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Graphic Universe has announced a new middle grade graphic novel hitting shelves this fall, and The Beat has all the details. Absolutely Everything by author-artist Damian Alexander explores what it’s like to grow up with ADHD, inspired by his own experiences navigating ADHD and middle school.
The book follows sixth grader Marcella, who struggles with tasks her friends seem to handle without fuss. Alexander said he doodled her in his notebooks during his own middle school days, when he found “direction through art.” Here’s the full synopsis for Absolutely Everything:
Lately, life feels like a lot for Marcella. Sixth grade seems complicated on purpose. Marcella keeps forgetting her homework or getting distracted while she’s doing it. Plus, her bestie has new friends, and her parents even want to move apartments. She’s trying to keep track of the changes—but absolutely everything is stressing her out! Does Marcella just need to force herself to “be better”—or is there another way for her to create a path to the life she wants?
“When I began developing Absolutely Everything, these were some of the first pages I had sketched up. I wanted to make it clear that Marcella’s version of ADHD was not going to be the typical hyperactive kid that I’d seen so much in the media, but rather a kid whose ADHD was causing them anxiety and internal stress,” said Alexander in an exclusive statement for The Beat. “As someone with ADHD, I often find my thoughts bouncing off the walls of my skull, leading to a spiral of them, until I just shut down. I ultimately start doing something else completely to distract myself, just like how Marcella abruptly starts cleaning her room, rather than thinking about her assignment that she desperately needs to get to work on.”
Below, out the pages Alexander describes, as well as the book’s cover art.
“Absolutely Everything is a story about growing up and ADHD—but at its heart, it’s about discovering what makes you who you are,’ said Graphic Universe editorial director Sean Tulien. “Damian Alexander dives into what it’s like growing up with inattentive ADHD with an empathetic, destigmatizing eye, thoughtfully weaving back and forth between humor, frustration, sadness, and the levity which only friends and family can provide. Marcella’s heartwarming journey to understanding and accepting herself will resonate with anyone who’s ever questioned their place in this world.”
Absolutely Everything will be available September 9 everywhere books are sold. Pre-orders are available now.
English (US) · 