About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling discouraged by traditional school expectations or struggles to sit still during reading time. Tom Gates is the ultimate relatable protagonist for the creative student who processes the world through doodles and humor rather than rigid schedules. The story follows Tom as he navigates the everyday chaos of middle school, from managing a grumpy older sister to desperately trying to see his favorite band. While teachers often label Tom as distracted, the book celebrates his high energy and artistic talent as genuine strengths. At its heart, this is a story about the emotional life of a pre-teen boy, handling small embarrassments, sibling rivalry, and the desire for independence with a lighthearted touch. It is perfectly pitched for the 8 to 12 age range, especially for kids who might feel overwhelmed by dense blocks of text. Parents will appreciate how it validates the neurodivergent experience without being clinical, offering a mirror for kids who learn and communicate differently.
