Award-winning author Jodi Carmichael, who has ADHD herself, affirms and celebrates those who struggle with their uniqueness and triumphantly discover its gifts

It isn’t easy being Louisa Elizabeth Fitzhenry-O’Shaughnessy—especially with dyslexia. She prefers Lou Fox, the dream name she’ll use one day as a famous Broadway playwright. In the meantime, Lou is stuck in fifth grade with Mrs. Snyder, a total Shadow Phantom of a teacher who can spot a daydream from across the room but doesn’t know anything about ADHD. Mrs. Snyder’s constant attention is ex-cru-ci-a-ting. If only she would disappear.

Fortunately, life isn’t all a-tro-cious. There’s The Haunting at Lakeside School, the play Lou is writing and directing for her two best friends. And soon she’ll be a big sister at last. Nothing could ruin the joy of those things...right?

Jodi Carmichael is a multi-award-winning author and a champion for the underdog and for kids who think differently. Like Lou in The U-nique Lou Fox, Jodi has ADHD and celebrates the creativity, empathy, and adventurousness it brings to her life. Her other books include the YA novel Forever Julia which won The Manitoba Book Award and the Bronze Moonbeam Award, the middle-grade novel Family of Spies: Paris, and the chapter book Spaghetti Is Not a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons, which won the Silver Moonbeam Award and the Silver Benjamin Franklin Award. Jodi lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba with her family.

Jodi Carmichael's profile page

Praise for The Unique Lou Fox

“A spirited and creative wannabe playwright in Winnipeg navigates grade 5 with dyslexia and ADHD…A strong neurodiverse protagonist…”—Kirkus Reviews

“The books also strikes an excellent balance between acknowledging the hardships that disabilities bring and making it clear that disabilities do not define people—they can even be strengths... Both humorous and melancholy, The U-nique Lou Fox is a touching novel about a young playwright’s self-discovery and creative triumphs.”—Foreword Magazine

“Appreciate those close to you. The author is able to evoke empathy for Louisa, as she becomes overwhelmed by the challenges faced every day...This book became more than I expected, and I highly recommend you give it a shot.”—YA Books Central

“This book is amazing. I could really feel what Lou was feeling…I couldn’t put it down until the end. I recommend it!”—The International Educator

“I hope that every Louisa in every classroom gets an opportunity to read or listen to The U-nique Lou Fox. It will be wonderful for all Louisas to have their uniqueness recognized and affirmed. Highly Recommended”—CM Magazine

“Everything about The U-nique Lou Fox is fantastic…This story exudes kindness and generosity and is a must have for classrooms and school libraries. It’s time for more stories about neuro-atypical children.”—Storytime with Stephanie