Kids do not learn at the same pace or in the same way. So when learning doesn’t comes easily, some kids internalize their struggles and question their abilities. So how can we help? We can teach kids the tools and strategies needed to help make their brains stronger. My Fantabulous Brain by Julia Cook shows kids how this works. I even have some activities you can pair with this book.

I received a copy of this book from the National Center for Youth Issues (NCYI) in exchange for an honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK

Wade doesn’t understand why things like math and spelling seem so easy for other kids but so hard for him. His brain doesn’t seem to work right, and he can’t focus with all the stuff going on in his head. He tries so hard, but feels like he stinks at everything!


Just when he is about to give up, Wade’s Fantabulous Brain comes to the rescue. By using tools in his “Brain Tool Box,” Wade learns how to give his brain a tune up, making it stronger and more efficient.


He also visits a Brain Trainer, a special brain mechanic, who teaches him how to work smarter, not harder. With a little time and a lot of hard work, Wade is amazed what he can accomplish when he and his Fantabulous Brain work together!


Julia Cook writes some of the best books for school-aged children! I love that this book acknowledges that learning does not come easy for many children. This book shows that kids can give their brain a little tune up, in which students use different tools and strategies to make their brain stronger and more efficient. This book would be a great choice when talking about perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and having a growth mindset.
MY FANTABULOUS BRAIN ACTIVITIES
Here are several activities you can use before, during, and after reading My Fantabulous Brain by Julia Cook.

- Questions: These 6 questions can help guide your discussion as you read the book.
- The Toolbox: After reading the story, students will explain how each tool helped Wade in the story.
- Sort the Shapes: Students will give their brain a workout with these shape puzzles. These are similar to Sudoku puzzles.
- Boost Your Brain: Students will give their brain a workout by naming different attributes each time they read the chart.
- Written Response: Students can draw and write about the story or write the answer to one of the discussion questions.
You can find all of these activities here:
WHERE TO FIND THE BOOK

You can purchase My Fantabulous Brain through Amazon, Bookshop, or the National Center for Youth Issues (NCYI).
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If you enjoy this resource, you might also like these book activities.
Need more books about Growth Mindset? Check out this list.
Happy Reading!


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