Publication Date: 1 February 2024

The Blurb

Reggie Houser has ADHD and struggles to make friends at school, plus his mum and teachers seem constantly weary about his erratic, high-energy ways. But when he sees a hypnotist perform on stage at the holiday park he visits, Reggie becomes obsessed with learning the skills of mind control – and he discovers he has an incredible talent for it! First of all he hypnotises the dog to think he’s a frog, then makes his headmaster cluck like a chicken in assembly in front of the whole school – but then a group of mean kids supposedly take him under their wing and make him use his hypnosis talents for bad: stealing a chocolate bar from a shop and escalating to a bigger theft. Reggie must decide to use his skills for good only and come to trust his own brain to make decisions.

The Review

A powerful story about the dangers of trying to fit in while finding your people.

Central to the story is Reggie’s realisation that trusting his own judgment and embracing his uniqueness is pivotal to him making the kind of true friends he wants. Through his journey, we see themes of acceptance, self-reliance, and moral responsibility explored. As he tentatively accepts friendship from a group he feels uncomfortable around, Reggie questions his own beliefs in right and wrong and battles with how far he will stretch his moral boundaries in a bid to fit in.

In Lily, we see another child on the outside of school social circles. Her upbeat, happy attitude and unwavering kindness should see her surrounded be friends, but life doesn’t work like that. As Reggie realises that what he was looking for was right beside him already, we come to understand more about who Lily is and why we all need a friend like her in our lives.

Helen has, once again, written a compelling story that captivates readers with its blend of humour, relatable struggles, and poignant life lessons. The exploration of ADHD through Reggie’s perspective fosters understanding and empathy, resonating with readers navigating similar challenges, and making it a must read for adults working with children like Reggie.

Huge thanks to Scholastic for sending me a finished copy.