The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist's Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults

Frances E. Jensen, Amy Ellis Nutt
62 pages2-hour read
Nonfiction
Book
Adult
Published in 2014

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Book Brief

Frances E. Jensen, Amy Ellis Nutt

The Teenage Brain

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Education

•

Psychology

•

Self-Improvement
Setting

2010s

Theme
Childhood & Youth

•

Safety & Danger

•

Education
Topic
Psychology

•

Parenting

•

Science & Nature
First Publication Year

2014

Publisher

Harper

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Teenage Brain by Frances E. Jensen and Amy Ellis Nutt offers parents a neuroscientific guide to understanding the adolescent brain, its developmental changes, and their effects on behavior. Jensen combines scientific research with real-life stories to explore topics such as sleep patterns, risk-taking, and neuroplasticity, providing practical strategies for supporting teenagers through this critical period. Topics include addiction, mental health disorders, and concussions.

Informative

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

8,195 ratings

69%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Teenage Brain by Frances E. Jensen and Amy Ellis Nutt is praised for its comprehensive insights into adolescent brain development, blending scientific research with practical advice for parents and educators. Some reviews note that the writing can be overly technical and repetitive, but overall, it's valued for its accessible explanation of complex neuroscience concepts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Teenage Brain?

Readers passionate about neuroscience and adolescent psychology will find The Teenage Brain by Frances E. Jensen and Amy Ellis Nutt insightful. Similar in depth to works like Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain, it appeals to parents, educators, and health professionals seeking to understand teenage behavior.

4.0

8,195 ratings

69%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Key Figures

An American neurologist and co-author who brings scientific expertise to the book, blending her professional background in brain development with personal experiences as a mother of teenagers.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and co-author whose narrative skill complements the book’s scientific content by making it accessible through journalistic storytelling and personal anecdotes.

Frances E. Jensen’s sons, whose teenage experiences and behavior are discussed in the book, providing personal context to the scientific insights on adolescent brain development.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Education

•

Psychology

•

Self-Improvement
Setting

2010s

Theme
Childhood & Youth

•

Safety & Danger

•

Education
Topic
Psychology

•

Parenting

•

Science & Nature
First Publication Year

2014

Publisher

Harper

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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