Meet Mia Parker, a bright, funny, and imaginative girl whose mind seems to move faster than everything around her. She enjoys her friends, lunch, art, and even science, especially when things explode safely. But staying focused in school is another story.

While the teacher is speaking, Mia’s attention can suddenly land on the clock, the pencil sharpener, a bird outside, or a strange mark on the ceiling. It is not that she does not want to pay attention. Her brain simply notices everything, all at once.

With humor, honesty, and colorful illustrations, The Art of Almost Paying Attention explores what it feels like to move through school with a mind that refuses to slow down. Along the way, Mia finds support in Ms. Riley, the school guidance counselor who always seems to understand when Mia is having a difficult day.