For fun, I offered to query a book created by a student in my classroom about his struggles with anger management and ADHD. Thought I’d give you a sneak peak because I believe this book belongs in the hands of kids everywhere:
Dear Agent,
I discovered your agency while researching representation for my own writing. However, I am querying on behalf of my 11 year-old student. For his fifth grade project, he wrote and illustrated a 1,663 word graphic novel about coping with ADHD and anger management.
The book chronicles his real challenges in overcoming anger and focusing in school despite his difficulties with impulse control. Each page is illustrated with examples from his own life in how he went from a kid who punched someone for calling his brother gay to a kid who learned to take deep breaths and get help from an adult instead. The story is centered around the premise of becoming your own superhero and includes humor, such as his love for shouting out the words “hot dogs” in class.
My student’s family gave me permission to query on his behalf. I have been his teacher for two years and watched him transform from a student who transferred because he was getting in fights to a kid who diligently created this book to help others like him. His life story is truly remarkable, with a band of young relatives joining forces to raise him in the absence of his biological parents. If you are interested, I will leave it to his family to share more details, but rest assured it is a story that would melt any heart and give real credibility to the obstacles he has overcome to become his own superhero.
As a fourth and fifth grade teacher, I can vouch that this book would fill a real niche in education, particularly for students who struggle with similar challenges. At my school, this book has become famous, with students beyond my doors asking if they can borrow it for just ten minutes. I am certain that teachers and families alike would love to share this book with any kid who has ever felt angry.
Thank you for taking the time to consider his submission. This is a multiple submission.
Sincerely,
Olivia O’Bryon
“You ever get so angry you just want to punch the wall?”
“Of course you have, we all get mad sometimes.”
“I got really mad. My hands got hot.”
Each chapter is organized by idea, my favorite is chapter three, “The Last Straw,” but the chapter “Results” is also pretty darn awesome.
The best result: “People like to play with me more.”
“After all, you are your own superhero now. Go out and show everybody your new powers!”
oliviaobryon 
Love this and good luck with the queries on his behalf. Hope to hear something good about this in the future.
Thanks, I hope so too! If not, at least it made him feel special.
That right there is a win-win.
I love this!
Me too! 🙂
Whether or not he can get that published, I’d say he’s already accomplished much in overcoming his ADHD and anger. issues. Best of luck!
Very much agreed. I realize the publishing is a long-shot, as with anything, but I do think there is a market for a book written by a kid for kids with similar challenges.
I can’t wait to read it in its entirety! Good luck to him and bless you for helping him. I think he should dedicate this book to the best teacher he’s ever had!!! 😉
Aww, thanks Melanie. It would be wonderful if it became a published book, he worked so hard on it. Either way, I’m really proud of him and excited the kids at our school get to read it!
PS. I do get a shout out in a couple chapters of the book where I ask him to breathe, hehe.
I love it!! 🙂
Love this book!!! He is so lucky to have you through this process. This is a wonderful book, congrats to him. I have 4 years old who could use this book. I like the idea of being your own superhero. Beautiful story all around, you helping him, him helping himself, the book helping other kids. So inspiring.
I think so many kids could use this book! I would love to have it on my own coffee table at home. He’s amazing. Glad you enjoyed reading about him and his hard work. 🙂
What a fantastic way to show your belief and support in your student! Whether he gets published or not, he’s gained power over his ADHD and has wonderful support in people like you.
Thanks Kitt, I agree. He’s really proud of himself and I am too 🙂
That’s a very good and impressive thing to be doing
Kind of you to say, thanks!
Great book. Great post. Great people (student & teacher) Congrats!
Wow! What a wonderful treasure!