Description
Book title: Berticus: How I Survived School, and Bullies! and Farley Finnigan!
Author: Brian Silbert
Publisher: Strong Learning Inc. (October 23, 2024)
Language: English
Format: Paperback; 238 pages (other formats available)
ISBN-13: 9780895445032 (Paperback)
Audience: Parents, Children, Teachers
What’s your diagnosis? Does Berticus have ADHD?
Fifth-grader Berticus, the lead character in Brian Silbert’s book Berticus: How I Survived School! And Bullies! And Farley Finnigan! finds himself at the intersection of homework and tests, bullies and first crushes, and his arch-nemesis, the perfect student. It’s not a pretty sight, but it is a funny one.
Is Berticus just a typical fifth grader trying to get through school and life, or is he struggling with ADHD? While it's common for children and adults to have difficulty sitting still and focusing on tasks they find uninteresting, Berticus exhibits several symptoms that align with the diagnosis of inattentive Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He clearly has trouble concentrating on what Ms. Vanderbeek is teaching and often struggles to follow through with instructions. However, could it simply be that he is uninterested in her lessons? He showed great enthusiasm when his homework involved creating something from colonial times. So, what do you think: does Berticus have ADHD?
This book tells the inspiring story of Berticus, who likely grapples with ADHD yet ultimately finds success. Through his journey, readers can see how perseverance and the right tools can empower individuals with ADHD to realize their full potential. As noted by a reviewer from the Independent Book Publishers Association, "The book is both funny and fun to read. The diverse cast of characters contributes meaningfully to the plot, and readers can empathize with the teacher, who seems to possess the patience of a saint while working with them. If teachers read this, it might provide insight into some of their real-life students!"
A father reading Berticus with his son remarked, “Berticus is me! Why doesn’t Ms. Vanderbeek help Berticus? Why didn’t any of my teachers help me? I would have loved some support instead of repeatedly hearing, ‘John, pay attention,’ or ‘John, if you don’t finish your morning work, you’ll have to stay in for recess,’ or ‘John, you’re failing because you didn’t hand in your homework on time!’”
Whether or not you diagnose Berticus with ADHD, in Berticus: How I Survived School! And Bullies! And Farley Finnigan!, author Brian Silbert masterfully explores the complexities of simply trying to be a kid in fifth grade on his way to middle school.
