Understanding the Brain

November 1, 2017

Gr 7 Up-Diving into some of the more intriguing aspects of the human body, this series provides a close-up look at tits inner workings, including the circulatory, digestive, and neurological systems. The second-person point of view lends an engaging, almost casual tone but shares solid information on the fun, the gross, and the important aspects of each topic. Microbes, for example, goes into detail about gut health and the crucial roles that the billions of microbes play in the human body. Diagrams, photographs, and helpful back matter round out this solid science series. VERDICT A great choice for nonfiction collections.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2018
Grades 5-8 Learning that the brain has 100 to 200 billion neurons or that each cell makes 30,000 to 70,000 repairs a day reveals that the title of this series, the Amazing Human Body, is accurate indeed. Complemented with large, colorful photographs and diagrams, each title begins with an overview of the organ or body process and continues with more information about functions and anomalies. Understanding the Brain highlights the importance of mental and physical enrichment for brain development, the brain's ability to rewire itself (as in the case of an accident or stroke), and sleep's effect on the brain. A concluding chapter looks at possibilities of the future, including artificial blood and bionic vision. Not your typical health texts.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)