This Is Your Brain on Stereotypes is a unique non-fiction novel aimed towards kids.

Books like these are what I needed during my childhood. I wanted to read non-fiction, but interesting ones! Reading the same one about bears or plants got tiring, so having a book like this would have made me jump with joy!

This is a middle grade novel that's probably closer to grade four and up. There is lots of information packed tight in this book, so I wouldn't necessarily leave it only in children's fiction. It's definitely a chapter book and goes into some rich and deep subjects. I can easily see middle grade readers pick this book up! Even educators and parents teaching their kids - in a time like right now (you know, the whole pandemic thing), books like this could help with learning, especially if kids are interested in unique topics like this one.

There is many facts scattered throughout this book. Honestly, it's like a little textbook but way more fun and better pictures. For example, my home country Canada is called out early in the book for First Nations reserves receiving less money for children's expenses for government and health care. The stereotyping problem is a big reason why some communities have social issues. This book tries to explain and find a way to eliminate it and show children the issues with stereotyping.

Stereotyping is described in easy to understand ways and then it leads into a topic of deception. Definitions, examples and history is taught throughout this book. Eager learns will absolutely love it (and man, did I ever love it! I love learning! And children's books have way better pictures). Comments are brought up, like would a young girl see herself as a math teacher if we only stereotyped nerdy white men to that role. Honestly, this book is smart and makes you think, I love it! This book even goes into Rwanda's history. There's so much packed into this little book! So much history, facts, research and commentary!

Honestly, I adore this book. It's smart and a great way to learn!

Five out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. ( )

An accessibly read on the science of implicit bias and attempts science is making to study it and change people's behavior. It looks at racial and gender bias specifically. ( )

In this era of the ascendancy of fake news, conspiracy theories, and prejudices run wild, this is a critical book to help readers understand how and why we try to make sense (or lack of sense) of the world around us.

The book begins with an "Introduction" in which the author explains how our brains begin sorting both things and people into categories from the time we are babies. She writes:

“When we group people into a category, and assume they all share certain traits, that’s called a stereotype. Some stereotypes seem to be based on facts. . . . [She gives examples of anecdotes or limited experience leading to conclusions about others.] But not all stereotypes are true. By relying on people-categories in our brains, we can make false assumptions. We can even act unfairly toward certain people, all because we’ve jumped to bad conclusions.”

And, she notes, real people can pay the price.

Five chapters follow. They overlap a bit, but each one expands upon the information imparted in previous chapters. The first explores some common prejudices. Chapter two, “Secret Messages,” explains how stereotypes and prejudice don’t live in our rational minds, and therefore are resistant to “knowing better.” In chapter three, we learn how we even unconsciously apply stereotypes to ourselves in addition to using them to form expectations about others.

Chapter four discusses ways stereotypes have been challenged in the popular culture. Chapter five tackles strategies for change on a more personal level. A short conclusion summarizes ideas to help effect change, including “Stand with the Victim,” “Get Help,” “Get Involved,” “Speak Up,” and “Expand Your Horizons.” Suggestions for further reading on the subject follow.

Illustrator Drew Shannon adds cartoon-like illustrations and intermittent text-boxes to add interest to the material.

Awards include:

2020 - Best Informational Books for Older Readers of 2020, Chicago Public Library, Winner
2020 - Books of the Year: Books for Young People, Quill & Quire, Winner
2020 - Middle-Grade Nonfiction Award, Cybils Awards, Finalist

Evaluation: This book not only includes a list of books for further reading at the back, but also “Selected Sources” for the research discussed.

While fact-checking sites are not given, these sites may also be helpful for readers:

Factcheck.org (from the Annenberg Public Policy Center)
Politifact.com (nonpartisan fact-checking website created by the Tampa Bay Times and acquired by the Poynter Institute, a nonprofit school for journalists)
TheFact-Checker.com (from the Washington Post)
Pew Research Center Fact Tank
The Century Foundation (an independent think tank)
Open Secrets.org (the most comprehensive resource for federal campaign contributions, lobbying data and analysis; features tracking money and how it affects politics.)
Snopes.com (specializes in internet memes)

Parents and teachers can benefit hugely from the studies reviewed in this book; the number of discussions it will suggest are numerous and can be applied to a variety of different subject areas. Suggested audience is for grades 7 and up. ( )

Explores how our brains' way of categorizing things to understand the world can be problematic when categorizing people through bias and stereotypes. Describes various research that has looked into how bias impacts people's thinking and potential for success at a task. The chapter "Rewiring the Mind" discusses techniques based in scientific research that readers can use to counteract bias. A revealing work for young readers interested in strengthening their anti-racism. ( )