Feeling Like an ADHD Alien

by Pina Varnel

Candid, comforting, and practical, this graphic novel is an endearing portrayal of the ups and downs of living with ADHD.

Kiki has always felt different from other people: She loses track of time, she daydreams when she should be paying attention, she questions all the rules and shows her emotions more strongly than her friends. But through trial and error (and error and error), she discovers her own ways to succeed and to connect with her loved ones. And eventually, she discovers a truth that makes all the difference—that she has been living with undiagnosed ADHD. Now, Kiki can get real help in managing her disorder and a new understanding of why she has been feeling more like an alien than a typical high school student.

Through disarmingly honest fictional anecdotes and enlightening interludes that explain the specifics of ADHD, Pina Varnel shares her own life experiences and hard-won knowledge.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Middle Grade, Adhd, Disability, Memoir

336 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2026

Reviews

[Kirsten Milliron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an ARC review, just a review from an ADHDer. If I could afford it, I'd want 100 copies of this book to give out to people that have ADHD and need seen as well as those who need to SEE those of us with ADHD.

This book felt like a warm hug for both pre-diagnosis and post-diagnosis ADHD me c:

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This copy is an ARC. The real version will be in colour. And even in black and white the art is beautiful.

Feeling like an ADHD Alien is relatable whether you're an adult, teen, or kid with ADHD. Or if you want to learn how people with ADHD experience the world.

I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 10 years old. Almost every scene in this graphic novel has happened to me. Now as an adult I can read and laugh about similar incidents.

For those reading, no your ADHD does not go away. We do not grow out of it. We just become better at managing our ADHD. Over the years, you learn what works for you.

It was funny how the author brought up the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. I don't think any millennial will EVER forget this science fact.

Page 81 explains why neurodivergent people are always apologising for everything.

I also feel like my ADHD can be a gift or a curse. It depends on how frustrated or skilled I feel that day.

When Kiki learned to love herself that made me cry because this is the kind of book that I wish was available when I was a teen. It took years for me to learn to embrace all my quirks and that my ADHD doesn't define me, but it does shape my life every day.
Overall, this graphic novel is informative and will fill you with all types of emotions. But mostly, I hope it helps other ADHDers to understand that we're not broken. We deserve to be happy and loved.

[Halo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow

I had the pleasure of receiving a physical ARC of this by PRH and let me tell you I am in awe.
This graphic novel was everything I didn't know I needed.

I've always teetered on the line of am I neurodivergent, am I not? This book definitely gave me the push I needed to accept that you know what? there are really big chances I am and that's okay.

If you have ADHD or know someone who does this graphic novel is amazing. It has tips and tricks, and overall it was just a joy to read.

[Colleen Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five thousand neurodivergent stars for this book. This beautiful piece of educational art is a treasure. Whether you love someone with ADHD or have ADHD yourself or just want to learn more about it, I honestly can’t think of a better introduction to complicated ideas than this empathetic graphic novel that illustrates both the emotional and physical costs of ADHD. Every child with ADHD will see themselves reflected in these pages.

Gah, I loved it.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️ All the stars for this wonderful book!! ⭐️⭐️

This book hits close to home for me. I LOVED how the chapters in this book were organized and felt so bad for Kiki who was thinking of herself as a bad person as she couldn’t regulate like the other people around her and kept getting in trouble because of it. It also broke my heart when she was reaching out but her mom rejected the idea that she could have ADHD. 💔 I did relate a bit to this part as it took me some time to come around to the idea of my child having ADHD and knowing what I know now, I probably should’ve started the process earlier. I spoke with coworkers and friends who I knew had gone through the same process and am so glad we jumped on board. It’s a strange thing as over the years I’ve seen it help countless people, but it was somehow difficult when it involved my own child.

Knowing that ADHD is a permanent, highly hereditary condition that you cannot outgrown is difficult to accept. I’ve learned so much about it over the last couple of years and this book was affirming in so many ways. Things that spoke to me through this book and other research I’ve read were:

1. The importance of learning how to regulate at a young age

2. Healthy eating does not make it go away but certain foods can further aggravate it

3. It is important to learn coping strategies alongside the medication

4. Many people with ADHD look for outer stimulants to quiet their brain as they grow older - risk taking, seeking conflict, compulsive behaviours, drugs/alcohol in some cases

Even when we decided to take the plunge I still felt unsure, but then on the second day at school my son said, “My medication makes me great.” That was by far the most affirming thing for me and after that I knew that we had made the right choice for him. He always tells us that he likes his medication and doesn’t like when he misses it because it makes his brain “quiet.” ❤️❤️

[Scott Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waw! Before I was pretty sure I have ADHD but after reading this I definitely know I have ADHD. This story is amazing. It hits home in so many ways. I chuckled at the things I do that Kiki does and I also felt sad for the other things I do that Kiki does. It is definitely pushing me to get a diagnosis (hopefully the form will not stay on my coffee table for another 3 months 😂)

Anyone who has or suspects they or their children has ADHD would highly benefit from this wonderful graphic novel. I give it 5+++⭐️’s

[Ellis]

i saw it at work and got it from the library but it just made me think of the “omg you people can’t do anything” meme the whole time i was reading it.

[Hovo Arakelian · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC version:
Varnel comes in extremely strong with her first publication.

A dive into a part of the life of young Kiki, a young girl who feels different, thinks different, and (as the title suggests) feels like an alien among peers.
From struggling, to hearing about ADHD, and the whole following journey.

Varnels way of writing make complex subjects very digestible. She mentions the fact that not everyone with ADHD will go through the same journey, and not every solution that worked for Kiki, will work for everyone. This shows that Varnel is strongly aware that mental health is, at the end of the day, a personal journey, and all people can really do, is ask for help.

Now for the art:
It's amazing. I'm not a visual artist myself, but I can easily recognize when someone has genuine talent, and Varnel has that in droves. She draws in a way that's easy to read what's happening on the page, but still has details in it that make the scene coherent. The cute, slightly Japanese inspired, style works wonders for relatability, and works for both children and adults.

This graphic novel was a breath of fresh air in a landscape of mental health-related books that feel stuffy, or overly explained, or missing the heart.

I genuinely believe this book will become extremely important, and will be found in the offices of most therapists and school libraries.

I hope Varnel continues to hone her craft even more, because this is already a masterpiece

[Charessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group, Rocky Pond Books, and NetGalley for the eGalley to review!

I'm familiar with Pina Varnel's work, so this was an immediate check-out for me, but even if I wasn't already familiar, I'd absolutely say that this is the most informative piece of work about ADHD I have read yet. The personal experience and visual examples are what's key here, because it's so much easier to, well, visualize how ADHD manifests in and frustrates a person's life and see how relatable it can be. Most importantly, Varnel frames having ADHD as something to understand and work *with* instead of some sort of evil to be defeated. Negative feelings about it are natural, but it's largely how we as a society make our society inaccessible or even hostile to those who have ADHD. This makes it not only a book for those looking to reconcile with their own diagnosis (or even lack-thereof because of things like medical misogyny and/or racism) but those who are looking to better understand and support the people in their lives that have or may have ADHD. I simply adore that there is a set of coping strategies in the back that actively debunk the strategies that often fail people because they're typically too vague or recommended by someone without ADHD.

It's just simply an amazing book and one I will likely forever keep in my collection of mental health books for all ages.

[Lawrence Bouchier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the chance to read this book in a relatively early, still unfinished version, as I was one of the author’s proofreaders. That also meant I was able to witness its development over time, and I can say without hesitation that an incredible amount of work went into it, far more than most people would imagine. Pina clearly pushed herself to her limits while creating this book, and in the end she delivered something truly special. What makes this even more remarkable is that this is her first book, and she did it entirely on her own. The story, the illustrations, the research, the writing, every single part of it comes from her. That alone is deeply impressive.

Without giving anything away, the book unfolds much like a well crafted series. It starts quietly and builds momentum with each chapter. What struck me most, though, is its emotional depth. I do not have ADHD and I am not part of the primary target audience, yet I was able to fully connect with the experiences portrayed. There were moments that genuinely moved me, especially through the visual storytelling. Pina has a rare ability to translate emotions into imagery in a way that does not just show them, it makes you feel them.

In short, this is not just a book for people with ADHD. It is for anyone who appreciates a well told story and wants to gain a deeper understanding of the topic. Absolutely worth reading.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiki is a teenager who struggles with school, daily routines, and her connections with friends and family. She is disorganized, often late, and accused of being lazy. She despairs of her perceived shortcomings, and she is drawn with alien antennae to signal her sense of feeling like an alien among her peers. Slowly, she comes to the realization she might have ADHD and asks her mother to take her for testing. The chapters show Kiki's progression toward discovery and how her life unfolds after her diagnosis. The story ends with coping strategies and resources for readers who want to explore more about the subject.

Author and illustrator Pina Varnel based her character Kiki on herself and shares her hard-won wisdom. Illustrated in a Japanese-inspired manga style, the artwork is appealing and approachable. She utilizes a soft palette throughout the chapters, and then the colors effectively come together in the end, as Kiki is shown more vividly as she realizes she is complete.

Expertly tackling the topic of ADHD in a straightforward yet ­whimsical way, this graphic novel is a must-buy for ­libraries.

I read this for the School Library Journal magazine and gave it a starred review!

[Erik McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feeling Like an ADHD Alien is such a cute and approachable graphic novel that does a great job of explaining ADHD in a way that is easy to understand. Instead of overwhelming you with a ton of technical information, it breaks things down into bite-sized pieces that make it much easier to understand what ADHD can actually look and feel like in everyday life.

I really enjoyed how fun the book was while still being informative. The illustrations and storytelling make the subject feel much less intimidating, and I think this could be a great resource for someone who is trying to understand ADHD, whether they have it themselves or know someone who does.

Another thing I really appreciated was the practical section at the end. The book doesn't just explain ADHD, it also provides useful coping strategies and resources that readers can take away from the experience.

Overall, this was a fun, informative, and accessible read. It manages to take something that can sometimes feel complicated and break it down into something much easier to understand, all while keeping the story cute and engaging.

[Jesper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have ADHD, so why does this book resonate so strongly? There's so many things I recognize: self criticism, not remembering names and other things, being unable to start on a task, masking how I really feel, feeling broken, struggling to do everyday tasks, being labeled as a "sensitive" child, feeling like I'm "too much", ruminating, social anxiety and hypervigilance, being in denial that there's anything wrong with me, being so afraid of being late that I'm always early, thoughts pulling me in all directions at once. There's a reasonable explanation for this of course: I'm Autistic. Yet I also know AuDHD is a thing. Would be funny if that's me, wouldn't it?

Oh yeah, I was supposed to write a review here. The drawings are extremely pretty, the stories are at once very touching and very funny, and there's a lot of information about how ADHD works as well as practical tips for coping with some of the common effects. Whether you have ADHD yourself, you know someone who has it, or you're just curious and can appreciate the artwork, I highly recommend this book.

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally picked this up because I am always looking for accessible and approachable resources to recommend to folks who want to learn more about ADHD (whether it's fellow folks with ADHD or their loved ones). But this book ended up making me reflect a lot on my own experience growing up, struggling with executive functioning and I feel like it captured the experience very well. At times it brought back painful memories of what it was like not understanding the way my brain works and the shame I still feel sometimes when I try my best to "be an adult" but end up feel like I am failing, but that is how you know an author is doing a good job of capturing a nuanced and at times debilitating disorder.
I love that this is all captured in a graphic novel, which may be more approachable than a scientific article or a book full of academic jargon. I will be recommending it to the people in my life who may want to learn more about ADHD, or who may share in my experience of seeing themselves represented in the stories being told.

[Kelsey Hlavaty (readingwithkelsey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Varnel really demonstrated how the graphic nonfiction can still inform and pull at one's heartstrings. This story really affected me because it very heavily mirrors my own experience and its difficult to (sort of?) look at yourself in the third person. Varnel really demonstrates how debilitating it feels and how down one gets over how they frustrated they feel dealing with their emotions on the daily. The division of chapters eases the reader into the life-cycle of a diagnosis and provides technical information throughout to really help readers comprehend what they (or someone they know) are experiencing. Varnel's art was really cute and I found the colouring to really emphasize different emotions and convey different elements of our main character Kiki's life. Overall, really cute and informative!

[Nova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following the story of Kiki, this graphic novel written and illustrated by Pina Varnel tackles multiple dimensions of ADHD and how to impacts people, especially those who are teens or discovering more about their own brain. Varnel does a great job balancing stories with practical content, and the bonus tips and tricks at the end are great! A highly approachable and accessible must-read for anyone who has ADHD that is looking for a window into self-acceptance, or friends of people with ADHD who are looking for better understanding of their loved ones.

Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the advanced copy for my honest review. I've followed ADHD Alien comics for years and was excited to be able to see this book early!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiki has always known that she is a little bit different from her peers, but she works really hard to be like everyone else. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, and then Kiki will either avoid the people she has hurt or overly apologize. When some research leads to an ADHD diagnosis, Kiki finally feels like she can make some sense of the world.

This graphic novel is written in chapters about the various ways that ADHD affects Kiki, but also has a later chapter dedicated to her diagnosis. I have never read a graphic novel that so clearly depicted ADHD in teen girls. Having a daughter with ADHD, this book is so incredibly spot on. I loved the tips section at the end, as well as the full analysis of how ADHD feels. An absolutely incredible read!

I read an ARC from Edelweiss.

[Naomi Shi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to get an ARC for this book. Honestly, it was so touching and written in a way that anyone of any age could undersatnd Kiki's story and her difficulties of living with ADHD. In this book, Varnel perfectly captures exactly what it feels like to be a teenage girl with ADHD, and how difficult it can be. One thing that stands out to me in Varnel's writing is how she shows the stigma against ADHD people, how people often make jokes about it rather than truly trying to understand it, and how supportive, acceptive, family and friends can make a difference in your journey. This was honestly just such an amazing read, would absolutely reccomend, and I'm definitely reading this again.

[Sesana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic memoir about the author's experience with ADHD. She's extremely honest and exacting about how ADHD affected her life before her diagnosis, which makes this a very valuable read. Readers will get a lot of insight from this book, either into their own minds or someone else's. I liked how Varnel included another character whose ADHD manifests in a different way from hers in this book, to demonstrate that this isn't a one size fits all diagnosis. I also liked how supportive her friends and family are, even if they don't always immediately react in the optimum ways. I also loved how Varnel describes her mixed feelings about being diagnosed. I think this is aiming for a YA audience, but this is going to appeal to middle grade and adult readers, too.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Some books are windows and other books are mirrors. I have never felt so seen or related so strongly to a story. Kiki's experiences really encapsulate and show how ADHD presents in many adolescent girls (and adults as well), while offering clear explanations for why these struggles are happening, and in the final concluding chapter, how to cope and develop strategies to feel more successful and be more successful.

I definitely recommend this book for all libraries, school counselors, people who struggle with neurodivergence, and I will be buying copies for at least one of my children.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The PERFECT read for ADHD Awareness Month! This YA graphic memoir debut is an excellent guide to what life can look like before and after an ADHD diagnosis and how some people really struggle with feeling "too much" or "not enough" as they fail to complete tasks on time, are constantly late and forget things. I found the illustrations cute, the text relayed in easily digestible and relatable chunks and think that younger readers will REALLY appreciate being felt understood and seen. The book also includes coping strategies and resources for helping readers manage their ADHD. 10/10 recommend for younger and older readers alike!

[Ken McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really excellent book! Beautifully illustrated, charming and insightful. The author does such a good job making you feel every bit of Kiki's confusion & frustration as her symptoms cause one struggle after another, so you're also cheering for her as she learns why her brain works the way it does.

The author isn't a trained specialist, nor does she pretend to be one. This is a story told from inside ADHD, from the perspective of someone who has the condition. People with ADHD will feel seen, understood, and probably hopeful. People who know someone with ADHD will better understand their family or friend, why they behave the way they do.

Highly recommended!

[Reading_seas0n · Rating 5 out of 5]

THANK YOU TO Penguin Teen Canada! i am apart of their Influencer program so I get e-arcs in exchange for my honest review and here is my honest opinion on this!

This book is a great informative look on ADHD.
Breaking the stigma; such as emotion, attention spans, time management and more and showing through comedic and series examples in art (both with their own personal experiences and little cartoon scenarios). This book is honestly something I would have loved when I was younger and probably would have helped me.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to PenguinTeen for an ARC of this book.

This was an excellent graphic novel that discusses the topic of ADHD from the experience and perspective of a young girl named Kiki.

The book reads more like a memoir or guidw then a story, but it was informative and enlightening, especially to read from a first-hand experience.

It's definitely a book that some kids may be able to relate to or identify with Kiki's experiences, and can be very helpful for them. It also includes some great resources in the back.

[Raven Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both familiar and different, even if you don't have, think you have or know someone who has ADHD, it is an eye opening experience. Due to what our character deals with, the results can be ones that we experience. Anxiety and how people treat you once you've been "given your label" were relatable to me. No, it wasn't 100% perfect for me, but it was as close as it could be. I enjoyed the younger voice though she did seem younger than her age at times.

[Asleepinhaze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt so seen reading this!!!

Overall, it’s such a great book to introduce what ADHD is and give a glimpse into what it actually feels like to live with it. Obviously, everyone’s experience and support system are different, me included. So it’s not like I went through the exact same things the author described. But the core feelings and the signs are spot on. Everything is relatable. Plus, the illustrations are so pretty!

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an adult who got diagnosed with ADHD last year, I found this graphic novel to be very relatable and insightful. All the experiences the author described, I and probably most people with ADHD have also felt at some point in their life. It not only succeeded in making me feel understood, but also provided me with some strategies and resources. The art style and the illustrations were also very beautiful. Overall, I think it's brilliant, and I can highly recommend it.

[Kristee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like someone had watched my entire childhood & teen years and wrote a book about it. I could relate to Kiki down to the very last detail and it was both validating and emotional reading through each chapter. Even though this book seems to be geared towards teens or young adults difficulty-wise, it was still SUCH a good book and one I recommend to any girls or women going through their ADHD diagnosis journey.

[Persephone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended to me by my 13 year old. This book was fun and educational. The use of real life situations and relatable analogies really helped break down why we struggle so hard with everyday life. I love that while it doesn't shy away from the grief, it gives hope of coming to an understanding with others, and of yourself. It also has incredibly useful tips about communication and coping strategies.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got an arc from work!

This book took me out back and shot me multiple times and I said thank you. I wish I’d had this in college when I thought there was something seriously wrong with me because I couldn’t finish Moll Flanders. I cannot wait to tell my therapist about this on Wednesday but damn so many things really aren’t just me, huh?