Written and illustrated by popular and well respected
Autistic and ADHDer speech pathologist Em Hammond, AKA NeuroWild, Being Eve gives
the reader an enormously generous window into the lives of three early high
school friends.
Eve is 13 and an ADHDer. She loves art and singing, is
brilliant at creative writing, and utterly paralysed by ‘gross’ fractions.
Eve’s best friend Sasha loves playing the piano, cacti, and
has a brand new Autism diagnosis.
Zack is the new boy at school. Despite his harsh and critical mother, he is trying to learn about neurodivergence and how to be a good friend to Eve and Sasha.
This brilliant novel is told via conversations, text messages, and moving
inner monologues that give great insight into the struggles each character is
facing. Another clever storytelling device is including their internet search histories
so the reader can see the teens trying to understand themselves, as well as how
best to support each other. Em’s wonderfully drawn characters, along with the fresh
and uncluttered book design, make this graphic novel even more enjoyable to
read.
The author also demonstrates how important it is for parents of
neurodiverse children to be educated and understanding. Eve’s mum is really proud
of her, offering support and understanding her brain works best when it is
being creative. Sasha’s mother believes her Autism can be sorted by a
psychologist teaching her how to appear ‘normal’. It is heartbreaking to watch
the emotional distress that masking has on Sasha as she attempts to make the
people around her more comfortable.
The honest and hilarious friendship between Eve, Sasha and Zack
is what makes this novel so wonderful, and readers will love watching their
journey to understand themselves, each other, and to stand up to those around
them who might wish they were somehow less, or different.
Being Eve is an important graphic novel that I highly recommend to all young people. For anyone who is Autistic or an ADHDer, it may feel neuroaffirming and relatable, and for neurotypicals, it might help with understanding how their neurodivergent friends and family may be experiencing the world. I would also recommend it to any teachers, parents or professionals who work with neurodivergent kids and teens.
Title: Being Eve
Author and Illustrator: Em Hammond
Publisher: Penguin, $19.99
Publication Date: 4 August 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761348266
For ages: 10+
Type: Graphic Novel
