Best ADHD books

Best ADHD books: a concise, practical shortlist

Parents often ask for a small, reliable list of the best ADHD books — titles that explain the condition clearly and offer steps you can use tonight. This guide highlights the best books for ADHD across four needs: fast orientation for parents, a solid book for adults with adult ADHD, engaging options for an ADHD child and teens, and practical manuals for home, school, and work. We prioritise accessible language, simple tools, and evidence-based advice. You will also see where each book sits among wider books on attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

How we chose these books

• Evidence first. The book aligns with current understanding of ADHD and everyday clinical practice.
• Practical strategies. Checklists, routines, and scripts you can actually try.
• Age fit. Separate guidance for children, teens, and adults; school tips where relevant.
• Clarity. Calm, plain English for parents and people with ADHD.
• Availability. Widely stocked, often with new or revised editions and printable tools; look out for book offers from major retailers and libraries.

For parents: quick, trustworthy foundations

• Taking Charge of ADHD — Russell A. Barkley, 3rd ed., 2013. Clear, research-based guide to home and school behaviour plans, reward systems, and working with teachers. A dependable first read with forms and examples.
• Smart but Scattered Kids — Peg Dawson & Richard Guare, 2009. Practical tools for executive skills: short morning/evening routines, visual supports, “one small step” habit building, and planner pages for families and teachers.
• Parenting Children with ADHD — Vincent J. Monastra, 2nd ed., 2014. A concise overview for busy parents: what ADHD means day-to-day, how to track progress, and how to talk with school about appropriate supports.
• The Explosive Child — Ross W. Greene, 6th ed., 2021 (revised). A collaborative problem-solving approach that lowers conflict and builds flexibility; helpful when emotion and behaviour flare quickly.

For adults: work, relationships, and sustainable routines

If you need a book for adults, start with the modern classics by Edward M Hallowell and John J Ratey. These titles pair lived experience with practical frameworks for living with ADHD at home and at work.

• Driven to Distraction — Edward M. Hallowell & John J. Ratey, rev. ed., 2011. The best-known starting point for adult ADHD. Recognise patterns, design support, and re-frame strengths; easy to read and highly relatable.
• Delivered from Distraction — Hallowell & Ratey, 2005. Builds on the first book with deeper sections on work, relationships, time, and stress. Expect practical checklists and real-world examples.
• ADHD 2.0 — Hallowell & Ratey, 2021. A newer, strengths-based overview with “bridges” to focus, time-design tips, and everyday tools you can adapt quickly.
• Women with Attention Deficit Disorder — Sari Solden, rev. ed., 2012. A landmark title centred on women’s experiences: masking, role overload, and shame. Includes compassionate planning for home and work.
• Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD — Susan C. Pinsky, 2nd ed., 2012. A practical manual for home and paper management: storage, mail, clothes, kitchen. Real photos and step-by-step systems that reduce overwhelm.

For children and teens: stories and workbooks that build skills

When choosing books for an ADHD child, look for short chapters, visual pages, and simple tasks with fast wins. For younger children, picture-led explanations reduce shame and improve communication with adults.

• All Dogs Have ADHD — Kathy Hoopmann, 2009. A gentle, photo-rich picture book that helps children (6–10) feel seen and explains behaviour without blame; a great read-together choice.
• The Survival Guide for Kids with ADHD — John F. Taylor, rev. ed., 2013. Practical tips for school and home, in friendly language: how to ask for help, what to do at break, and how to prepare for lessons.
• Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids — Kelli Miller, 2018. A hands-on workbook (7–12) with short tasks: “one step at a time,” movement breaks, visual schedules, and habit trackers.
• Smart but Scattered Teens — Richard Guare, Peg Dawson & Colin Guare, 2013. For teens: planning study blocks, handling screens, and building motivation; includes exam strategies and realistic habit steps.

Executive-skills and wellbeing add-ons

• The ADHD Workbook for Teens — Lara Honos-Webb, 2nd ed., 2021. Self-help for emotions, attention, and goals; strong on “start small” actions and reflection pages teens can complete independently.
• Mindfulness for Kids with ADHD — Debra Burdick, 2018. Short calm-down exercises and movement-friendly practices that actually fit a school day or evening routine.

Why these titles lead most “best books for ADHD” lists

Hallowell and Ratey’s work remains a reliable entry point: it validates experience, explains ADHD without jargon, and offers steps you can repeat. Barkley’s book gives parents a clear plan for behaviour and school collaboration. Dawson and Guare translate “executive function” into everyday tools. Together they cover home, school, and work in a way that most families find doable.

How to use any ADHD book so change sticks

• Week 1 — Home routine. One-page morning/evening plan; track only two habits.
• Week 2 — School/work link. Agree two supports (short steps + a visual schedule); send a brief teacher/manager note.
• Week 3 — Feelings. Add a calm-down corner, movement breaks, and a “two-minute warning” script for transitions.
• Week 4 — Review. Keep what worked; add a reward or study-block system. Share notes with your clinician if you’re reviewing medication or other supports.

Please note: Books support care — they do not replace medical advice. If you’re unsure about symptoms, school support, or medication, speak with a qualified professional.

Annotated index (Title — Author — Year)

• Taking Charge of ADHD — Russell A. Barkley — 2013. Parent fundamentals: home routines, behaviour plans, and school collaboration.
• Smart but Scattered Kids — Peg Dawson & Richard Guare — 2009. Executive-skills tools for home/classroom.
• Parenting Children with ADHD — Vincent J. Monastra — 2014. Short, practical guidance with tracking forms.
• The Explosive Child — Ross W. Greene — 2021 (rev.). Collaborative problem solving for tough moments.
• Driven to Distraction — Edward M. Hallowell & John J. Ratey — 2011 (rev.). Engaging book for adults on living with ADHD.
• Delivered from Distraction — Hallowell & Ratey — 2005. Deeper strategies for work, time, and stress.
• ADHD 2.0 — Hallowell & Ratey — 2021. Strengths-based, updated tools.
• Women with Attention Deficit Disorder — Sari Solden — 2012 (rev.). Women-centred perspective and planning.
• Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD — Susan C. Pinsky — 2012. Step-by-step home and paper systems.
• All Dogs Have ADHD — Kathy Hoopmann — 2009. Picture-led empathy builder for kids.
• The Survival Guide for Kids with ADHD — John F. Taylor — 2013 (rev.). Child-friendly school/home tips.
• Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids — Kelli Miller — 2018. Hands-on skills and trackers (7–12).
• Smart but Scattered Teens — Richard Guare, Peg Dawson & Colin Guare — 2013. Planning, study skills, screens.
• The ADHD Workbook for Teens — Lara Honos-Webb — 2021 (2nd). Goals, mood tools, “start small”.
• Mindfulness for Kids with ADHD — Debra Burdick — 2018. Short calm practices that fit school/home.