You’ve Got Nerve!

The Secrets of the Brain and Nerves

by Melissa Stewart

Benchmark Books, 2010

for Grades 3 to 5

ISBN 978–0‑76144–157‑1

Purchase this book at your local independent bookseller or Amazon.com.

The lively, conversational tone and blend of photos and cartoon-style art make You’ve Got Nerve! The Secrets of the Brains and Nerves a perfect blend of fun facts and serious science learning about all the ways humans and other animals control their thoughts and actions. Here at last—a book that’s irreverent enough to captivate young readers, yet authoritative enough to win the praise of teachers, librarians, and parents.

Honors and Awards

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrator/Anna Cross Giblin Nonfiction Research Grant
Society of School Librarians International, Best Book

Reviews

“The Gross and Goofy Body [series of books] enlivens physiology for kids, offering humorous yet scientific surveys of body functions in just under 50 pages each. Kids in grades 2–4 will find [these books] appealing and fun. Each blends photos with fun cartoons and photos of kids, along with plenty of basic physiology.” (Children’s Bookwatch)

“Despite its irreverent moniker, the Gross and Goofy Body series offers detailed science facts in a fashion approachable enough to make it a welcome supplement to school textbooks. Each volume takes on a part or function of the body and then goes through the paces of description, metaphor, examples, data, and, most extensively, comparison to our animal counterparts. … the layout is fresh, clean, and colorful, sidebars keep things conversational, and the back matter is solid.” (Booklist)

Behind the Book

“I probably spent more time researching this book than any other title in this series. The brain is a complicated organ, and scientists are learning new things about it every day. It’s hard to keep up with all the riveting research.

“In fact, while I was writing the book, new information came out about why we yawn. Other recent findings include why cockroaches can survive for so long without their heads, the amazing capacity of a honeybee’s memory, and the link between physical exercise and our ability to learn. Being able to unearth all this amazing information is definitely one of the reasons I love my job so much.”