Emma Conrad

My son is soon starting second grade but he's reading at about a 4th-5th grade level and he LOVES graphic novels. He likes the classics like Dog-Man and Diary of a Wimpy Kid but here's a list of some of the others he's been flying through this summer! Many of these are less than $10 but friendly reminder to also support your public libraries! (I bet they have them all, physical OR electronic that they could read on their iPads, like my son likes to).

These books are important for two reasons: I want all of my neurodivergent students to FEEL SEEN, feel understood, and feel REPRESENTED when they read and listen to stories & I want my other students to understand how their peers can be feelings and try to understand and empathize with them!

Some of my favorite picture books to read with my students about showing kindness and practicing empathy - something we all need reminders and help with sometimes!

My own son, in first grade this year, was diagnosed with ADHD when he was in preschool. He is wickedly smart but he is a literal energizer bunny with a devastating lack of impulse control. We have struggled with many symptoms and behaviors over the last few years but I have found some resources that have truly helped me be a better mom and have made a pretty substantial difference in deterring some unexpected and less than ideal behaviors.

I personally love reading about the real lives of other people. These are my favorite from the past few years!

If you're a big fan of Freida and her suspense, psychological thriller vibes - check out these similar stories and authors!

In 2024, I read 100 books! Now, before you judge quantity over quality, let me explain - I have ADHD which means my brain moves a thousand miles an hour and I listen to audiobooks at 1.5x speed on my lengthy commute to/from work & I read a lot while I work out to distract from the fact that…I hate working out. Here's a list of the books that I (personal opinion, obviously) rated 5-stars from that list of 100.Keep in mind, I consider myself quite a “mood reader” so these recs span many genres and were exactly what I needed for that season of my life - you may not agree, but they're worth considering! Don't forget, if you don't want to commit to purchasing, support your local libraries to check these out!