No Brain the Same: Neurodivergent Young Activists Shaping Our Future
by Lindsay H. Metcalf (Editor), Keila V. Dawson (Editor), Jeanette Bradley (Illustrator)
The use of poetry in multiple formats (free verse, couplets, etc) allows this to be accessible to many listeners and readers. From “everyday” people who do big things to people who are famous like Billie Ellish, we learn how the brain is strange, beautiful and capable of almost anything we put our minds to. Each poet tells a story about the person that inspired them. From a girl with Cerebral Palsy inventing a new walker, to how a young boy finds calm in nature and then advocates to save it. Everything is positive when it comes to learning about each person, however, mentions of bullying and other issues these people have dealt with are included as well. Also, not only the poetry is included, but information on the people themselves and words of encouragement and hope. In the end it is a celebration of being you.
The illustrations do vary a bit, but mostly are soft, colorful, bold, detailed and simpler. They allow for a support to the text and their own life. They are really the pop the text needs to help give you not only a physical image, but also an emotional one. In many ways, I like them more than poems, and they are delightful. The only real issue I had is that the one of Eillish made them look younger than what they seem in real world images.
I did not offically finish this book before I wrote this review, but honestly I think I learned enough to know that this book is a huge hit. It is going to win awards and at the very least get a lot of attention. Due June 2026, I read this via an online reader. I will be purchasing this for gifts and donations to my local libraries. It is a must for lovers of poetry and books about diverse ways of being.
