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Table of Contents
About The Book
A powerful, joyful novel in verse about a Black teen with ADHD who finds self-expression and first love during one epic summer school season, perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and On the Come Up.
For the third summer in a row, Pernell is back in the classroom, facing the same struggles that have always made school seem more like a battlefield than a place of learning. This summer is different, though: he’s battling to become the Cypher King, leader of the lunchroom’s impromptu rap circles. Here, the rhythm flows and the words fly, creating a space where the wittiest and most rhythmically inclined reign supreme. Here, Pernell’s ADHD gives him an edge.
But life outside the cypher isn’t as forgiving. Pernell’s English teacher has it out for him. His parents are pressuring him to see a doctor for his lack of focus. And Electra, his friend-slash-crush and the only one who truly gets him, is too busy chasing her dream internship to give him the time of day.
If Pernell doesn’t pull himself together, he won’t just lose the title of Cypher King—he’ll lose his chance to graduate high school. In a world where the systems are turned against kids like him, Pernell needs to find a way to succeed with his ADHD, rather than in spite of it.
For the third summer in a row, Pernell is back in the classroom, facing the same struggles that have always made school seem more like a battlefield than a place of learning. This summer is different, though: he’s battling to become the Cypher King, leader of the lunchroom’s impromptu rap circles. Here, the rhythm flows and the words fly, creating a space where the wittiest and most rhythmically inclined reign supreme. Here, Pernell’s ADHD gives him an edge.
But life outside the cypher isn’t as forgiving. Pernell’s English teacher has it out for him. His parents are pressuring him to see a doctor for his lack of focus. And Electra, his friend-slash-crush and the only one who truly gets him, is too busy chasing her dream internship to give him the time of day.
If Pernell doesn’t pull himself together, he won’t just lose the title of Cypher King—he’ll lose his chance to graduate high school. In a world where the systems are turned against kids like him, Pernell needs to find a way to succeed with his ADHD, rather than in spite of it.
About The Author
Photograph by Idris Goodwin
Idris Goodwin is an award-winning neurodivergent storyteller for multiple generations and the author of the picture book Your House Is Not Just a House and young adult novel King of the Neuro Verse. An accomplished playwright, breakbeat poet, content creator, and arts champion, Goodwin is recognized as a culture bearer who celebrates community values and cultivates histories with care. Idris is the author of over sixty original plays, ranging from his hip-hop–inspired breakbeat series to historical dramas to works for young audiences. Driven by a passion for cultural impact and civic engagement, Idris currently serves as artistic director of Seattle Children’s Theatre. Find him at IdrisGoodwin.com.
Why We Love It
“From the moment I met him sitting in an abandoned bathroom stall on the first day of summer school, recording his ping-ponging thoughts for some future listener, I fell in love with Pernell. Or Special P, as he’d rather be known. I love everything about his story—the voice, the humor, the way the writing so perfectly captures how an ADHD mind thinks, the much-needed representation of a Black neurodivergent kid learning how to navigate the way his brain works, the sweet love story woven among the rhymes. Idris Goodwin’s writing and voice absolutely shine, and the way his novel balances some serious issues with a sense of joy and optimism feels so needed in the world. With this book, poet and playwright Idris Goodwin makes his first foray in the YA space—and I think he’s going to make the world sit up and take notice.”
—Reka S., Editorial Director, on King of the Neuro Verse
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (October 14, 2025)
- Length: 256 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665973120
- Grades: 7 and up
- Ages: 12 - 99
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Raves and Reviews
"With verve and wit, King of the Neuro Verse is a much-needed powerful and joyful celebration of neurodiversity, creativity, and self-expression."
– Jasmine Warga, #1 New York Times Bestseller and Newbery Honor Award Winner of Other Words for Home
"Relatable, inspirational, and unique. A story about learning your strengths and moving through life to your own beat."
– India Hill Brown, NAACP Image Award–nominated author
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): King of the Neuro Verse Hardcover 9781665973120
- Author Photo (jpg): Idris Goodwin Photograph by Idris Goodwin(0.1 MB)
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