Description: Why do we do the things we do? Psychology: Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing introduces students to the science behind behavior. From the developing teenage brain to genetics, psychology, and social environments, readers ages 12 to 15 gain a greater understanding of the complexities behind human behavior.
Brief description: Julie K. Rubini is the author of Eye to Eye: Sports Journalist Christine Brennan, Virginia Hamilton: America's Storyteller (named to Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books), Missing Millie Benson: The Secret Case of the Nancy Drew Ghostwriter and Journalist, and Hidden Ohio, a children's book about her great state. Julie and her husband established Claire's Day, a children's book festival in honor of their daughter, who died at the age of 10.
Review Quotes: School Library Journal
"This compact psychology book focuses on the science of human behavior, with an emphasis on issues relevant to teens. The text looks at how the brain plays a role in human behavior and how this knowledge can help readers "stay emotionally healthy." Overall, Rubini handles the intricacies of the complex subject matter admirably. . . Copious sidebars provide additional details and questions for deeper discussion, as well as multimedia content accessible via QR codes. Bright cartoon art in each chapter adds a lighter element to the subject matter. VERDICT Recommended for larger teen collections, particularly school libraries and collections where curricular support for students studying psychology is desired."