All About Brains: A Book About People

Gr 1-3–During her class’s weekly share day, red-haired Nova nervously shares that she has epilepsy. She explains that epilepsy sometimes causes seizures that feel like “brain sparkles” and may cause her to stutter or fall down. Empathetic teacher Robin observes that brains act as the body’s “mission control center” and that all brains are unique. After Robin notes that 20 percent of brains have neurodivergent conditions, such as epilepsy that “can cause challenges but also create cool strengths,” four of Nova’s classmates share their own neurodivergent conditions while Robin notes that she has OCD, which leads her to clean obsessively. As each child shares their condition, Robin stresses the positive aspects of being different and cites individuals like gymnastics champion Simone Biles, who has ADHD. Appealing, cartoony mixed-media illustrations add humor and detail. The message for readers to accept and even celebrate differences is always welcome, but the lack of facts and focus is problematic.