Page, Tyler. Button Pusher. Tyler Page, Illus. Graphic. First Second, 04/2022. 244 [+6]pp. $21.99. 978-1-250-75834-7. PB $14.99. 978-1-250-75833-0. HIGH ADDITIONAL. GRADES 6-9.
Page presents a vivid graphic memoir of growing up with ADHD, where he shows how his problems with impulse control, inability to sit still, and difficulty listening cause trouble in school, with friends, and at home. Page’s father is shown to likely have adult ADHD as demonstrated via huge mood swings and uncontrolled anger, while his mother struggles with the difficult home situation. Penciled illustrations, digitally colored, show the difficulties that this white boy faced as a child with ADHD, the good and bad of Ritalin medication, and how he changed over the years. Interspersed throughout the story are informational pages providing in-depth background information on the terms, conditions, drugs, and research mentioned in the story. Page also includes samples of his doctor’s writeups after their sessions, which show the doctor’s struggles too. A different and interesting way to present what ADHD is and how one person experienced it.
Joshua Rees, Daly City Public Library