At the Speed of Gus

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

A smartly funny and sympathetic story about being different and understanding that there is more than one way to see the world.This new novel from middle grade master Richard Scrimger will reach so many kids who need to see that their brains are a gift.Augustus (Gus) Constantine’s brain moves fast, and not necessarily on a straight track. His mind (and mouth) operates at a different speed than everyone else he knows. This might have something to do with the fact that Gus has ADHD. Sometimes it feels like the best thing about him, and sometimes it lands him in a load of trouble.For example, one morning, Gus takes morning announcements wildly off script. Even though he hears nothing but laughter from fellow students at Pendrell Elementary, he’s finally pushed Miss Funn (who’s anything but) and Principal Gorby (who’s getting tired of Gus’s endless jokes and unfiltered stream of consciousness) to the limit.Now he’s suspended for two whole days. With nothing else to do, Gus takes up his sister’s invitation to take the ferry to meet her at her college. But on the ferry, Gus’s thoughts begin to race. He’s having trouble concentrating and can’t calm down. At the speed of Gus’s brain, the ride gets wilder and wilder, until it’s hard to tell what’s real from what’s imagined. But despite the convoluted road he takes, can he still find a way to get to his destination?Fast-paced, funny and deeply sympathetic, At the Speed of Gus is about not always fitting, but figuring out how to find your own way.

About the Author

RICHARD SCRIMGER is the acclaimed author of more than twenty books for children and adults, including Zomboy and Downside Up as well as The Other Side of Perfect, written in collaboration with Melanie Florence, which received a starred review from Kirkus. Richard is also a popular presenter in schools. Richard lives in Toronto, Ontario. Visit him at http://www.scrimger.ca/.