Big Brain Book: How It Works and All Its Quirks

by Leanne Boucher Gill PhD

Overview

2022 KIDS' BOOK CHOICE AWARDS WINNER FOR BEST INFO MEETS GRAPHICS!

Readers are welcomed to the Lobe Labs and Dr. Brain activities in this brightly illustrated, highly engaging book that uses science to answer interesting questions that kids have about the brain and human behavior. This is a fun primer on psychology and neuroscience that makes complex psychological phenomenon and neural mechanisms relatable to kids through illustrations, interesting factoids, and more.

Chapters include: What is the brain made up of and how does it work? Why can’t I tickle myself? Why do they shine a light in my eyes when I hit my head in the game?

Answers draw from both psychology and neuroscience, giving ample examples of how the science is relevant to the question and to the reader’s life experiences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433830457
Publisher:	American Psychological Association
Publication date:	06/01/2021
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	301,414
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.80(d)
Lexile:	1090L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

About the Author

Leanne Boucher Gill, PhD, is a professor of psychology at Nova Southeastern University, where she received the Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award and was named the NSU STUEY Professor of the Year. She maintains an active research program studying how exercise affects the way we think. She lives in South Florida. Visit her on Twitter @BoucherLeanne.
 

Table of Contents

Part One: Brain 101
1. What is the brain made of and how does it work?
2. How is the brain organized?
3. How is my brain different from the brains of other animals?
4. How do I learn things?
5. How do scientists measure brain activity?

Part Two: Brain and Body
6. Why do we need to sleep?
7. How can we see in 3D at the movies?
8. Why do we feel pain?
9. Why does learning how to ride a bike seem so hard at first?
10. Why do ice cream headaches happen?
11. Why can't I ever get that itch on my back?
12. What does it mean to be conscious?
13. Why can't we hear dog whistles?
14. Why is there always room for dessert?
15. Why do I remember seemingly random things after smelling something?
16. Why is it hard to learn a new language?
17. Why do I feel sick when I am in a moving car or boat?
18. Why can't we tickle ourselves?
19. Why does my heart race when I'm scared?
20. When I shut off the lights in my room, I can't see anything, but after a few minutes, I can. Why?

Part Three: When Things Go Wrong
21. Why does Grandma keep forgetting things?
22. Why do I have to wear a helmet when playing sports?
23. Why do I need physical therapy?
24. What does it mean when someone has a stroke?
25. Why can't Grandpa talk normally after he has had a stroke?

Editorial Reviews

For those curious about why individuals can get an ice cream headache or why we can’t tickle ourselves, the Big Brain Book: How It Works and All Its Quirks offers short, informed answers. But it is more than an answer-filled reference text. The Big Brain Book asks and answers questions, bringing readers along on a journey of discovery.... a resource for individuals who are seeking information about human development and functioning, regardless of their age…The Big Brain Book offers at least a little something for just about anyone wondering why we humans do and think some of the things we do.

Psychology Teacher Network

2021-04-27
Introducing a complicated and astounding natural computer.

The science of the human brain and nervous system, and its myriad connections and functions, is addressed in a visually appealing format along with suggestions for experiments requiring little equipment. Clear diagrams and extensive vocabulary accompany an introduction to the mechanics of neurotransmission, structure of neurons, and architecture of the brain. Simple instructions show how to use play dough to construct a model of the brain that can be bisected to reveal the arrangement of the various lobes and parts. There are slightly less clear instructions for constructing a model of a neuron from pipe cleaners. Frequent brain diagrams throughout reinforce an understanding of how this organ is structured. Gill’s conversational, mildly humorous text is comprehensible and memorable. Several scientists are featured, discussing their work in relation to brain function, learning, and neurobiology. Unfortunately, the sole scientist of East Asian descent is also the only human figure in an overall diverse array whose depiction evokes racial stereotypes, with slanted lines for eyes. Gill explains the complex mechanics of seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, and smelling and introduces the nerves and systems that are deployed in a variety of experiences, including learning to use language, riding a bike, feeling pain or fear, and remembering things. The book concludes with a look at the biomechanics of concussion, physical therapy, stroke, and rehabilitation.

At once entertaining and remarkably informative. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

Kirkus Reviews