Grade 5-8?Nathan Aaseng recalls finding out that his 13-year-old son Jay "banged up his head in a sledding accident" and the young man gives his own poignant recollections of the events as a lead-in to the detailed discussion of traumatic brain injuries, their symptoms, and possible consequences. The writing is well organized and very complete; the author describes the parts of the brain and their functions and addresses the different types of head injuries, diagnosis, treatment, long-term behavior disorders, and rehabilitation. Special emphasis is placed on prevention (seat belts, helmets, etc.) and on developing awareness that head injuries are often underestimated in their severity. The diagrams are clear and descriptive, and the black-and-white photos, especially of CT scans, are instructive. A well-done and sensitive treatment of a little-discussed topic.?Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 6^-10. The tone falls on the dry side, and the organization of information is somewhat haphazard, but this title may be worth purchasing because very few books cover this subject for children. Nathan Aaseng's experience with his son, Jay, who suffered a head injury at the age of 13, serves as a jumping-off point for a discussion of what happens when brain injuries occur, what scientists know and don't know about the effects of such accidents, and the emotional and behavioral problems that may develop. Black-and-white photos of marginal quality are included, as are a glossary and source notes. Laura Tillotson
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