All Brains Are Wonderful

Written by teacher Scott Evans with expert input from neuroscientist Dr Rachel Williams, this is both a fascinating and accessible guide to the anatomy of the brain, and empathetic introduction to different forms of neurodiversity; the authors even manage to include a section with advice on caring for your own mental health and using your brain in ways that might improve the world. Comprehensive then and highly useful.

Section one, the science, first puts everything in context in an intriguing way for young people, looking at brain size (from whale to ant) and the relationship between size and smartness (none). Brightly illustrated pages show the development of the human brain, from fertilisation of the egg onwards, and provide diagrams to explain how different parts of the brain do different things. There’s more on using your brain at this point too, from learning to be your own person, to highlighting neuroplasticity and the opportunities to keep learning throughout your life.

The message that all brains are different and equally wonderful, comes through strongly throughout but particularly in the section called ‘society’, which looks at neurodiversity and the many different forms. This highlights attitudes past and present, and makes clear, positive suggestions as to how best to respond to those who, like Evans himself, are neurodivergent, as well as things to bear in mind if you are yourself.

There are lots of big ideas and concepts in the book’s 36 pages therefore, but through lucid explanation and well thought out design, it meets its ambitions.