How to Walk a Dog

An accessible, masterfully told story about understanding why not fitting in and occasionally standing out is not only okay—it might be the key to being understood.

Asher Abrams has his ADHD under control most of the time—even if he asks a lot of questions, can be forgetful, and is often impulsive. But he's also creative, clever, and fearless when it comes to standing up for the people he loves. Like his best friend, Gillian Benjamin. At least, she used to be his best friend until last summer when they had a huge fight, one that he's never quite understood. After he catches her shoplifting in the grocery store, Asher learns that Gilly's life has changed dramatically; her mum has disappeared, leaving her and her dad with nothing but a pile of debt.

When Gilly's period arrives unexpectedly at school, she is bullied. Asher is determined to normalise periods so no one gets shamed about this natural part of life. It doesn't bother him that he's a boy talking about the stigma around periods—that's the whole point, isn't it? Asher convinces Gilly to help film a movie about periods for his school passion project. When their silly PSA goes viral, will their newly healed friendship be able to handle the attention?

Author Joanne Levy captures the heartbreakingly funny story of a remarkable protagonist living with ADHD. In pitch-perfect first-person narration, readers gain insight into the challenges and celebrations of this neurodevelopmental disorder. Asher's doodles, such as footnotes, sketches, and storyboards featured throughout the book, amplify the storytelling and give further insight into how Asher's mind works.