“Entering the Deep Unknown,” is a fast-paced story that connects with kid’s fascination with super heroes while generating thought and discussion about ADHD. It successfully balances action, humor and fantasy to provide readers with a “page-turner” story.
The book focuses on Tommy, a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a chronic condition that leads to hyperactivity, impulsiveness and difficulty paying attention. Tommy’s friends, Aiden and Jacob, are more than just brothers, they are a new wave of ninjas. Unlike other ninjas who use their skills to fight, these amazing ninja brothers use their skills to heal and build understanding in their classroom. Their power comes from the magic of two ancient ninja rings that their great-great-grandfather, an explorer, had discovered in his travels and is now passing down to them. The ninja rings give them the ability to understand how a friend with a psychiatric disorder thinks and how to help a mind that works differently adapt to challenges in the classroom, on the playground and at home. Aiden and Jacob apply the magic of the ninja rings to help Aiden’s best friend, Tommy overcome the challenges of ADHD. Jacob uses his ring to figure out why Tommy is prone to be disruptive or inattentive. Then Aiden applies the magic of his ring, empathy, to feel the same emotions that Tommy feels. Together they learn that Tommy’s different way of thinking has strengths, too.