD Books for Children
Understanding ADHD
- ADHD Is My Superpower- Samantha Bernstein
- Different Thinkers ADHD- PhD Katia Fredriksen
- Ben's Busy Brain- Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez
- A Dragon with ADHD- Steve Herman
- It's Hard to Be a Verb! — Julia Cook
- Wandering Dreaming Mind - Merriam Sarcia Saunders
- What Were You Thinking? — Bryan Smith
- You Are Enough- Margaret O'Hair
- We're One- Jackie Azua Kramer
Skill Building & Workbooks
- Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids- Kelli Miller
ADHD Books for Parents
Understanding ADHD
- Taking Charge of ADHD — Russell Barkley
- ADHD 2.0 — Edward Hallowell & John Ratey
- Driven to Distraction — Edward Hallowell & John Ratey
- Your Brain's Not Broken — Tamara Rosier
- Extra Focus — Jesse J. Anderson
- Shine: Understanding ADHD So You Can Be a Star — Dr. Brandi Bolling
Executive Functioning
- Smart but Scattered — Peg Dawson & Richard Guare
- A New Understanding of ADHD in Children and Adults — Thomas Brown
- Executive Functions — Russell Barkley
Parenting & Communication
- How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk — Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
- Hardwiring Happiness — Rick Hanson
- How NOT to Murder Your ADHD Kid: Instead learn how to be your child's own ADHD coach- Sarah Templeton
Strengths & Neurodiversity
- Refuse to Choose! — Barbara Sher
- Unstoppable: Real Life Stories of ADHD, Grit, and Success
- Don't Believe Everything You Think — Joseph Nguyen
Neuroscience and Learning
- Mind, Brain, and Education Science- Dr. Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa
- Neuromyths- Dr. Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa
- Five Pillars of the Mind- Dr. Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa
- The Science of Learning and Development- Pamela Cantor and David Osher
- The Science Transforming How We Learn — Sanjay Sarma
- Questions Kids Ask About Their Brains- Dr. Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa
- The New Science of Teaching and Learning- Dr. Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa
ADHD Coaching & Personal Growth
These books are recommended by ADDCA (ADD Coach Academy) and focus on strengths-based coaching, self-awareness, executive functioning, motivation, self-compassion, and creating a meaningful life with ADHD.
ADHD Coaching
Permission to Proceed: Creating a Life of Passion, Purpose and Possibility for Adults with ADHD — David Giwerc
The Guide to ADHD Coaching — Alan Graham, Ph.D.
Professional Coaching Competencies: The Complete Guide — Goldvarg, Mathews, & Perel
Strengths, Mindset & Self-Compassion
The Strengths Switch — Lea Waters, Ph.D.
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself — Kristin Neff, Ph.D.
The Art of Possibility — Ben Zander
Don't Believe Everything You Think — Joseph Nguyen
Hardwiring Happiness — Rick Hanson, Ph.D.
ADHD & Executive Functioning
Taking Charge of ADHD — Russell Barkley, Ph.D.
Executive Functions — Russell Barkley, Ph.D.
Smart but Stuck — Thomas Brown, Ph.D.
A New Understanding of ADHD in Children and Adults — Thomas Brown, Ph.D.
Smart but Scattered...and Stalled — Richard Guare, Colin Guare, & Peg Dawson
Motivation, Performance & Behavior Change
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain — John Ratey, M.D.
The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works — Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D.
Refuse to Choose! — Barbara Sher