“Your Brain: The Engine to Your Body” by Tracy Markley

Your Brain: The Engine to Your Body

Tracy Markley
Independently Published (2022)
ISBN: 979-8684213632
Reviewed by Rachel Dehning for Reader Views (12/2022)

“Your Brain: The Engine to Your Body” by Tracy Markley is the kids’ edition to learning about one of the most important organs in the human body – the brain. The information begins as the equivalent of upper-level biology or anatomy of the brain classes with what makes up the brain – neurons, the synaptic cleft, dopamine/transmitters, endorphins, and 80% water. The information is sure to fascinate kids when they read, partly due to the strange shape of neurons and the brain, and also because of how powerful our brain is. Many aspects of maintaining a healthy brain are discussed, including hydration, nutrition, and outside influences. Markley does well with presenting such complicated and important aspects of the human body to children, while students currently in the upper-level classes are likely struggling to understand it all; it is likely that this book should be a condensed version for students of all ages to read.

As an adult and having experienced the stages of life from childhood to teenage years to adulthood, I found the information in the book to be spot-on to reality and if kids will take it to heart, we might notice a healthier generation in the near future. The recipe for drinking water, eating healthy foods (growing your food in a garden!), and ensuring lots of laughter and kindness are maintained in your daily life will reap a multitude of benefits for an individual and society at large. The illustrations throughout the book are minimal, but they are appropriate for the content and contain bright colors to be eye-catching. Positive illustrations make the reader want to continue reading. While the last two pages talk about the importance of continuing to learn new things to help keep your brain healthy, I believe that “Your Brain” will have assisted every reader with that task, for readers of all ages.

Note from Lydia (age 8) – Reading through “Your Brain,” I learned a lot of things that I didn’t know before. I don’t think I had seen a picture of what a brain looks like before, and I know I hadn’t seen a picture of a neuron, or even what it is before, either. I knew about exercising and drinking water to help your brain, but I don’t think I knew about how laughing and saying nice things can help. I am more used to reading books with stories in them, so this book was different for me, but I enjoyed learning something new and now know how to keep my brain healthy!