Carter Finally Gets It

A parent would reach for this book when their son is entering high school and struggling with the overwhelming noise of new social hierarchies, hormones, and the executive function challenges of ADHD. It speaks directly to the boy who feels like a perpetual 'work in progress' and needs to see his own frantic inner monologue reflected with humor rather than judgment. Will Carter is an awkward but well-meaning freshman navigating the high-stakes world of high school football, first dates, and the painful process of social trial and error. While the humor is irreverent and very much in the vein of a teenage boy's unfiltered thoughts, the heart of the story focuses on resilience and self-acceptance. Parents should be aware that the book contains realistic 'locker room' language and scenarios involving puberty and peer pressure, making it most appropriate for the 13 to 17 age range. It is an excellent choice for opening a non-confrontational dialogue about the messy reality of growing up and the importance of finding one's focus amidst the chaos.