Psychology for Kids: The Science of the Mind and Behavior

by Jacqueline B. Toner, Claire A.B. Freeland

This exciting book introduces kids to the science of psychology, with chapters on the brain, personality, intelligence, emotions, social relationships, and more. 

 Accompanied by colorful illustrations of psychology’s big ideas, and lots of hands-on experiments to try at home, there’s no better way to dive into the fascinating science of the mind.

Why do we sleep? What are feelings? How do we make decisions, and how do we learn from them? Psychology helps us ask and answer these big questions about ourselves, others, and the world around us.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published August 3, 2021

About the author

Jacqueline Toner is the author of eight best-selling non-fiction books with psychological themes for children from preschool through adolescence. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages and won praise from library associations, and awards including a Mom's Choice Award and a nomination for a Children's Choice Award.

A psychologist who practiced for over thirty years, Dr. Toner, volunteers with a youth leadership group in her hometown of Baltimore and enjoys time with her family, including her three grandchildren.

Reviews

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This title provides a fine introduction to psychology. It will spark the curiosity of its readers as they learn about such varied topics as Chapter 5’s “What Makes Me Me, or Chapter 14’s What is Stress, or Chapter 16’s What Helps People Do Well, or Chapter 19’s How Can You Understand Other People’s Experiences?

This book has the imprimatur of the American Psychological Association which adds credence to what is included inside its’ pages. Readers will be drawn in right away. One of the first psychologists included is one who works with video games while another studies how people react to smells and another looks at what makes toys appealing. Kids see quickly that psychology covers a wide array of ways to understand feelings and behaviors.

Each section of each chapter is short and will keep readers’ attention. There are also illustrations throughout. I especially liked the sections titled Try This and Now You Know.

All in all, this book provides a good introduction to psychology. Interested readers may well explore deeper after finishing this title or may even begin to consider a career as a psychologist.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this review and more on my blog, uncovered-books.

I received a free copy of Psychology for Kids: The Science of the Mind and Behaviour from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Most people associate psychology as for individuals who have depression, anxiety or PTSD; but Psychology for Kids explains that there is more to psychology than what everyone assume. Even though this is written specifically for kids, each concept is explained in such a way that even adults will find benefit from this.

Psychology for Kids is separated into 9 seperate part, with each pat broken down into a few chapters. The first chapter explains what psychology is, and each part in this book logically flow on from there. Some of the parts include how your mind and body work together, understanding emotions and caring for yourself.

Each chapter includes things that you can try yourself and research items that you can further check out. I find these little things really add to this book by helping you understand how psychology does affect individuals by the little experiments that you are encouraged to try.

A good book to introduce younger people to psychology, and adults still will find useful insights in here as well.

[Erynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have gifted a copy to two 11 year olds, and both have found it fascinated reading. It's a solid book in a frankly underrepresented genre - psychology not about but for kids. I know a little on the subject - enough that i've had an answer for every question these kids have had for months - and it all seems to align with what i've read from recent research. The kids are fascinated. While I can answer some questions this has just the right levels of detail and answers questions they'd perhaps not think to ask.

Overall I strongly recommend it.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
I have been looking for a psychology curriculum for our homeschool for years. I really wish I had found this earlier. It is really well done, but a little too children's for my now high schooler. This would be a great add on to an anatomy study though or just to have as a living book.

[V Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the way this book is arranged. Ok, I like the fact there is color the helps break up the ideas and writings. While this is written for kids, adults would benefit from reading this especially those who interact with children (let's face it that is all of us because adults can be more childlike in their behaviors than kids). This book could possibly help you understand more about yourself.

[Carol Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Psychology for Kids: The Science of the Mind and Behavior by Jacqueline B. Toner and Claire A. B. Freeland is an excellent educational resource that can make learning about psychology fun. I especially like the content covered in the book as well as the sections in the chapters such as Did You Know? And Check Out the Research. Definitely will be purchasing. #PsychologyforKids #NetGalley

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

With well organized chapters and colorful graphics, this would make an age appropriate psych text for middle school.