PSYCHOLOGY FOR KIDS

This kid-friendly introduction to psychology describes what the science is, what psychologists do, and how they do it.

Chapter by chapter, the authors, who are clinical psychologists, cover a broad range of topics including the brain, cognition, gender and identity, learning and growing, personality, intelligence, emotions, managing stress, and relationships. In short, readable, colorfully illustrated segments adorned with ample text boxes, they explain concepts and issues, offer examples of research, and suggest ways readers can do their own investigations. Important vocabulary is bolded and explained in context. Some of these words and phrases will probably be familiar, such as autism spectrum, eating disorders, and ADHD. Others are more technical, and still others emerge from the history of the field, such as bystander effect, cognitive dissonance, operant conditioning, and multiple intelligences. The writers deftly connect their subject with their audience, posing questions, inviting action, and regularly summarizing important points. Unusually, they conclude with a chapter about environmental issues and how psychologists work to “encourage behaviors that help to preserve the natural world.” Cheerful digital illustrations include people of various ages representing a racial and ethnic variety. Unfortunately, laudable attempts to address racial bias and its impact are undermined by sentences that reinforce stereotypes, such as “Some kids of color or kids from less affluent communities might be smarter than IQ tests can show.”

A useful and engaging overview of the science of mind and behavior.