What a beautiful graphic novel this is! It hits the mark not just because of its content but also because of the author’s approach.

The story is based on the author’s own experiences growing up with her little brother Jacob. When Jacob is born, no one is as excited as his elder sister Samantha, who is looking forward to having a sibling. But soon she realises that life with Jacob isn’t the cakewalk of fun and frolic that she had anticipated. Jacob is diagnosed with having ADHD, and the family is torn between wanting to chastise him for being a “tiny tornado” and wanting him to grow without a dependence on medications to control his hyperactivity. The result of this dilemma is a heart-touching story that will not leave you even after the last page. The ending will leave you with teary eyes (at the very least.)

There have been many books (fictional and memoirs, graphical or otherwise) that deal with ADHD. Most such books deal with the story from the point of view of a parent or a patient or a medical professional. Everyone worries about and sympathises with the child and the parents in such cases. Hardly anyone spares a thought for the siblings. But surely, it is the siblings who go through the toughest time as regardless of their age, they receive less attention from their parents (not willingly) as the child with ADHD needs greater and dedicated attention. If they happen to be the elder sibling, the situation is even worse as they are expected to “understand” and ‘support” in the care. It is sad when a child needs to grow up before his/her age.

I loved this rendition of Samantha’s life trying her best to adjust with her brother while still trying to maintain her independence. Her honesty in this book is worth appreciating. She doesn’t try to portray herself as a longsuffering or sacrificing sister. The content is realistic even when it shows her in a bad light. When she sought solace in her isolated treehouse or declared that school was her refuge, I really connected with her and wanted to envelop her in a huge hug. At the same time, I felt for Jacob and his parents as well. Their struggles too are depicted with an unflinching honesty.

The author’s note clearly explains that this isn’t an authoritative text on ADHD and its sufferers but just one example of the disorder and how she dealt with it. I appreciate this note because people have a tendency to generalise from whatever little they read. And with brain disorders such as ADHD, it’s never a case of “one size fits all”.

The graphics are cute and to a certain extent, they soften the pain behind the author’s recollections while simultaneously creating a greater impact. I also loved seeing the photos of the real-life Samantha and Jacob at the end of the book.

Overall, this is a graphic novel with ample doses of pain and fun. It has many emotional moments as well as funny and scary ones, and will provide you with enough brain fodder. This is one of the most compelling graphical memoirs I have read. Much recommended if you want to see one example of how difficult life can get for and with an ADHD child.

4.5 stars.


My thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of “A Tale as Tall as Jacob: Misadventures With My Brother”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

This was a cute book. I loved the story and the illustrations were very beautiful. The stories remind me of my childhood when my brother and I were kids. Will recommend reading.

This is a very compelling tale of the reality of ADHD from a sibling's perspective. It came to me labeled as children's fiction and while I think it could be readable for kids middle-grade and older, it was just as interesting to read as an adult.

I would sincerely recommend this to educators, psychologists (and students in both fields) as well as anyone who has a person with ADHD in their life. It's a balanced, real, and unflinching look at what it's like to live with someone with ADHD, for good or ill. I appreciate the author's honesty and lack of judgment and think this book is a great resource to encourage empathy and understanding both for people with ADHD and the people surrounding them who are affected.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

I love this book. It comes from the author’s real-life experiences, and it is easy to see how much she loves her brother. Jacob is an adorable little boy with ADHD. Understanding and managing his hyperactivity is not easy for the family, and definitely not for Samantha, who was a kid herself.
They go through various stages of trying to understanding what’s happening and growing up together without harming themselves or others. Though the book has been created as a light-hearted version, we can see how stressful and agonizing it is for Jacob to sit still, not express himself properly, or be set aside for not being ‘normal’.
The author has done the illustrations, and the result is this cozy, heartwarming, and tender book with so lovely, terrifying, annoying, and beautiful moments from her childhood.
Though the book is not an authority on ADHD, it is very helpful for people to get a basic idea of things can be with ADHD kids. It’s important to be patient, a point that is emphasized throughout the book.
To conclude, A Tale as Tall as Jacob is the story of a loving family and two precious kids (the third is too young) trying to lead a happy life.
Thank you, NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing, for the ARC.