Children's Science Book Database

Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It

The book indeed fosters development because the book breaks down different areas of the brain, for younger students to understand. It starts off very broad and gradually gets deeper into the anatomy of the brain.
  • Author: JoAnn Deak Ph.D.
  • Illustrator: Sarah Ackerley
  • Year Published: 2010
  • ISBN: 978-0982993804

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

This introduction to anatomy of the human brain talks about the different functions of the brain. It goes into depth on the different parts of neuroscience and how parts of the brain make up everything we do and think.

Evaluation

  • Appropriateness: High
  • Authority: High
  • Accuracy: High
  • Liteary Artistry: Medium
  • Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book indeed fosters development because the book breaks down different areas of the brain, for younger students to understand. It starts off very broad and gradually gets deeper into the anatomy of the brain.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

Children may have several questions arise through reading this book because it presents a lot of information that could possibly be overwhelming at first. Fortunately, they will be able to go back to different parts of the book and get their questions answered by exploring different areas.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

It encourages children to think for themselves because the book presents facts about the brain that will open up the way they think about it. They will be able to develop questions for further investigation based on what information the book presents.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

The book talks about the structure of the brain, as well as why we feel different emotions. It connects feelings back to what part of the brain it is associated with, making it a well-rounded lesson to present to students.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

All of the content in the book, regarding the brain is accurate and based on sound scientific principles. The author displays her vast knowledge in the subject by incorporating countless facts on the anatomy of the brain.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book has a big distinction between fact and fiction because it is straightforward about the factual information regarding the brain, yet it presents a sillier side that will appeal to younger children. They will be able to tell it is fiction because the scientific information plays a bigger role in the content of the book.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations of each part of the brain seem very accurate and detailed. Although they are not actual pictures, the reader gets a firm idea of what the part of the brain actually looks like and the illustrations are captivating for the reader.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

The book could work for various levels of students because it could be presented in different fashions. Students could go in more depth on each part of the brain or they could just focus on the basic aspects of the brain, depending on how much they can grasp.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

The book is definitely free from stereotyping and contains not much of a multicultural component.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book is free from gender bias because it presents the facts of the brain in a neutral fashion, that all genders can relate to. It seems the author makes sure to avoid establishing gender roles that might disagree with the reader.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

It talks about several other disciplines, since the topic of the brain is so applicable to other areas of learning.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

The facts in the book are presented in a very intriguing way for the reader because he or she can explore on their own each part of the brain and get to know tons of new vocabulary regarding anatomy. The book further encourages students to expand their brain by doing more research outside the reading of this book.