ONLY A MOTHER COULD LOVE HIM: My Life with and Triumph over ADD

Diagnosed at age eight with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Australian Polis bullies classmates, downs a power line with a fishing spear on a family vacation and is suspended for stunts like molding a face that resembles a penis in art class. "ADHD kids just don't understand the concept of being subtle," he observes. The first two-thirds of this book, written when Polis was 19, recall his harrowing school days and family life in Melbourne. The last third, written more recently (he's now 23), is more a primer for parents of ADHD kids, particularly boys. Now better able to cope, Polis discusses how and when to use medication, how to teach ADHD children to enjoy reading, and other related issues. Many of Polis's former teachers and classmates are surprised that he graduated from college and is now an author. "It only took six schools, five thousand detentions, three hundred days of suspension and a case of Ritalin," he says dryly. He also had a supportive family, good private school teachers and a caring psychiatrist. There are many guides to managing ADHD, but this powerful inside account is unique. Agent, Anne Edelstein. (On sale Dec. 28)

Forecast: Polis self-published this book in Australia. It did well there, and a U.S. publicity tour in 2003 resulted in coverage in USA Today. It should find an American audience among parents and ADHD kids.