Hari Kumar: Ultimate Superstar
by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Mamta Singh
Interest age: 7 to 11
Reading age: 8+
Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, 2026
About this book
Ten-year-old Hari Kumar is autistic, has ADHD and dreams of becoming a Bollywood superstar. He’s delighted when he learns about a school film competition and is determined to win, certain that it will help pave his way to fame. Hari’s best friends, Lily and Raheem, are fully supportive, but with so many ideas buzzing around his head, Hari becomes intense and they accuse him of being too controlling. Hari also struggles to process his feelings about new boy Cameron, who hangs out with the bullies and steals the limelight, with his dazzling football skills and top marks in class. Will Hari be able to put these distractions aside and focus on what really matters?
The journal format of this entertaining novel gives readers direct insight into Hari’s thoughts, feelings, hopes and worries, helping them to see the world through his unique, neurodiverse lens. Hari’s Indian-French heritage is explored with lots of cultural references, and his immediate and extended family are a joy to meet. Full of warmth and humour, the tale is accompanied by lively, doodle-like drawings throughout.
About the author
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Books featuring characters with ADHD
Books are a way to provide glimpses into other people’s experiences. This booklist is a range of excellent picture books and fiction that feature characters with ADHD, and several non-fiction titles about neurodiversity too. Every child will enjoy reading them.
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Autism
We believe that books are a great way to raise awareness and improve understanding of different experiences. This booklist aims to provide a range of children's and teens' books that feature characters who are autistic, or who have Autistic Spectrum Conditions.