Absolutely Everything: A Graphic Novel

by Damian Alexander, Damian Alexander (Illustrator)

Overview

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! In this funny, thoughtful graphic novel, author-artist Damian Alexander tells a story of growing up, ADHD, and focusing on what makes you who you are.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798765608517
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	09/09/2025
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	6.25(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.69(d)
Age Range:	9 - 10 Years

About the Author

Damian Alexander is a cartoonist and storyteller and the creator of Other Boys, a graphic memoir based off his award-winning autobiographical webcomic. His work has received recognition from several "best of" lists including The Chicago Public Library "Best of the Best" and the Texas Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List. Damian grew up in and around Boston and currently resides in New England.

Damian Alexander is a cartoonist and storyteller and the creator of Other Boys, a graphic memoir based off his award-winning autobiographical webcomic. His work has received recognition from several "best of" lists including The Chicago Public Library "Best of the Best" and the Texas Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List. Damian grew up in and around Boston and currently resides in New England.

Editorial Reviews

"A hopeful and validating story that excels in portraying a middle schooler's ADHD journey."—starred, Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

★ 2025-05-30
“It’s not that I dislike school…It’s just that sixth grade is the worst.”

Marcella never used to have trouble keeping up in school, but this year, between rotating classes and a heavy homework load, she feels like she’s being left behind. Her thoughts buzz too loudly for her to focus, and she has trouble filtering out visual and auditory stimuli in the classroom. On top of Marcella’s academic woes, Jen, her best friend since kindergarten, suddenly has new interests, “giggly friends,” and crushes on boys. As far as Marcella’s concerned, “Bunnies are cute. Boys are just people.” No one else seems to be struggling so much with all the changes. Embarrassed and overwhelmed, Marcella can’t figure out how to handle her stress alone. This coming-of-age graphic novel explores the multifaceted trials of transitioning to middle school and navigating undiagnosed ADHD. Marcella’s supportive dads and her favorite teacher, Miss Kimani, play important roles in helping her discover what she needs to thrive and validating her frustrations and concerns. Understanding her neurodivergence helps Marcella reconnect with her love of art, utilize coping strategies, and navigate shifts in her friendships. Alexander’s artwork does more than just convey Marcella’s emotions. Through color, movement, and dynamic perspective, he brings her imagination, intrusive thoughts, and internal progress to life. Marcella and her dads present white, and there’s diversity in the secondary and background characters.

A hopeful and validating story that excels in portraying a middle schooler’s ADHD journey. (author’s note)(Graphic fiction. 9-12)

Kirkus Reviews