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My Brain is a RaceCar: A Children's Guide to a Neurodivergent Brain
A story to help understanding a neurodivergent brain.
Created and inspired by my daughters ADHD diagnosis, I wanted to gift her a book that help explained her brain's processes and needs. No big words or acronyms that result in 'what does that mean' and bring the child out of the story.
"Brains are just like cars, they all drive round and round a track, picking up information and then bringing it back. Some brains are Race Cars that like to drive extra fast. Sometimes though, they forget to sop and fully complete a task.'
But driving cars fast all the time and not servicing or maintaining them leads to overheating and burnout.
We can apply that same logic to our brains.
I am so proud of this book, and sharing with friends I have been told the same principles talked about in this book apply to their children who are on the spectrum.
What this book
An explanation of common traits in a neurodivergent brain
Giving SELF regulation tools to the child to use themselves to assist with the plan and treatment around them
A book to open conversation between you and the child about their individual selves and why you both do what you do to manage and assist and uplift.
What this book is
Going to explain treatment or management approaches as that is an individual or tailored experience.
Going to specify traits in detail as once again it is again so individual.
Created and inspired by my daughters ADHD diagnosis, I wanted to gift her a book that help explained her brain's processes and needs. No big words or acronyms that result in 'what does that mean' and bring the child out of the story.
"Brains are just like cars, they all drive round and round a track, picking up information and then bringing it back. Some brains are Race Cars that like to drive extra fast. Sometimes though, they forget to sop and fully complete a task.'
But driving cars fast all the time and not servicing or maintaining them leads to overheating and burnout.
We can apply that same logic to our brains.
I am so proud of this book, and sharing with friends I have been told the same principles talked about in this book apply to their children who are on the spectrum.
What this book
An explanation of common traits in a neurodivergent brain
Giving SELF regulation tools to the child to use themselves to assist with the plan and treatment around them
A book to open conversation between you and the child about their individual selves and why you both do what you do to manage and assist and uplift.
What this book is
Going to explain treatment or management approaches as that is an individual or tailored experience.
Going to specify traits in detail as once again it is again so individual.
- GenresChildrensAdhdDisability
28 pages, Paperback
Published December 5, 2022
86 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 31, 2024
I really like this one.
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My brain is a race car that likes to drive extra fast.
Sometimes though, it forgets to stop and fully complete a task.
...
But driving the car this way for too long can lead to overheating and then I burn out.
If I don't look after my race car then some not so good feelings come about.
...
Pit stops are good to reset my feelings, they help me recharge and rest.
Pit stops for race car brains are calming activities.
You have to find what suits YOU best.
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My brain is a race car that likes to drive extra fast.
Sometimes though, it forgets to stop and fully complete a task.
...
But driving the car this way for too long can lead to overheating and then I burn out.
If I don't look after my race car then some not so good feelings come about.
...
Pit stops are good to reset my feelings, they help me recharge and rest.
Pit stops for race car brains are calming activities.
You have to find what suits YOU best.
February 23, 2024
Very affirming for neurodiverse children. I’m a therapist and I use this book to do bibliotherapy with youngsters who have ADHD. I recommend it to other mental health professionals or parents with neurodivergent kids.
July 21, 2024
My Brain is a Race Car by Nell Harris is a beautifully Illustrated and well written picture book to explain that are brain needs fuel, rest, and it can get side tracked. I really appreciate that children can relate to this story and that it is a picture book of awareness that all brains work differently and sometimes we need to 5 minutes to reset. I also love the kid friendly explanation of fidgets and why they are needed. I highly recommend My Brain is a Race Car by Nell Harris.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 25, 2024
"My Brain is a Racecar" by Nell Harris addresses the experiences of a young girl with ADHD. In this book, it provides a relatable and insightful perspective on the challenges of staying focused. Managing busy thoughts and dealing with frustration and anger.
The emphasis on coping strategies, such as taking time out for resets, engaging in activities that suit individual preferences, and incorporating exercises like yoga to destress, is valuable for children with ADHD and those around them. The book used the analogy of the brain being like a loud race engine. Which makes it easier for children to understand the experiences of having ADHD. The mention of coping mechanisms, such as finding quiet moments or using headphones in a noisy environment like a classroom, highlights practical strategies for managing sensory overload I can use for my students.
This book explores topics like ADHD. I would share this with my students and children because it contributes to greater understanding, empathy, and awareness. Helping children and adults alike to appreciate and support individuals with diverse experiences
The emphasis on coping strategies, such as taking time out for resets, engaging in activities that suit individual preferences, and incorporating exercises like yoga to destress, is valuable for children with ADHD and those around them. The book used the analogy of the brain being like a loud race engine. Which makes it easier for children to understand the experiences of having ADHD. The mention of coping mechanisms, such as finding quiet moments or using headphones in a noisy environment like a classroom, highlights practical strategies for managing sensory overload I can use for my students.
This book explores topics like ADHD. I would share this with my students and children because it contributes to greater understanding, empathy, and awareness. Helping children and adults alike to appreciate and support individuals with diverse experiences
February 27, 2023
good theme but spelling mistakes
The theme of this book is great and I had high hopes. However, it slightly misses the mark a bit and assumes one size fits all. There are also spelling mistakes in it ie, quite instead of quiet and some parts that don’t make sense, Ie, stay on for a few houses.
So I was quite disappointed, as I thought this would be perfect for children with ADHD where their mind is a bit chaotic.
These few points just let it down.
The theme of this book is great and I had high hopes. However, it slightly misses the mark a bit and assumes one size fits all. There are also spelling mistakes in it ie, quite instead of quiet and some parts that don’t make sense, Ie, stay on for a few houses.
So I was quite disappointed, as I thought this would be perfect for children with ADHD where their mind is a bit chaotic.
These few points just let it down.
October 26, 2024
This book is extremely well written with simple vocabulary for young kids. As well as rhyming. It has an amazing message about how neurodivergent brains work. This is important for younger kids who may feel different from others and it is important these topics are spoken about. This book has good illustrations as well to give us a picture of how to help calm down the brain when it is overworking or overstimulated. Overall, this book was amazing.
January 18, 2023
Magic Brain Love!
Great read for my magic brain 6yo Grandson. I too, have ADHD and this was a great way to share our thoughts and feelings as I read to him. This also lead to further discussions about how we can show empathy for other ND people and educate our NT friends in a simple and understandable way! Thank you 😊
Great read for my magic brain 6yo Grandson. I too, have ADHD and this was a great way to share our thoughts and feelings as I read to him. This also lead to further discussions about how we can show empathy for other ND people and educate our NT friends in a simple and understandable way! Thank you 😊
November 12, 2024
This book is for ages five to ten. The common themes are self awareness and emotional regulations. I picked this book because it can give my students some reassurance for them also feeling like they can't be calm or focused. I would love to have this in my classroom so my kids can relate to the book and feel more welcomed to the world.
July 19, 2024
7yr old Approved
My daughter really liked this book. She said “hey, sometimes I feel like that”. I appreciated the tip to make a map for the day, we’ll be implementing that for our “race car”.
My daughter really liked this book. She said “hey, sometimes I feel like that”. I appreciated the tip to make a map for the day, we’ll be implementing that for our “race car”.
August 20, 2024
cute analogy
The book was relatable to my son who likes cars. He gave it a 7 out of 10 lol. The drawings are awesome and kept him engaged. He laughed a couple of times and was easy enough for him to read (1st grade and up level)
The book was relatable to my son who likes cars. He gave it a 7 out of 10 lol. The drawings are awesome and kept him engaged. He laughed a couple of times and was easy enough for him to read (1st grade and up level)
April 1, 2025
Easy way to understand Autism and Neurodivergent behavior
The book was short, sweet, and easy to follow. It might help some people understand or come to terms with how they think and feel. Younger readers will definitely find this to be a helpful and hopefully soothing book.
The book was short, sweet, and easy to follow. It might help some people understand or come to terms with how they think and feel. Younger readers will definitely find this to be a helpful and hopefully soothing book.
January 18, 2023
Good explanation - well worth a read
Great read, good way to show kids and help them understand. Congrats on your first book. Good luck hope it goes well
Great read, good way to show kids and help them understand. Congrats on your first book. Good luck hope it goes well
November 24, 2023
great
great book for understanding hyperactive brains. I think it has a lot of useful stuff. I recommend it to anyone coping with a fast brain.
great book for understanding hyperactive brains. I think it has a lot of useful stuff. I recommend it to anyone coping with a fast brain.
December 25, 2023
Adorably explained
This story is an adorable execution of explaining ADHD to all ages and encouraging self care for our brains and bodies!
This story is an adorable execution of explaining ADHD to all ages and encouraging self care for our brains and bodies!
February 8, 2024
A great book to share with children about neurodivergent minds.
February 13, 2024
adorable and so accurate
They say you know you actually understand something when you can accurately explain it to a 5-year old. And this author does just that 🫶
They say you know you actually understand something when you can accurately explain it to a 5-year old. And this author does just that 🫶
March 14, 2024
Great book to introduce a child how to deal with ADHD.
December 30, 2024
Simple, straightforward book comparing a fast brain to a race car. Includes tips on self care and strategies to accommodate this type of brain.
January 21, 2025
Great Book
Perfect way to explain ADHD combined to my child. The tools suggested are great! I wish there was a book like this for ADHD inattentive.
Perfect way to explain ADHD combined to my child. The tools suggested are great! I wish there was a book like this for ADHD inattentive.
April 13, 2025
Great book for kids to learn about adhd
Excellent book for kids and families to explain life with adhd. We have shared it widely to help people support out kiddo
Excellent book for kids and families to explain life with adhd. We have shared it widely to help people support out kiddo
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August 19, 2025Awesome story
Awesome story for a child with ADHD, who loves race cars. Beautifully written. Illustrations to match but not over stimulate visually. Perfectly pitched.
Awesome story for a child with ADHD, who loves race cars. Beautifully written. Illustrations to match but not over stimulate visually. Perfectly pitched.
November 17, 2025
This is a great look into how the mind of someone with ADHD works.
February 14, 2024
I can appreciate the metaphor but with too much illustrations, it can feel overwhelming to a neurodivergent brain which is ironic. Did not engage my three year old.
December 21, 2023
Lovely little kids book about how adhd brains work. Helped me, as an adult, understand my brain. Strengths-based.
November 26, 2023
Loved this affirming book for kids (and adults too!) about brain differences and how to take care of a brain that works in different ways!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews