Zipper: The Kid with ADHD [Paperback]

Caroline Janover (Author), Rick Powell (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up

"Stop tapping", says Zipper's sister during dinner. "Can't you ever sit still?" It seems Zipper (aka Zachary Winson) is always annoying somebody. He speaks before he thinks, making it hard to keep friends; he forgets to do his homework; and although he's a talented pitcher, he misses a key baseball game. Underneath it all, Zipper is a smart, motivated fifth grader, but his impulsiveness gets him into a lot of trouble at home and at school. Follow Zipper as things start to turn around, and everyone roots for him to succeed!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6?Zipper has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). He is a likable but impulsive kid, speaking and acting without thinking. His parents recognize a problem, visit a neurologist, and decide to try medication and behavioral help (weekly planner, lists, notes). A nicely developed subplot involves the boy's friendship with an elderly musician in a nursing home. By book's end, Zipper has taken better control of his own life, and readers understand that ADHD is something you're born with, not something you catch from others. An appendix includes additional facts about ADHD and a source list for help. Clearly intended for a specific purpose, this book is written in a straightforward style.?Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-7. Eleven-year old Zachary "Zipper" Winson personifies the child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He has a million thoughts racing through his mind, forgets chores and assignments, doesn't listen, alienates his peers, behaves impulsively, is disorganized, and drives his family crazy. Beneath it all, Zipper is an intelligent, creative, and well-intentioned kid who enjoys his drums and becomes friends with a compassionate, elderly musician and a classmate with dyslexia. Portraying the frantic, disorderly, and frustrating life of this preteen, Janover aptly presents the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of ADHD. How Zipper learns to understand the wide-ranging effects of his neurological disorder, begins to cope with it, and eventually takes control of his life is plainly laid out. Although the story line is obvious, the book is useful in its depiction of the value of supportive parents, teachers, and other adults and the realistically uneven course of Zipper's adjustment to ADHD; and it lists practical techniques and helpful medications that can help put a kid on the right course. Janover's story will enlighten and reassure children who see themselves or others in the character of Zipper. Additional information about ADHD and a list of resources are appended. Irene Wood

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 164 pages
• Publisher: Woodbine House; 1 edition (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0933149956
• ISBN-13: 978-0933149953
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,809,654 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good, realistic story, January 8, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Zipper: The Kid with ADHD (Paperback)

This story is very fast paced, just like the narrator's life. In the beginning, Zipper doesn't have a clue he has ADHD, and so gets in trouble for behavior such as forgetting to show up at a baseball game and impulsively saying mean things to his best friend at school. Later on, he starts to channel his energies more constructively, such as by helping out at a nursing home and learning to play the drums. Once he gets treated, you see him progress from being kind of a jerk to being a more likeable kid. Everybody who knows a kid with ADHD should read this, especially teachers!

9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not bad...., February 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Zipper: The Kid with ADHD (Paperback)

This was not a wonderful story, but it was good enough that a kid who already knows he/she has AD/HD would probably enjoy it. It's about a boy who has problems with impulsivity, forgetfulness, and distracability, but manages to make progress and become a better friend.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Taylor Davidson review, January 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Zipper: The Kid with ADHD (Paperback)

"Zipper the kid with ADHD is a great book"! I can relate to it alot,I am not telling why.I would like for everyone to read this book, "cause it is the best"!