A smartly funny and sympathetic story about being different and finding your way.

Meet Augustus, a boy whose mind (and mouth) operate at a different speed than the rest of us. The charismatic Gus has ADHD, and he’s on medication to help him focus. But misuse of his medication is a recipe for disaster. Welcome to a frenetic, twist-filled day that is the result.

When we first meet Gus, he’s taken over the morning announcements, much to the chagrin of school secretary Miss Funn (who’s anything but) and Principal Gorby (who’s tired of Gus’s endless jokes). When he receives a three-day suspension because of his antics, Gus heads off to meet his sister at college. On the way, Gus’s thoughts begin to race. He’s having trouble concentrating and can’t calm down. The ride gets wilder and wilder, and the reader follows along at the speed of Gus’s brain, until it’s hard to tell what’s real from what’s imagined.

At the Speed of Gus is a much-needed book for so many kids who need to see that their brains are a gift, even when (sometimes, especially when) they don’t stay in the same lines as others.

PRAISE for At the Speed of Gus:

“A thought-provoking read with loads of humour and suspense. Gus’s quirky indomitable character and the compelling nature of the story make At the Speed of Gus, a gripping read for 10-14 yr olds.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials