Nibbling on Einstein's Brain: The Good, the Bad, and the Bogus in Science Book

Kristen Sava

O'Meara, S. J. (2009). Are you afraid yet?: The science behind scary stuff (J. Kaposy, Illustrator). Toronto: Kids Can Press.

Genre: Informational

Awards: YALSA’s Quick Picks for Young Adults

Format: Print -hardback

Selection Process: YALSA Teen Book Finder, Bowker Books in Print

Review:

A little book that can pack a punch. Filled with freaky facts behind all things scary, O'Meara takes readers on an information joy ride for those who love to be scared. With information behind why humans get scared and the brain science behind the release of chemicals and what we do with them, readers will be better able to handle the next chapters of the book which are all about things that scare us. Not very true to its title, the book goes into the science behind things that are gross or unexplained rather than scary, including the headless horseman, the guillotine, Frankenstein and vampires. The scary behind such things as items hidden beneath water can be truly frightening; however, the author delves into topics too often talked about and the science behind scary stuff is scary in its lack of frightening details and phobias. Its small size, clever illustrations and fast facts will still entice reluctant readers, but it is its lack of an index, table of contents and extended resources that makes this book truly scary. Recommended with reservations.