Psychology: Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing (Inquire & Investigate)

A fascinating exploration of why we do the things we do, according to science! Dive into the psychology of the human brain with STEM activities and research projects that get readers excited about learning their own minds.

Psychology: Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing introduces students to the science behind behavior. From the developing teenage brain to genetics, psychology, and social environments, readers ages 12 to 15 gain a greater understanding of the complexities behind how we behave. Why does one person react to test anxiety by studying harder while another person gives up? As with all other behavior, the answer depends on many things: genetics, cultural and family expectations, previous behaviors, and a person’s own special blend of attitudes and values. Plenty of text-to-self and text-to-world connections provide a foundation for deeper learning.

• Hands-on STEM activities and research projects such as testing teenage risk-taking thought processes, conformity experiments, and exploring mindfulness and empathy engage readers beyond the text.
• Psychology includes graphic novel style illustrations, fascinating sidebars, and interesting trivia.
• Psychology integrates a digital learning component by providing links to primary sources, videos, and other relevant websites. Text-to-self and text-to-world connections make learning applicable and fundamental.

About the Inquire & Investigate Human Science set and Nomad Press

Psychology: Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing is part of a set of three Inquire & Investigate Human Science books that explore the human body, genes, and brain. The other titles in this series are The Human Genome: Mapping the Blueprint of Human Life and Inside the Human Body.

Nomad Press books in the Inquire & Investigate series integrate content with participation, encouraging readers to engage in student-directed learning. Combining content with inquiry-based projects stimulates learning and makes it active and alive. Nomad’s unique approach simultaneously grounds kids in factual knowledge while allowing them the space to be curious, creative, and critical thinkers.

All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

Julie K. Rubini is the author of Eye to Eye: Sports Journalist Christine Brennan, Virginia Hamilton: America's Storyteller (named to Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books), Missing Millie Benson: The Secret Case of the Nancy Drew Ghostwriter and Journalist, and Hidden Ohio, a children's book about her great state. Julie and her husband established Claire's Day, a children's book festival in honor of their daughter, who died at the age of 10.

Tom Casteel is an illustrator and cartoonist that graduated from the Center for Cartoon Studies in 2011. He has illustrated more than two dozen books for Nomad Press. Tom lives in South Bend, Indiana, with his wife, son, two smelly dogs and one old cat.