Book Review: Feed Your Brain
Book Review: Feed Your Brain: How to Boost Your Brainpower With Food Published in Green Earth Institute Newsletter, 2005
The following book review was written by Kris Beckett, with the assistance of her 6th grade daughter: We all know we cannot be with our children 24 hours a day. And as they get older, they are exposed to more and more choices that aren't what we would select for them. The book Feed Your Brain by Philippa Norman, MD, MPH (Growing Tree Press, 2004) puts the tools for making brain-healthy choices in the hands of those who will ultimately be making those decisions-our children.
Because it is written for the middle grades, this book is a great tool for your children to have in their toolbox as they navigate their way through middle school cafeteria lines and vending machines choices. The author's style is clear and concise. The book is presented in an interesting and non-threatening manner, at a reading level that encourages reading for fun. This book is meant to be an enjoyable read, not an educational text.
There are engaging photos of children and lovely illustrations which serve to break up the written information. There are summaries after every chapter, reemphasizing the important points. Interactive quiz-type pages are included which encourage participation by the reader.
I especially liked the periodic questions sprinkled throughout; these serve to get the reader thinking without requiring an immediate answer. She begins the book with general information on the brain (its functions and its requirements), and how different foods affect the brain's functioning. Dr. Norman's explanation of the Power Group (proteins, complex carbohydrates, good fats, vitamins and minerals) is in easy to understand language. She gives several examples of each. She also points to how High Energy Brain Food can be manipulated to become Tired Brain Food (she used the example of vanilla yogurt with fresh fruit vs. blue yogurt with red flavor gel mixed in and sprinkles). I found this to be particularly valuable in helping my children discern the difference between truly healthful food and the packaged imposters.
In another section the reader can "sneak a peak" into the lunchboxes and backpacks of some children and choose good lunches or snacks for them. This section has photos of real children, tells a little bit of their "story" and lets the reader choose the appropriate snack. It's a great opportunity for the kids to show off what they learned, and an excellent reminder of the power of their choices.
There is a chapter entitled "7 Keys to Your Smartbox," which gives students tangible hints on how to succeed in learning. I love this chapter because it recognizes the different ways in which individuals learn, and suggests ways your children can increase their learning success. The readers can really understand that their choices are influencing how well they learn. They gain an understanding of their responsibility for their own learning. The book empowers them by giving them hints to make positive changes. These are not one-size-fits-all kind of hints either.
Dr. Norman understands and appreciates the different ways some children best take in information and she incorporates that knowledge in her hints. Her "7 Keys to Unlocking Your Smart Box" are: 1. Get Your Brain Ready to Learn (being organized and prepared) 2. Fitness 3. Study Skills 4. Sleep 5. Confidence 6. Relaxation 7. Run a Clean Memory Machine (avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs).
The appendix discusses goal setting and other steps toward making positive life changes. There are worksheets included, and though I'm sure they are intended for use by the children, they are valuable for anyone who wants to make life changes because they spell out the process in such nice little baby steps. I recommend that you make copies and have enough to have around.
It's great that I like this book, but I am not the intended audience for Dr. Norman's words. Let's hear from someone who is.
Hello! My name is Zoe Beckett and I'm a sixth grader at Madison Junior High. I read this book and it was terrific. What I liked about this book was how they showed different kids and what they should put in their lunchbox or what they should have for a snack. I liked that part because I liked the pictures and the chance I had to make the choice for the kid. I liked the kids because they looked like me and my classmates and I could imagine them being at my school. I learned that a lot of foods are harmful to your brain, like fried stuff, candy bars and sugary drinks. I also learned why my mom never buys me Cap'n Crunch or Lucky Charms. That stuff makes you get tired easily and it seems to zap your energy so you can't do stuff like play sports, learn piano, or pay attention in class. It's also important for my brain that I get enough sleep and get plenty of exercise. I know if I take care of my brain, other good things will happen with my body, like clearer skin and a good body weight. I've decided to make a positive change in my life by choosing healthy food at lunch time. I am going to make this change so I can pay attention in school and be the best student I can be. I am going to use the goal worksheet to work on this. This book is a fun and interesting way to teach kids why it's important to eat healthy and also it's easy to read, so kids all ages can read it.
Philippa Norman has written an appealing book for middle grade kids. With her writing style and the layout of the book, she clearly knows her audience. Though written for 5- 8 graders, the book can be shared with younger children too. I personally plan to share it with my 3rd grader, because the sooner he understands the nutrition-brain function connection, the better!
