Book Review of In My Mind
The Children’s Book Review
In My Mind
Written by Carmen Hernández
Illustrated by HV Helmut
Ages: 3-8 | 38 Pages
Publisher: Mascot Kids! (2026) | ISBN: 979-8891382909
What to Expect: ADHD, First Day of School, Social-Emotional Learning, Encouragement, Empathy, and Classroom Dynamics.
In My Mind is a heartwarming story that offers a relatable portrayal of a child with ADHD, making it an excellent resource for a new generation of parents and educators who want to better understand and support children facing these challenges.
A young boy with ADHD navigates the terrifying and exciting challenges of his first day of school. Camilo, who wonders what his teacher, Mrs. Lucas, and his new classmates will think of him. At first, the classroom is overwhelming, and Camilo struggles to fit in, battling nerves that make it hard to focus or speak up. He soon finds himself getting distracted, daydreaming, and forgetting he is even in school. As Camilo navigates a busy first day and struggles to focus in class, the story showcases and celebrates his unique perspective.
Written by Carmen Y. Hernández, who has fifteen years of experience as an educator and has witnessed a growing number of students with undiagnosed disorders like ADHD, In My Mind aims to raise awareness about brain differences. Told from Camilo’s first-person perspective, readers are effectively immersed in his emotional experience and thought process, from his excitement about making new friends to his fears about being perceived as different. The writing clearly depicts the challenges of inattention, distraction, and impulsivity that Camilo experiences, such as when his fingers turn into “toy soldiers” or when he lies down on the carpet because he is bored and forgets he is in class. Hv Helmut’s artwork is warm, joyful, and inviting.
In My Mind is sure to resonate most with young readers who may feel overwhelmed or different in the classroom, as well as with their families and teachers.
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About the Author
Carmen Y. Hernández was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and moved to the United States at the age of five. Carmen is the first in her family of five to earn a master’s degree in general education. With fifteen years of experience as an educator, she has witnessed a growing number of students with undiagnosed cases of dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and intermittent explosive disorder (IED).
Through this book, Carmen hopes to raise awareness among a new generation of parents about the increasing prevalence of these disorders and the importance of understanding and supporting children with these challenges.
About the Illustrator
Helmut Hernández V, also known as “HV Helmut,” is a professional graphic designer specializing in children’s book illustration. Based in Colombia, he has collaborated with authors and publishing houses around the world. He loves details, animals, plants, and nature—elements that frequently appear in his illustrations.
With each project, he strives to grow and explore his personal style—experimenting with characters, colors, forms, and contrasting elements. He believes that staying connected to his inner soul and thoughts is the best way to artistic progress. Creative freedom is essential to hi
