The Baffling Case of the Battered Brain

by Pendred Noyce

With time travel and mysteries that need solving, the Galactic Academy of Science (G.A.S.) series instructs readers on how to think like scientists. Under the guidance of a Dude or Dudette from the future, the middle school characters are faced with treacherous, present-day crimes that require a historical knowledge of science in order to be solved. From investigating problems to analyzing data and constructing explanations and solutions, this series blends elements of sci-fi with educational methods that distill the key thinking habits of scientists and engineers.   Medical science combines with mystery in this G.A.S. adventure about concussions   Is the awkward stranger taking bribes to throw games? When Clinton hits his head in the championship soccer game, the stranger gets him benched, and Clinton’s team loses. Determined to nail the bribe-taker, Clinton and Mae take on a new G.A.S. mission—a journey across three continents and 4,000 years to learn about concussion and the brain.

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

Pendred (Penny) Noyce is a doctor, educator, and mother of five. She is the author of twelve books for children and young adults and one text for educators. Her children's novles are brainy and fun, mixing math or science with playful language and adventure. Three of her books have won prestigious Outstanding Science Trade Books awards from the National Science Teachers Association and the Childrens Book Council.

Reviews

[Erik This Kid Reviews Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis of this book – Clinton Chang is his school’s star soccer player. He was playing in an important game when he hit his head on the goalie’s knee and then fell on the ground. When he is told to sit down for the game, and a strange man helps enforce the decision, Clinton is angry. He wants to play! Clinton is shocked when he then sees the stranger accept a check from a parent of a kid on the opposing team! Who is this bribe-taker? Right before Clinton goes over to yell at the stranger, a young time-traveler, named Selectra Volt, stops Clinton. Sectra Volt has a mission for Clinton and his best friend, Mae. They will go back in time to learn from some of the greatest scientists who studied the human brain.

What I Thought- I was kind of expecting a Magic Tree House or Magic School Bus type book (two series I LOVED when I was younger – okay still do ;) ) with this one, but I surprised with this book because it is written for a little older kid. At 129 pages it also offers a nice read for an older kid. Time travel isn’t easy to pull off in a book (I am always finding inconsistencies), but Dr. Noyce did a good job in this one. The story line around all the scientific stuff is solid and entertaining. I love science and learning about the brain and the history of science was very interesting to me. Clinton and Mae time-travel to famous scientists who studied the brain and learn from them. The manga-style illustrations are a great compliment to the story. It is an illustration style I am a fan of. There are short biographies of the scientists Clinton and Mae meet in each chapter, which are another nice touch. The story is thorough and it seems to be well-researched. One thing that threw me off, though, is that I thought that this book was the first in the series, but apparently it’s the third in a sub-series in the Galactic Academy of Sciences with Clinton and Mae as the MCs. It would be nice to have a bit more of an introduction to the Galactic Academy of Sciences or a recap of previous adventures. The book ends with resources and suggested reading on concussions and head injuries which parents and teachers will find very helpful. Now that I know about this science-based series, I will be checking out more of the titles.
*NOTE* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clinton is tripped during a soccer game and because of his concussion his team loses the game. Something is happening with his team, so Clinton and his friend Mae take on a new mission for G.A.S. or Galactic Academy of Science. G.A.S. sends the children back in time to visit people or places that might help them learn more about the brain.

The books are geared towards the younger reader, but captured my attention as well. The facts were presented in story form and were exciting and fascinating. After each trip where they learn about a new character there is a small section giving facts about that person in history. The plot adds some suspense and drama to make the story entertaining. My son is currently reading this book and loving it.

I received this book free of charge from Tumblehome and JKS Communications in exchange for my honest review.

[Gayle Slagle]

The Baffling Case of the Battered Brain targets a middle school audience and provides valuable and interesting information on the human brain and the affect sports related concussions can have. It provides insight into scientists and doctors who have paved the way for the knowledge we have today concerning concussions. While the book targets middle school age readers, as an adult and grandmother of children involved in sports, I found it to be quite informative and helpful in knowing the possible affecst a concussion can have.

[Shay Leszinske · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved this book. Was educational and entertaining at the same time. I especially loved the description of the scientists at the end of the chapter. My kids enjoyed it. They love to learn and this is a fun way to do it.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book free with the GOODREADS GIVEAWAYS!

Great book easy to read. Defiantly a book that will help kids understand what a concussion is and how it can hurt you. Fun to get to know the characters and their personalities. I need to get some of the other ones in this series.

[Marissa DeCuir · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Galactic Academy of Science series is entertaining, fun and intriguing reading for every young reader's brain!