Absolutely Everything was such an amazing read. The art really added to the story but it was the story that captured me the most. I loved how this story examined the struggles that middle school age students can go through at that age. I think that the struggles and anxiety that the main character goes through are so realistic and as I mentioned are only heightened by the art.

While reading this I couldn’t help but think about my daughter and granddaughter, who is in 7th grade. They both deal with ADHD and anxiety. I could related to this character in a personal level. I enjoyed the graphic novel approach to this book as kids aren’t likely to pick up a book such as this, just to read it. I also appreciated that the character was female as ADHD does affect more boys than girls. It is a validation to girls that they to can experience different types of emotions and feelings of being overwhelmed with everything, whether it be a simple task or hard. The characters were likable and I also found the illustrations fun.
From the beginning page of the schedule to the end, I was engaged in her struggles.
As an aside, my granddaughter was just tested and come to find out schedules such as that, overwhelm her to the point of paralysis. She doesn’t know where to begin with work that is busy on paper.

i actually think this book is so adorable!! honestly it reminds me a lot of when i was growing up in elementary/middle school, LOVE the nostalgia!!! it’s so sweet and i love the representation of characters and ADHD, since it can be so different in many different people and this will help break the stigma!! LOVED THIS ADORABLE BOOK!!!

This character has an incredible narrative voice that is sure to pull kids in straight away. Almost immediately the book shares an incredible visual depiction of anxiety and overwhelm that is unbelievably relatable as someone who has struggled before. Kids having a difficult time with the transition out of elementary school or being overworked in general are sure to see themselves in this main character, and find solace in that representation.

I really liked this graphic novel. I think it depicted the struggles of having ADHD in middle school very well and I think that Marcella is a character that many middle schoolers will relate to. I also think that telling this story in a graphic novel makes it accessible to kids who might have difficulty paying attention to a longer book.

This will be an automatic purchase for my library. The art style, the plot, the character development. It is perfect for my library. I am so thankful I was able to get an advanced copy of this. Thank you!

I loved this. I picked it up as another graphic novel to help my NetGalley score (thanks for the ARC), but really fell in love with this. My emotions were impacted by everything Marcella was feeling and I felt anxious and sad with her. I also ended up getting teary, even though I had an idea where this was heading. I’m so glad a book like this is coming out and hope a ton of kids pick it up.

Absolutely Everything by Damian Alexander is a bright, engaging graphic novel that instantly grabs readers' attention with its attractive colors and expressive illustrations. The artwork doesn’t just add visual appeal—it also plays a big role in helping readers understand the main character, Marcella. Marcella has ADHD and often feels overwhelmed, and the way Alexander uses speech bubbles to show how she “zones out” is both creative and powerful. Readers get a firsthand look at how distracting sounds and small annoyances can make it hard for her to focus, which will resonate with many young people who have similar experiences.

This book also offers important and inclusive representation. Marcella has two dads, and their loving and supportive relationship is woven naturally into the story, providing positive LGBTQ family visibility. Through humor, heart, and honest storytelling, Absolutely Everything helps readers better understand themselves and others—whether they’re navigating ADHD, growing up with a unique family, or just trying to make sense of the world. It's a great addition to any middle school library.

Marcella is having trouble in 6th grade. As so often happens, her best friend has a new best friend. She has trouble concentrating in class, and all the noises, and things around her throw her off. She has trouble concentrating. And then, to completely mess her up, her two dads find a better apartment in their complex, and decide to move. They figure it is so much better that Marcella won’t mind. She’ll have a better room. More light. All the good things.

So, why then does she hate her new room, and why can’t she concentrate?

Marcella spirals more and more, but since she doesn’t know why she is feeling the way she does, she has no idea how to reach out for help.

This graphic novel had me crying, which is actually a good sign that it is hitting all the right notes.

The author said that he wrote this story because he went through the same thing, but there was no story like this, when he was feeling this way. He wrote stories based on this main character, to help him cope. In the afterward he has pictures he drew of Marcella throughout his school life.

Very moving, funny, sad, and true feeling.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 9th of September 2025.