Review: Absolutely Everything by Damian Alexander

Middle school is messy, complicated, and full of changes, and Damian Alexander captures all of it with humor and heart in Absolutely Everything. This new middle grade graphic novel follows Marcella, a sixth grader juggling shifting friendships, a family move, and the daily challenges of ADHD. It’s a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable, perfect for readers who’ve ever felt like life was just…a lot (hi hello).

And with October being ADHD Awareness Month, Absolutely Everything feels especially timely; a reminder of the importance of stories that reflect the real experiences of kids navigating the world with ADHD, and how much it matters for them to see themselves on the page.

Check out our full thoughts below and pick up Absolutely Everything, out now!

TY to Damian for sending me a copy!

Absolutely Everything: A Graphic Novel

by Damian Alexander
Published by: Graphic Universe (Tm)
on September 9, 2025
Genres: Contemporary, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Young Adult
Bookshop
Goodreads

Lately, life feels like a lot for Marcella.

Sixth grade seems complicated on purpose. Marcella keeps forgetting her homework or getting distracted while she's doing it. Plus, her bestie has new friends, and her parents even want to move apartments. She's trying to keep track of the changes--but absolutely everything is stressing her out! In this funny, thoughtful graphic novel, author-artist Damian Alexander tells a story of growing up, ADHD, and focusing on what makes you who you are.

Review

Damian has created something truly special with Absolutely Everything. This middle grade graphic novel captures the whirlwind of sixth grade through Marcella’s eyes, where friendship shifts, school pressures, and a family move all collide at once. What makes this story so powerful is the way it shows the everyday reality of living with ADHD. Marcella’s spirals, distractions, and moments of overwhelm are not only relatable, they’re depicted with humor, empathy, and honesty.

The artwork perfectly mirrors Marcella’s inner world, moving seamlessly between the chaos of her thoughts and the reality around her. These transitions feel authentic and immersive, helping readers understand ADHD not as a flaw, but as a different way of experiencing the world. I especially appreciated how Alexander highlights Marcella’s strengths, offering little moments of resourcefulness and creativity that show her ADHD as part of her identity, not something to erase.

Beyond the ADHD representation, Absolutely Everything shines with its inclusivity. Marcella’s family, friendships, and environment reflect a world where diversity is normal and celebrated. The casual presence of LGBTQ+ characters and the exploration of growing up at different paces (from clinging to childhood toys to navigating shifting friend groups) make this book deeply affirming for a wide range of readers.

Both moving and funny, Absolutely Everything is the kind of story I wish I’d had when I was younger. It validates kids who feel too much or not enough in the face of life’s transitions, and it reminds all of us that growing up doesn’t come with a manual. This book is an essential addition to classroom shelves, libraries, and personal collections, and a story readers will return to again and again.