A book review of This is Your Brain on Stereotypes: How Science is Tackling Unconscious Bias by Tanya Lloyd Kyi and Drew Shannon
Stars: *****
Kids Can Press (2020)
Children’s Nonfiction
88 pages
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links.
Summary: An essential overview of the science behind stereotypes: from why our brains form them to how recognizing them can help us be less biased.
From the time we’re babies, our brains constantly sort and label the world around us — a skill that’s crucial for our survival. But, as adolescents are all too aware, there’s a tremendous downside: when we do this to groups of people it can cause great harm. Here’s a comprehensive introduction to the science behind stereotypes that will help young people make sense of why we classify people, and how we can change our thinking. It covers the history of identifying stereotypes, secret biases in our brains, and how stereotypes affect our sense of self. Most importantly, it covers current research into how science can help us overcome our biases, offering hope for a future where stereotypes are less prevalent and the world is more fair for everyone.
Written by award-winning author Tanya Lloyd Kyi, this timely and hopeful book addresses the issues of discrimination, racism, sexism, ableism and homophobia and offers concrete suggestions on how to make change. It uses scientific inquiry and loads of relatable and interesting examples to explore these uncomfortable topics in age-appropriate and engaging ways. Chapters, sidebars and colorful illustrations break the text into manageable chunks. Besides the many ways this book could be used to inspire frank and in-depth discussions on the importance of addressing stereotypes and bias, it also links to many science and social studies curriculum topics. Backmatter includes an extensive list of sources, suggestions for further reading and an index.
This is Your Brain on Stereotypes
This is a children’s nonfiction book that every parent should read with their children. Every book I’ve read by Tanya Lloyd Kyi has been amazing and this doesn’t disappoint. Stereotypes can be a confusing idea for a child and this book explains it so well.
The book starts off explaining that we all have stereotypes and what words such as bias, discrimination, prejudice and stereotype mean. There is even a quick activity to try to cement the idea. Lots of scientific studies are cited in an interesting way to help readers understand.
I like that at the end of the book ideas are given for how to make a difference. Then further reading suggestions are given along with the sources. The author did her job well.
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