DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

Wonderfully Wired Brains

An Introduction to the World of Neurodiversity

Louise Gooding author Ruth Burrows illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Dorling Kindersley Ltd

Published:4th May '23

Currently unavailable, our supplier has not provided us a restock date

Wonderfully Wired Brains cover

An informative and inclusive children's guide to neurodiversity for those not in the know and to inspire children who are neurodivergent.

Our brains are unique in the way they function, work, and think. Neurodiversity is still a relatively 'new' concept that can be tricky to understand, but this book is here to help! This inspirational book written by neurodiverse author Louise Gooding challenges misconceptions and shows how neurodivergent brains work a little differently.

It is common for neurodiverse people and those with neurological differences to feel as though they don't fit in, but their extraordinary differences should be embraced. Wonderfully Wired Brains teaches children aged 7-9 all about the awesome abilities that neurodiverse individuals have, introduces them to advocates who are challenging neurodiversity stereotypes, and most importantly gives them a safe space to feel accepted.

This informative and educational book for children features:

- Accurate, understandable explanations of diagnoses that impact the brain, including each area of neurodiversity and what it can or does mean for anyone with that particular neurological difference.
- A positive, friendly look at neurodiverse brains that debunks myths and stereotypes.
- Informative, inclusive text is accompanied by colourful, modern illustrations.

The font and colours used have been selected to accommodate a range of neurodiverse readers. Combining neurodiverse experiences with science, history, and brain-bursting facts, Wonderfully Wired Brains has something for everyone!

Whether your child is neurodiverse or not, this book will inspire inquisitive young readers and show them that no two brains function in the same way and that everyone's differences should be celebrated. There really is no other book like it.

This vibrant book is written by neurodivergent author and neurodiversity champion Louise Gooding. It is an excellent tool to help children understand both themselves and their peers. The language is clear and positive, complemented by colourful illustrations to show how no two brains are the same and that all brains should be celebrated.
It's full of facts and figures as well as brief biographies of some well known neurodiverse personalities. It covers all different aspects of neurodiversity from dyslexia to ADHD. There are some self help pages on brain care and next steps as well as a very useful glossary to help decode some of the complex vocabulary. As ever with DK, it is a great book which is incredibly helpful for both home and school.

-- Tash Hyde * Read for Good *

No brain in the world is exactly the same as another, and they all function in their own special ways.
Divided into four sections: Wonderfully working brains, which explains how brains work and which bit does what; Wonderfully diverse brains, which explains a variety of neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyscalculia, synaesthesia, OCD, tics, dyslexia and many more; Wonderfully wired history, which shows the timeline of neurodiversity awareness and showcases some brilliant brains from history; and the final section, Wonderfully wired people, which tells readers about a selection of modern-day neurodiverse writers, YouTubers, composers, coders and TV personalities.
There's also a useful appendix of words and brain terminology at the back of the book, with a note from Louise to young readers that acknowledges the uniqueness of everyone's brain and their journey in life. Readers are reminded that when they have questions about themselves or about any topics in the book, they should ask an adult - and that there's so much more to learn about how our brains work.
Louise Gooding, herself a neurodiverse creator, has ADHD, and this authenticity of experience shines through in her writing. This is a welcoming and down to earth look at neurodiversity for mid to older primary aged children, and a tremendously useful resource that sadly has been all too lacking until now. Highly recommended for all.

* Booktru

ISBN: 9780241568163

Dimensions: 282mm x 223mm x 16mm

Weight: 682g

96 pages