Phenomena: Secrets of the Senses - Hardcover

Donna M. Jackson is an award-winning author of many nonfiction books for young readers. Her work includes The Bone Detectives, What’s So Funny?, and, most recently, The Elephant Scientist – named a 2012 Robert F. Sibert Honor book, an NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade book, and an ALA Notable Children’s Book. She lives with her family near the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

From the author of ER Vets (2005), this volume focuses on phenomena that may be difficult to explain. It raises a broad range of topics, such as the history and study of paranormal experiences, the “super senses” of animals, the basis of intuition, the interpretation of coincidental events, the meaning of dreams, and the strange perceptions resulting from sensory areas in the brain that have unusual connections. Illustrated mainly with photos, the discussions are non-technical and quite readable, though often they provide brief overviews of subjects without reaching conclusions. For example, some readers will enjoy learning about a familiar phenomenon in the sidebar called “Musical Earworms,” while others will be disappointed not to know “why songs get stuck in our heads.” Jackson’s research is evident from the extensive source bibliography, which is arranged by chapter. Other appendixes include a lengthy glossary and lists of recommended books and Internet sites. The eye-zapping cover may draw browsers to this intriguing book. Grades 6-9. --Carolyn Phelan