My Brain is a Race Car | Book Review

Another book I checked out for ADHD Awareness Month is My Brain is a Race Car by Nell Harris. Now this is more like it!

My Brain is a Race Car
Written & Illustrated By Nell Harris
Children’s Picture Book

Brains are like cars that go round and round a track,
Picking up information and then bringing it back.
My brain is a RACE CAR that likes to drive extra fast,
Sometimes, though, it forgets to stop and fully complete a task.

My Brain is a Race Car by Nell Harris

My Brain is a Race Car is a self-published book written by a mother of an ADHD child. It is a simple story/metaphor that helps even the youngest of children begin to understand what is going on in their ADHD brains, and how to support themselves. This book is not highly technical. It keeps things easy and accessible for even the youngest listeners.

I estimate this book to be at a Grade 3-ish reading level, but it is an appropriate read-aloud book for children as young as Preschool. I recommend reading it out loud with your child, because it opens the door for children and parents/teachers to share their experiences with each other.

Without ever straying from the simple metaphor of a “Race Car Brain,” the author introduces some important information:

1. That some brains are different than others.
2. Some brains are in a hurry, and have more challenges with forgetfulness, follow-through, emotional regulation, sensory sensitivity, impulsivity, and hyperfixation. (But not in those big words!)
3. That Race Car brains need to taken care of (“Pit Stops”) so they don’t “burn out” (illustrated by a broken down car that’s spewing smoke).
4. That some of the ways to take care of an ADHD/Race Car Brain are: stretching, yoga, mindfulness, sensory breaks, sensory equipment, breathing exercises, healthy eating, good sleeping habits, and visual schedules.

Credits (The Good Stuff):

• This book is neuro-affirming by explaining Race Car Brains as simply different, not bad or broken.
• The pictures do a very good job of illustrating the Race Car metaphor, making it visual and understandable.
• This book does a good job of speaking to its intended audience, without veering into too-technical or age-inappropriate material.
• This book touches on a ton of good information in a fun way, which can be built on by parents/caregivers/teachers.
• This book can be used by all sorts of families. The word “ADHD” is never said in the story, which means you don’t need to wait for a diagnosis for it to be helpful for your child. Any child that struggles with impulsivity, hyperactivity, or emotional regulation can benefit from this book, as the suggested “Pit Stops” are available to anyone, and don’t require a diagnosis to access. (There is no mention of medication in this book. Only self-care ideas.)
• I appreciate that the illustrations included a child with a visible hearing aid/cochlear implant. Kids deserve to see themselves everywhere, not just in books about their specific disability.

Cautions (Be Aware/The Bad Stuff):

• I don’t have any concerns with the content of this book. My only critique is of the writing itself. While the story is written in rhyme, it does not follow a set rhythm pattern, which means it doesn’t “flow” and it’s pretty clunky to read out loud. Essentially, the content is good, but the packaging could use some work.

Conclusion:
My Brain is a Race Car is an ideal introduction to ADHD for children, and can benefit any child that struggles with forgetfulness, emotional regulation, and hyperactivity, regardless of whether or not they have a diagnosis.

This book is written for young children, and does a good job of speaking to them at their level, without using technical jargon. The race car metaphor is carried throughout the entire book, and is illustrated in ways that make it very simple, clear, and understandable.

In short, this book is everything that I wished My Brain Needs Glasses (last week’s book review) would have been. I recommend this book over that one if your intended audience is a child aged 8 or younger.

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