The Brain: Journey Through the Universe Inside Your Head

In this addition to the Inquire and Investigate series, Mooney provides a thorough discussion of the brain’s physiology and its role with regard to the senses, memory, language, and more. Comics from Casteel follow a group of students as they learn about the brain (in one sequence, a girl mistakes a mop for a monster, triggering a fear response from her amygdala; when she realizes the mop means having to clean up the lab, it triggers another one: “Threat confirmed! Keep running!”). Sidebars offer descriptions of jobs that involve the brain, links to online resources, and questions for discussion; ideas for experiments and activities appear throughout. It’s an extensive introduction to the brain’s capability and function, with just enough humor and interactivity to keep readers engaged. Ages 12–15. (July)