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The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses
Mrs. Gorski I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets: An ADHD and ADD Book for Kids with Tips and Tricks to Help Them Stay Focused
A student's positive journey through a learning difference that offers an encouraging example of triumph over difficulty. A must-have ADHD book for kids of all ages. The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses is meant to demonstrate various forms of learning, creativity, and intelligence. Each book introduces a realistic example of triumph over difficulty in a positive, humorous way that readers of all ages will enjoy! David gets scolded a lot by his teacher, Mrs. Gorski, for not paying attention in class. He wants to pay attention but it is just so hard when an exciting idea pops into his head. And he usually can't tell that he's making a mistake until after he makes them. But after a particularly big mistake, David comes up with his own plan to tone down his wiggle fidgets. This award-winning story is a simple introduction to ADD and ADHD and the creative ways of finding solutions to the challenges that ADHD can create. Used as a beginners ADHD workbook by many, Mrs. Gorski I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets makes for the perfect addition to any home or school library. Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets is the recipient the Academics' Choice Gold Seal Mom's Choice Award Gold Parents' Choice Award Praise for the "A masterful tale of empowering children...Esham artfully describes the gifts and challenges of children with ADHD."―Dr. Susan Baum, professor emeritus, the College of New Rochelle "This is a wonderful book series. Each story shows children that success is about effort and determination, that problems need not derail them, and that adults can understand their worries and struggles. My research demonstrates that these lessons are essential for children."―Dr. Carol S. Dweck
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2008
81 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 8, 2021
One of the best picture books on this subject that I have read. I think it succeeds in conveying how the child feels and thinks and provides some actual workable solutions. I appreciate that the child himself is involved in creating solutions to the issue of having "wiggle fidgets" at school, that he considers other classmates who may have similar needs that are expressed in a different way, and that emphasis is placed on not only the "problematic" side of learning differences, but also of qualities to celebrate. (I do feel that Mrs. Gorski should have been a little more empathatic since it turns out she was also had the wiggle fidgets as a child and there's also an incident of the boy listening in on his parents conversation, but these are small quibbles given the overarching good points.) This is the first book in the Adventures of Everyday Geniuses series I've read, but I will look for the others.
September 30, 2011
From the inside flap and the back of the book:
I don’t know why I do what I do!
I can always see the mistakes I make – after I make them. But before they’re mistakes, they just seem like great ideas! I wish I could stop myself. I wish I would think a little more before I test my great ideas. I wish I didn’t get on everyone’s nerves . . .
David doesn’t know how he ends up in such “situations.” At the time, it just seems like a great idea. His teacher, Mrs. Gorski, has had about enough; he can tell by the way her voice changes when she speaks to him. This time he believes he has come up with the best idea yet – the perfect plan to make everything better.
This is one of four books in a series about children who learn differently. Each of the books explains different learning challenges (dyslexia, difficulty with timed tests, handwriting and ADHD) in kid friendly lingo without talking down to the children.
As the parent of a child with ADHD this book really hit home. Sometimes, as an adult, it really helps to take a minute and look at things from a child’s point of view.
What I liked about the book: I liked the message it sends. Even if you have the “wiggle fidgets” it doesn’t mean you can not do well! This book is great for both students, teachers and parents. For those students who struggle with the “wiggle fidgets”, it shows that they are not alone. I’m not so naive that I don’t realize that some enterprising students might use this as an excuse, but this book really did give me a different perspective, especially regarding my own fidgeter. I also liked how David was a part of the solution for his “wiggle fidgets.” He had good ideas. Over the years I have discovered that my son is more successful if he takes part in finding the solution. .
What I didn’t like about the book: I liked it all, though I must admit that I do wonder if students who read this book might decide to try out some of David’s ideas.
Recommended for students, teachers and parents of all ages.
AR Reading level: Not listed on AR.
Mrs. Archer’s rating: 5 of 5.
I don’t know why I do what I do!
I can always see the mistakes I make – after I make them. But before they’re mistakes, they just seem like great ideas! I wish I could stop myself. I wish I would think a little more before I test my great ideas. I wish I didn’t get on everyone’s nerves . . .
David doesn’t know how he ends up in such “situations.” At the time, it just seems like a great idea. His teacher, Mrs. Gorski, has had about enough; he can tell by the way her voice changes when she speaks to him. This time he believes he has come up with the best idea yet – the perfect plan to make everything better.
This is one of four books in a series about children who learn differently. Each of the books explains different learning challenges (dyslexia, difficulty with timed tests, handwriting and ADHD) in kid friendly lingo without talking down to the children.
As the parent of a child with ADHD this book really hit home. Sometimes, as an adult, it really helps to take a minute and look at things from a child’s point of view.
What I liked about the book: I liked the message it sends. Even if you have the “wiggle fidgets” it doesn’t mean you can not do well! This book is great for both students, teachers and parents. For those students who struggle with the “wiggle fidgets”, it shows that they are not alone. I’m not so naive that I don’t realize that some enterprising students might use this as an excuse, but this book really did give me a different perspective, especially regarding my own fidgeter. I also liked how David was a part of the solution for his “wiggle fidgets.” He had good ideas. Over the years I have discovered that my son is more successful if he takes part in finding the solution. .
What I didn’t like about the book: I liked it all, though I must admit that I do wonder if students who read this book might decide to try out some of David’s ideas.
Recommended for students, teachers and parents of all ages.
AR Reading level: Not listed on AR.
Mrs. Archer’s rating: 5 of 5.
March 25, 2025
A fun and very relatable book to read to some of my students who themselves very much have the wiggle fidgets. A fun idea with the “box of cures” in the story, but the page for resources in the back of the book is no longer up and running :/
#teachermode
#teachermode
April 11, 2011
So many children have the "wiggle fidgets" but that doesn't mean they can not do well! This book is great for both students and teachers. Knowing about different learning styles and feeling the emotion of the characters help teachers to better understand their students. For those students who struggle with the "wiggle fidgets", they are not alone. I love how this book shows the struggles and the success of a young boy who struggles to focus and pay attention. In a humorous manner, Barbara Esham writes about an important topic that is often seen as inappropriate or disruptive. Instead of discussing the negative, Esham shows the benefits of characteristics that come along with the "wiggle fidgets" as well as helpful strategies to help students focus better!
March 10, 2024
I loved it! I can relate cause. Have the wiggle fidgets/ADHD
July 19, 2018
David doesn't know how he ends up in such situations. At the time, it just seems like a great idea. His teacher, Mrs. Gorski, has had aout enough; he can tell by the way her voice changes when she speaks to him. This time, he believes that he has come up with the best idea yet. The perfect plan to make everything better.
Endorsements:
“The Mainstream Connections Children's Book Series conveys a message that could have been lifted straight from a psychology research journal: there is more than one way to define ‘being smart’. As these stories illustrate, for every person, large and small, there are skills that are relatively difficult to master and others that seem to come more naturally. These books emphasize the important empirical conclusion that just as regular exercise makes the body stronger, so, too, does practice and the effort to improve academically--with all the
struggle, fatigue, and initial failure that it entails--allow people to
capitalize on the malleable nature of human intelligence.”
Dr. Samuel R. Sommers, Tufts University
Professor of Psychology
“Your books are delightful! I can’t wait until they are published so that I can share them with our twice-exceptional clients. I love the way you transform negative reactions of parents and teachers into affirming strategies that support everyone involved. I especially enjoyed the way David used his creative
problem-solving skills to brainstorm all the ways he could handle his ‘Wiggle Fidgets’. Your books for children are definitely needed. I believe that they will make a real difference.”
Linda Kreger Silverman, Ph.D. Director, Gifted Development Center, Co-Chair of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Task Force on Assessment; she serves on the American Psychological Association Task Force on Giftedness.
“This is a wonderful book. Each story shows children that success is about effort and determination, that problems need not derail them, and that adults can understand their worries and struggles. My research demonstrates that these lessons are essential for children.”
Dr. Carol S. Dweck, Stanford University
Professor of Psychology
“I applaud Barbara Esham for finding a way to teach young children how to be more mindful. In so doing, she sets the stage for their greater well-being as adults.”
Dr. Ellen Langer, Harvard University
Professor of Psychology
“Katie’s dad can’t spell. Max can’t work under time pressure. Carolyn may never master cursive writing and David wiggles. They are typical of many students who struggle with some aspect of school. They are also lucky because each of them finds understanding or acceptance of their particular learning profiles. Whether it’s the realization that famous people have
sometimes been “different” learners, a teacher who understands that creativity counts too, or the ability to identify coping strategies, the four students put a human face on what it means to struggle in school- and how essential it is to have partners in persisting for success. Katie, Max, Carolyn, and David are good
news for students, parents, and teachers who want to understand what it means to learn outside the traditional lines of school.”
Dr. Carol Tomlinson, University of Virginia
Curry School of Education
Program Coordinator for the Educational Psychology and Gifted Education Program.
Endorsements:
“The Mainstream Connections Children's Book Series conveys a message that could have been lifted straight from a psychology research journal: there is more than one way to define ‘being smart’. As these stories illustrate, for every person, large and small, there are skills that are relatively difficult to master and others that seem to come more naturally. These books emphasize the important empirical conclusion that just as regular exercise makes the body stronger, so, too, does practice and the effort to improve academically--with all the
struggle, fatigue, and initial failure that it entails--allow people to
capitalize on the malleable nature of human intelligence.”
Dr. Samuel R. Sommers, Tufts University
Professor of Psychology
“Your books are delightful! I can’t wait until they are published so that I can share them with our twice-exceptional clients. I love the way you transform negative reactions of parents and teachers into affirming strategies that support everyone involved. I especially enjoyed the way David used his creative
problem-solving skills to brainstorm all the ways he could handle his ‘Wiggle Fidgets’. Your books for children are definitely needed. I believe that they will make a real difference.”
Linda Kreger Silverman, Ph.D. Director, Gifted Development Center, Co-Chair of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Task Force on Assessment; she serves on the American Psychological Association Task Force on Giftedness.
“This is a wonderful book. Each story shows children that success is about effort and determination, that problems need not derail them, and that adults can understand their worries and struggles. My research demonstrates that these lessons are essential for children.”
Dr. Carol S. Dweck, Stanford University
Professor of Psychology
“I applaud Barbara Esham for finding a way to teach young children how to be more mindful. In so doing, she sets the stage for their greater well-being as adults.”
Dr. Ellen Langer, Harvard University
Professor of Psychology
“Katie’s dad can’t spell. Max can’t work under time pressure. Carolyn may never master cursive writing and David wiggles. They are typical of many students who struggle with some aspect of school. They are also lucky because each of them finds understanding or acceptance of their particular learning profiles. Whether it’s the realization that famous people have
sometimes been “different” learners, a teacher who understands that creativity counts too, or the ability to identify coping strategies, the four students put a human face on what it means to struggle in school- and how essential it is to have partners in persisting for success. Katie, Max, Carolyn, and David are good
news for students, parents, and teachers who want to understand what it means to learn outside the traditional lines of school.”
Dr. Carol Tomlinson, University of Virginia
Curry School of Education
Program Coordinator for the Educational Psychology and Gifted Education Program.
November 10, 2022
After a cafeteria science experiment goes terribly wrong, and pudding “What possesses you to do such things, David? Mrs Gorski asked with her extra frustrated “Speaking to David” voice.” To David, what always lands him in trouble, start as great ideas. His brain does not equate what others may describe as a “logical sequential” patterns of events. These events begin as inquiries that require exploration. Covered in chocolate pudding, his teacher exclaims that she will be sending a note home to his parents.
Knowing just what to do, David prepares a presentation for the anticipated conference with his parents and teacher. During this inquiry, he realizes he has the “wiggle fidgets” where “Sometimes my legs feel like they are going to run away without me.” Lucky for his teacher, he knows just what to do.
Frustration turns to compassion and connection. The main character is plagued with a problem but is also empowered to implement a solution. He thoroughly communicates the ways in which his brain and body require a differentiated experience in the classroom in order to be successful. This is a powerful example of equity versus equality. Listening to his body, David knows that he needs different opportunities to move and do to make learning accessible to his neurodiverse brain. Rather than accept defeat he presents a solid claim, evidence and reasoning summary during his parent-teacher conference. Using this text demonstrates that it is not our “fault” when our brain is atypical, but it can be our responsibility to communicate our needs appropriately and be involved in the resolution.
Knowing just what to do, David prepares a presentation for the anticipated conference with his parents and teacher. During this inquiry, he realizes he has the “wiggle fidgets” where “Sometimes my legs feel like they are going to run away without me.” Lucky for his teacher, he knows just what to do.
Frustration turns to compassion and connection. The main character is plagued with a problem but is also empowered to implement a solution. He thoroughly communicates the ways in which his brain and body require a differentiated experience in the classroom in order to be successful. This is a powerful example of equity versus equality. Listening to his body, David knows that he needs different opportunities to move and do to make learning accessible to his neurodiverse brain. Rather than accept defeat he presents a solid claim, evidence and reasoning summary during his parent-teacher conference. Using this text demonstrates that it is not our “fault” when our brain is atypical, but it can be our responsibility to communicate our needs appropriately and be involved in the resolution.
health
June 11, 2021This book does a good job at describing how kids with ADHD handle school. It gives different scenerio of different events that can happen at school. It makes sure to show how kids think others view them. I like how the book lets David explain why he does what he do and how he cant help. How David feels bad for his actions but. let it be known he knows that there are other kids who have it. David tried to fix his issue on his own before and came up with ways to pay attention. The book made sure to list all the ways and things to help make paying attention. The teacher and David dad explain they also had this issue when younger and reassured him its ok. They made David feel better and even liked his plan so much so the teacher is gonna use it. I like that the book is easy to follow and kid friendly.
January 5, 2023
Overall I liked it, and I’m definitely going to share it with my class. My only concern is how the adults refer to their own case of Wiggle Fidgets in the past tense. Why would they do that? It seems to imply that only children have ADHD, and that the kid might magically grow out of it. As every adult with ADHD will tell you, that is not the case.
That’s a pretty big misstep, and I docked a star for that. Seeing as how both dad and teacher had/have the wiggle fidgets, I find it remarkable that neither of them tried any of David’s tricks before he came up with them. That should never have been David’s role in this.
But, I appreciate the aspect of self advocacy, and I really do love seeing a kids journey of awareness. David, if your grown ups aren’t helping you, I’m proud of you for making it happen yourself.
That’s a pretty big misstep, and I docked a star for that. Seeing as how both dad and teacher had/have the wiggle fidgets, I find it remarkable that neither of them tried any of David’s tricks before he came up with them. That should never have been David’s role in this.
But, I appreciate the aspect of self advocacy, and I really do love seeing a kids journey of awareness. David, if your grown ups aren’t helping you, I’m proud of you for making it happen yourself.
February 26, 2024
This book is something I see a lot of my younger self in. David has ADHD. Its hard to think before he acts, and when he does think, he has reasons for his ideas. But nobody listens, they only see the mess. He has trouble sitting still, and focusing is hard. This was me as a child. Like David, I was always made to feel like I was the problem. I felt hated, like something was wrong with my brain. In the book, David and his teacher worked together to find creative solutions. I wish my teachers growing up did this. My hope is that kids with ADHD will read this and know that there is nothing wrong with them, and their ideas are valued.
April 29, 2020
I think this would be a great book to have in the classroom because many students experience difficulty with concentration and focus. I think it also helps other students be understanding of the kids that might be a little disruptive and what is actually going on instead of making negative assumptions. Overall, I liked that David was the one that described his experience with the Wiggle Fidgets and not an adult. This book might also help children use some of the strategies that David uses in the book. And, it's so entertaining! Some kids want to learn, but they also want to laugh and enjoy themselves as they learn.
June 8, 2020
I would encourage this book for a parent to read to their child who may have ADHD, this explains to them that they are not the only one that has these day to day difficulties. David (the boy in the story) wants to things right or appropriate but he gets an idea of something else that he thinks is more fun and he does it. David feels guilty afterwards which a child may feel that way in their class, so the book shows them that it is ok to be a little different.
May 11, 2021
This book is such a great representation of a child who has issues sitting still, which is most kids. So many kids and even teenagers and adults are going through this same thing. I was so proud of David for coming up with really good ideas to keep is wild mind a little more tame. He had really smart ideas that could help out his classmates, too. So many children can benefit from a story like this, seeing someone they can relate to.
November 16, 2020
This fun and entertaining story is from the perspective of a young boy who has ADHD. He does not really understand why he does things sometimes, however, as a reader we can see that is mostly because of his disorder. This book is interesting and a great read for all to understand ADHD and how it looks when it affects children.
December 29, 2022
Os temas deste livro, a aprendizagem da matemática e a memorização, são temas muito complexos, estudados por diversos profissionais, que constituem obstáculos à aprendizagem da matemática para muitas crianças.
Recomendo a leitura deste livro a professores, pais e crianças!
Recomendo a leitura deste livro a professores, pais e crianças!
July 22, 2017
A great read for small children with ADHD. It was memorable for my busy son. He loved the positive message.
July 22, 2017
Great perspective from the student's point of view. Loved it.
November 17, 2017
Great book to teach kids about strategies they can use to focus during school.
October 9, 2022
I'm glad to have found this series and look forward to reading the other books.
February 20, 2023
I was a mystery reader for my nieces 2nd grade class. A lot of the students found this relatable. The teacher was invested as well. Great book.
October 7, 2023
This seemed overly wordy for a book about adhd.
January 4, 2024
This is quite a long dense book and it didn't quite gell with me that the child came up with their own solutions, almost spontaneously. A good message normalising stimming and ADHD.
October 2, 2024
Such a cute encouraging story and the illustrations are great too!
July 1, 2017
My son related to this book
He moves alot.
And he related to this book alot.
So far this is his favorite book.
Thank you for such an amazing book
He moves alot.
And he related to this book alot.
So far this is his favorite book.
Thank you for such an amazing book
January 24, 2024
This is an excellent book for both teachers and students. Many students have wiggles, and most of the time, they can not help the things they do at all. Reading this book will help teachers better understand their students and make them aware of their emotions when addressing them. I enjoyed reading it.
October 14, 2016
What can be said about this book? This realistic fiction children’s picture book can be relatable to all children, especially if they required to sit still for extended periods of time and as a result, this book captures the reader’s attention. Although this book does not specially say that the main character, David, has a disability, David tries to brainstorm of ways that he can fix his serious – but common – problem. At a meeting with his parents and his teacher, Mrs. Gorski, David shares his solutions to the adults. David is a smart, intelligent young boy who loves to brainstorm and create answers for his problems. David’s solution to the “wiggle fidgets” would not only help David while he is in class but the other students too. The illustrations to this picture book are colorful and relate to what is written on the page. Sometimes the text is broken up on the page, and there is more than one picture on the page, and therefore, the images capture the reader's interest while the book is being read. With the pictures, it gives a whole new meaning to the story and allows the reader to imagine what is happening throughout the story. Overall this book Is ideal for disabilities (and keeping attention) because there are a lot of students who need to move around and cannot focus on a single thing and therefore, need a lot more help to stay focused. In the book, it also reveals that the adults had the “Wiggle Fidgets” as well too, much to David’s surprise.
September 5, 2014
Esham, Barbara (2008). Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets. Maryland: Mainstream Connection Publishing.
Parents' Choice Award 2008
Reading Rockets 2008 Recommended Reading
Picture Book Soak
This story is about a young boy named David, who get in trouble a lot at school because he can never sit still, is always distracting other students, and doesn’t pay attention because he is always distracted. When his parents are called in for a meeting he overhears that his father had the same problem as a kid. David decides that he is tired of getting in trouble at school and annoying his teacher. He works through the evening coming up with different ways to keep himself from being distracted and distracting his classmates. This book is sweet and smart. I recommend it for the classroom because many students get the "wiggle fidgets," and this may help them figure out how to stay focused.
Parents' Choice Award 2008
Reading Rockets 2008 Recommended Reading
Picture Book Soak
This story is about a young boy named David, who get in trouble a lot at school because he can never sit still, is always distracting other students, and doesn’t pay attention because he is always distracted. When his parents are called in for a meeting he overhears that his father had the same problem as a kid. David decides that he is tired of getting in trouble at school and annoying his teacher. He works through the evening coming up with different ways to keep himself from being distracted and distracting his classmates. This book is sweet and smart. I recommend it for the classroom because many students get the "wiggle fidgets," and this may help them figure out how to stay focused.
December 17, 2011
David has the wiggle fidgets. He often cannot sit still in his chair, he has to be fiddling with something and he doesn't often follow directions because he becomes sidetracked by a great idea. When he makes yet another mess his teacher announces that there will be a parent-teacher conference. David knows this is bad news. So he spends his entire Saturday coming up with solutions. When he presents his solutions to his teacher and parents at the conference, they are all amazed. His teacher even thinks that some of the solutions David has come up with will benefit the whole class.
An amazing book on Attention Deficit Disorder from a child's point of view. On a side note, Davids "solutions" are actual methods used by many ADDers to combat their ADD symptoms.
An amazing book on Attention Deficit Disorder from a child's point of view. On a side note, Davids "solutions" are actual methods used by many ADDers to combat their ADD symptoms.
June 6, 2012
This is a short, but effective book about ADD. It is beneficial for both parents and children, and will perhaps help a child (and parent!) feel that he/she is not alone in this situation and there are things that can be done to remedy the challenges). It really isn't a matter of a child being contrary and NOT wanting to listen, it is indeed a chemical problem that must be dealt with medically and psychologically, while empowering the child with tools to improve and engender confidence in him/herself and his/her strengths. The drawings are cute, and David (the main character is endearing). There are resources listed in the back of this short book - it's a good place to start if you and your child are experiencing the same challenges.
March 10, 2014
This was another great book from Mainstream Connections. I love the elements of teaching and learning that were presented.
As a pediatric therapist who has served in the school setting, I can say that I am quite familiar with the wiggle fidgets. I love that David took responsibility for his actions and that he was able to actively contribute healthy, helpful ideas as part of the solution. It was good to see that he was not labeled or ostracized. It was also good to see his teacher, as well as his parents support him so strongly.
Excellent book!
I think this book would be a beneficial book for parent-teacher pre-conferences. It might also help as a parent friendly resource for an IEP or SPED screening meeting.
I secured this title from my local library.
As a pediatric therapist who has served in the school setting, I can say that I am quite familiar with the wiggle fidgets. I love that David took responsibility for his actions and that he was able to actively contribute healthy, helpful ideas as part of the solution. It was good to see that he was not labeled or ostracized. It was also good to see his teacher, as well as his parents support him so strongly.
Excellent book!
I think this book would be a beneficial book for parent-teacher pre-conferences. It might also help as a parent friendly resource for an IEP or SPED screening meeting.
I secured this title from my local library.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews