Think you know your own mind? Prepare to have your brain exploded by the bizarre and brilliant facts inside it.
Explodapedia: The Brain is the latest installment in the award-winning science series for middle-grade readers by neuroscientist Dr. Ben Martynoga. This book, aimed at ages 8-12, guides young inquirers through the astonishing world of neuroscience. The journey is led by a witty talking octopus who, with his nine brains, explains the inner workings of the human brain to a curious boy named Brian. Together, they explore everything from the 86 billion neurons that make up our brains to the history of brain science, from Hippocrates to modern brain-computer interfaces. The book also mindfully delves into complex topics such as consciousness, brain development, neurodiversity, and mental health, making profound scientific concepts feel personal and meaningful.
This book is a fantastic resource for engaging students who might otherwise find non-fiction intimidating. Author Ben Martynoga masterfully delivers sophisticated content within middle-grade readability. For instance, the conversational tone, driven by dialogue and speech bubbles, makes complex topics like synaptic transmission feel like an exciting discussion. Moose Allain’s extensive cartoon illustrations and clear diagrams are decorative as well as essential for comprehension, offering visual learners a clear path to understanding abstract scientific ideas. The text introduces jargon like “neurons” and “synapses” with strong contextual support and a full glossary, which is a great tool for English language learners building their scientific lexicon. The Explodapedia series has earned high praise, with a previous book winning the Association for Science Education Book of the Year. This combination of expert knowledge, accessible design, and critical acclaim makes Explodapedia: The Brain an excellent choice to spark curiosity and build reading confidence in any classroom.
