
Reach for this book if your child feels discouraged by their own 'unfinished projects' or if they are navigating the specific frustrations of ADHD. Eliza is an eleven-year-old who is tired of being labeled a quitter by her family and peers. When she is denied a cake decorating class because she never finishes what she starts, she sets out to prove everyone wrong by committing to a summer of taekwondo. This is a realistic and humorous look at the grit required to overcome self-doubt and executive functioning challenges. It is perfect for ages 8 to 12, offering a mirror for neurodivergent kids and a window for parents into the internal emotional labor of 'trying harder.' You might choose this to spark a conversation about how perseverance is a skill that can be practiced, even when it does not come naturally.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals directly with ADHD and neurodivergence. The approach is realistic and secular, focusing on the social and internal stigma of being 'different' or 'difficult.' The resolution is hopeful and empowering, showing that success doesn't mean being 'cured,' but rather finding the right tools and mindset.
A 10-year-old who feels like they are 'the messy kid' or the one who always gets in trouble for not paying attention, and who needs to see a protagonist who succeeds through effort rather than magic.
Read cold. The book is very accessible. Parents may want to prepare to discuss the difference between 'quitting because it's hard' and 'moving on because interests change.' A parent hears their child say 'I'm just bad at everything' or 'Why bother starting if I'm just going to quit?'
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the humor and the cool factor of taekwondo. Older readers (11-12) will deeply resonate with the social anxiety and the pressure to meet adult expectations.
Unlike many books where the ADHD child is the 'zany' sidekick, Eliza is a fully realized protagonist whose internal struggle with focus is depicted with empathy and accuracy without being clinical.
Eliza Bing, an eleven-year-old with ADHD, is desperate to take a high-level cake decorating class with her best friend. However, her parents are hesitant to pay for it because Eliza has a history of starting hobbies and quitting them once the initial excitement wears off. To earn their trust, Eliza agrees to complete a summer-long taekwondo course without quitting. The story follows her physical and emotional struggle to stay focused, manage her impulsivity, and deal with the social pressures of her martial arts class.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.