Your Brain is Amazing: How the Human Mind Works

Translated from the Spanish, Your Brain is Amazing is chock-full of information about the science of the brain and how this vital organ makes individuals unique. Following the introduction which lists several interesting facts, the book is divided into over 20 chapters, most of which are double-page spreads. There is a general overview of the brain along with topics which include the various lobes (frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital), the cerebellum, the brain stem, the senses (with a double-page spread devoted to each of them), emotions, empathy and memory. The book ends with the executive functions of the brain and how one should take care of and protect their brain. Each section also includes several concept-related, fun experiments for readers to try. These activities require few, if any, easily available common household objects. To demonstrate the function of the temporal lobe, for instance, the reader (with eyes closed) tries to identify various sounds that a friend makes around them, such as whistling, hand clapping and finger snapping. Though there is a great deal of information to absorb in this book, the inclusion of the experiments not only reinforces the concepts but also slows the book down (in a positive way) to ensure that the reader understands the workings of the featured part of the brain before going onto the next chapter. Kid-friendly, relatable examples are also most helpful.

Simple cartoon drawings and diagrams further reinforce the concepts and provide visual appeal. A table of contents and a list of online resources for further study are included.

Your Amazing Brain is a fascinating look at a most complex organ and will serve not only the curious reader, but also the student who requires information for a class project.