Once Upon a Samantha

Award-winning author Samantha Edwards draws on her own childhood in this funny, heartfelt graphic novel about a middle school girl navigating undiagnosed ADHD, family chaos, and the discovery that her imagination may be her greatest strength.



Middle school is hard enough, but Samantha Evans has even more to juggle at home. Her brothers are as chaotic as ever, her mom is expecting another baby, and Samantha suddenly finds herself promoted to the unofficial babysitter of the household. As the pressure builds, so do the things she can’t seem to control—forgotten homework, drifting off in class, and sleepless nights spent worrying that she’s letting everyone down.

When a teacher suggests Samantha might have ADHD, she isn’t sure what to think. She’s smart, creative, and trying her best, so why does everything feel harder for her than it seems to for everyone else?

This heartfelt graphic novel follows Samantha as she begins to understand her mind in a new way and discovers that the very qualities that make her feel different may also be her greatest strengths. Told with humor, honesty, and beautifully expressive illustrations, this uplifting story offers a compassionate look at family, growing up, and learning to see yourself with more patience and confidence. This heartfelt graphic novel offers:

• A relatable story about undiagnosed ADHD in a middle school girl
• Encouraging themes of self-acceptance, creativity, and resilience
• A strong choice for middle school readers exploring neurodiversity and family relationships

Discover a funny, tender, and empowering story about finding strength in the things that make you unique.