This Orca Think title introduces the science behind memory, the role it plays in our lives, and its effects in our society. Each chapter offers a different focus on the topic, with clearly presented and engaging factual text, applicable illustrations and diagrams, sidebar extensions, and relatable examples from the author. Learn about the powerful role that smell plays in forming memories, how transitional objects can help us to remember, and how our emotions impact flashbulb memories. This title addresses most questions about memory with information about working memory, tricks for better memorization, and how reliving memories can impact stress-related trauma. A fully-rounded introspection includes insights about how our fondest memories aren’t always as accurate as we think and what happens when dementia causes memory loss. The chapter about collective memory encourages developing a more sensitive understanding of the past, especially with regards to the treatment of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Cautions / Content Warnings: Pages 71 to 73 describe aspects of Canada’s residential school system.
Other End Matter: Print and online resources, glossary, acknowledgements, teacher’s resource
Images: Colour photographs, colour illustrations
Bibliography: Yes
Index: Yes

Evaluator: Joanie P., Teacher-Librarian, BC Books for Schools

MONIQUE POLAK écrit régulièrement pour le Montreal Gazette et a été publiée dans de nombreux autres quotidiens de renom tels que le Globe and Mail, le National Post et Newsday. Dans la collection SideStreets, elle a écrit All In et On the Game, ainsi que Flip Turn pour la collection Sports Stories. D’ailleurs, ces deux derniers ouvrages ont figuré sur la liste des meilleurs livres pour enfants du Centre du livre jeunesse canadien. Monique enseigne l’écriture ainsi que la littérature anglaise. Elle vit à Montréal, au Québec, avec son mari et sa fille.

MONIQUE POLAK is the author of 26 novels for young readers, as well as two non-fiction titles and a board book. Her books Hate Mail, Room for One More, and the historical novel What World is Left, which was inspired by her mother’s experience during the Holocaust, were all winners of the Quebec Writers’ Federation Prize for Children’s and YA Literature.

Her books have also been nominated for the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People and the Arthur Ellis Award, and several have been selected as Best Books for Children and Teens by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre.

She is also a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Macleans, and Postmedia newspapers across the country, and is a columnist on ICI Radio-Canada’s Plus on est de fous, plus on lit Monique lives in Montreal, Quebec, where she teaches English and Humanities at Marianopolis College.

Monique Polak's profile page

Valéry Goulet is a French Canadian designer, illustrator and design instructor originally from Quebec. With a master's in interaction design from Université Laval, she’s worked with global brands and agencies, and her illustrations have garnered attention far and wide. When she’s not illustrating, Valéry instructs for the Visual Communication Design program at the University of Alberta and the Bachelor of Design program at MacEwan University. She lives in Edmonton.

Valéry Goulet's profile page

“Perfect fare for middle grade readers with a conversational writing style that is easy to read and remember…Filled with relevant and well-considered topics.”

Sal's Fiction Addiction

★ “The writing is fluid and easy to read, perfect for the middle school set…Polak’s text explores memory from numerous angles and adapts its tone accordingly, from humorous to respectful and solemn when needed. The real-life examples are fascinating, and readers will come away with in-depth knowledge on the mind…A must-have title for libraries.”

School Library Journal

“An exhaustive exploration of one of the most mysterious and amazing organs of the human body. Readers will make many discoveries…This serves as a powerful and creative read.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)