ASU professor’s young adult novel in verse earns national praise

Idris Goodwin, an award-winning playwright, poet and associate professor of dramatic writing in the School of Music, Dance and Theatre at Arizona State University, is earning national praise for his recently published young adult novel in verse, "King of the Neuroverse."

The book addresses the struggles and strengths of ADHD and tells the story of a Black teen doing his third stint in summer school. It was recently included in Kirkus Reviews’ Best of 2025 list.

“I set out to write the book that I needed as a teenager at the onset of the ‘90s,” said Goodwin. “I was struggling with diagnosed but untreated ADHD, which made traditional modes of learning a struggle for me. I wanted to write a rhythmic fiction in verse inspired by the storytellers of hip-hop, whose artistry helped me cope through those days.”

Through both the perspective of the main character and the verse format, Goodwin created a book that is easy for ADHD readers to digest. Rather than blocks of text, the text is left-justified, with sometimes only a few words on each line. The easier-to-read format doesn’t mean the book is simplified, however. It’s filled with literary and historical references (the novel takes place just before Y2K) as well as substantial vocabulary.

“To be recognized by a platform like Kirkus Reviews, the source for librarians and educators across the country, is an incredible honor,” said Goodwin.

Goodwin is the author of more than 60 plays and one picture book. This is his first novel.

As an educator, he’s passionate about helping students bring their writing to life. He’s heading up the New Work Lab at ASU, where student writers can develop their work through readings and feedback.

This spring, Goodwin will be teaching Dramatic Writing for Youth, offered through the School of Music, Dance and Theatre and open to all ASU students.