Genre 4: Nonfiction by Seymour Simon

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 1997. THE BRAIN: OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM. New York: HarperCollins.
ISBN 0060877197

2. PLOT SUMMARY
With the use of colored enhanced photographs, computer colored and greatly magnified images of the brain and nervous system, Simon explores the brain and its functions. Easy to understand explanations for terms such as neurons, stimuli and responses help the reader learn about this important organ. Simon describes, and shows through illustrations, the pathways messages travel in response to stimuli such as pain. The functions of the three main sections of the brain- the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brain stem- are described in detail.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The accuracy of this title is primarily assured due to the presence of Simon's vast library of previous titles in the science field. Simon has authored numerous titles regarding the body including, THE HEART: OUR CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. The accuracy is not further enhanced by other means though, as there are no indexes, bibliographies, or notes included in this title. The lack of supporting resources are made up for by the title's excellent organization. While no reference aids such as subheadings or a table of contents are included, the book unfolds in a logical sequence. The design of this title, as with Simon's other titles, is the book's forte. The style of writing is clear, with a great deal of information presented, but in a way that readers will comprehend. Each page of text faces a full color photo. Each breathtaking photo is labeled, and many photos, such as that of neuron pathways, are greatly magnified. The color enhanced photographs are set against a black background, which is visually appealing to the reader.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Simon brings his deft touch to an explanation of the brain and the nervous system. His clear, concise writing style is complemented by stunning color images."
BOOKLIST: "The vivid illustrations catch the eye, but the clearly written text provides a fuller understanding of what happens in various parts of the brain and nervous system."
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Full-color photographs, computer simulations, drawings, and three-dimensional models are used to grand effect to clarify, explain, and celebrate the remarkably complex system of brain and nerves; the large format, often with white type on black paper and full-page photos, is visually striking."

5. CONNECTIONS
* Read some of Simon's other titles about the body, including:
BONES: OUR SKELETAL SYSTEM
ISBN 0688177212
GUTS: OUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
ISBN 0060546514
MUSCLES: OUR MUSCULAR SYSTEM
ISBN 0688177204

* This title is produced in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution. Have students visit the website: www.si.edu

* Have students test their reflexes that the brain is responsible for, such as the response to bright light, loud noises, and (mild) pain.