Children's Books About Traumatic Brain Injuries and the Brain
* This image uses the old name for the ‘Is There a Book for That?’ blog/book list.
I've had several people tell me that they have been looking for books that help families have important conversations about TBIs, and I was actually happily surprised to find several good books to recommend. There is one great book that explains TBIS, two great books that kids understand the brain and its many jobs, and then there are two relatable stories about kids with TBIs. I did struggle to find a book that I loved about a parent with a TBI. So I'll be looking for that and add it to the list when I find it!
All Pediatric Neurology departments should have these books available for families:
The Resilient Brain: Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury for Kids by Katianne Olson
This book uses easy-to-understand words to describe TBIs. The book talks about the different parts of the brain and their jobs. It talks about a few different ways that a person could injure their brain. It also mentions common feelings family members might have, therapies that can help TBIs, and the concept of the brain growing new pathways. While this book, won’t be able to explain one specific situation to a child, it is a great framework that a family can use to personalize and help a child’s understanding of TBIs. Good for preschool through elementary.
https://amzn.to/4tcSjHZ
ELVIN: The Elephant Who Forgets by Heather Snyder
This book tells the story of an elephant who gets hurt when a tree branch falls on his head. He is frustrated that he can’t do some of the same things he did before. He works with a neuropsychologist who helps him understand his injury and shows him that even though it is hard, there are a ways that he can do things again. Relatable and full of details that are relevant to the TBI population. Good for young children through middle elementary.
https://lapublishing.com/elvin-the-elephant-who-forgets/
Heads Up, Tim Tron by Ian Rogers
This is a story about a robot who gets injured. The book uses an analogy of his circuit board injury and a TBI. The book talks about how we feels tired and frustrated. It talks about changes in school and ways he adapts to his injury. His robot family supports him, and he learns how to move forward. This could be a good conversation starter for a school age child with a TBI or the peers/ classmates of a child with a TBI.
I have had trouble finding this book for purchase in the states. There is a read aloud version on YouTube currently that may be your best opportunity. I do think the book is available in the UK.
The Brain is Kind of a Big Deal by Nick Seluk
This easy-to-understand book explains many of the brain’s jobs. The book makes the brain and its many parts characters, helping kids understand how they relate and how they work. This book would be a great book to partner with any brain-related diagnosis. The book has extra side bubbles with extra facts for kids who are ready for more. Well done and a great fit for many kids. I would recommend for preschool through upper elementary.
https://amzn.to/4sSWVCS
Book of the Brain and How It Works by Betina Ip
This book gives the reader all sorts of information about the brain. As is typical in Usborne books, the visuals are fun and engaging. There are lots of little bubbles filled with extra facts. The reader may choose to just read some of them. A reader could pick and choose pages or details related to what they want to focus on. There are pages about neurons, parts of the brain, feelings, sensations, etc. The information in the book could help support conversations about a variety of brain related diagnosis. This would be a great resource for upper elementary and middle school kids.
https://amzn.to/4siXZQk
