At the Speed of Gus

Gr 6 Up–Scrimger’s newest children’s book centers 13-year-old white Canadian Gus Constantine. Gus has just gotten punished at his school and he explains his troubles in a rambling, funny, discursive voice. Gus tells us that he has ADHD, is being treated by a doctor, and gets disciplined in school frequently. As he narrates his life, readers can see how difficult it is for Gus to organize his thoughts. His frequent misbehavior causes a lot of strain with his teachers and his mother, but Gus has an older sister, Ruby, whom he adores (much of the story is about his attempt to visit her at college). Gus narrowly escapes danger as he navigates his own forgetfulness and impulsivity on his journey to see his sister. The story ends with Gus finally having some social success when he takes a chance at stand-up comedy. This is a coming-of-age tale that is driven more by character than by plot. Gus’s stream-of-consciousness narration is entertaining and could be comforting to children who are neurodivergent, and could help other children understand their classmates who have these struggles. Aspects of this book may be confusing to the intended audience, such as Gus’ sessions with his doctors and his brief flashes of hallucinations. The narration provides interest and amusement, but overall this is not a very coherent or well developed story.