Snoozefest: The Surprising Science of Sleep by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated by Valéry Goulet

Snoozefest: The Surprising Science of Sleep by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated by Valéry Goulet. Kids Can Press, 2021. 9781525301490

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4

Format: Hardcover

What did you like about the book? This is a well done survey of the science around sleep. Relatively recent research – think 100 years or so – science now knows that sleep is not a dormant phase of our day. Easy to understand information about our brain’s electrical currents, the circadian rhythms that determine our sleeping and waking, and other facts that readers can parse with little difficulty. I like that the author frequently relates the science to the lives of teens and their sleep patterns, a relatively new understanding. The book also covers dreaming, which is of interest to many at this age.

Kyi’s language is clear and direct, with a satisfying balance of science and high interest applications to the life of teens. The digital illustrations serve to break up the text, and show characters of diverse skin colors. I like that the book has a table of contents, sources and an index. A teen who may pick up the book to get help with better sleep will finish it with a better understanding of the “surprising “science that engages researchers still.

Anything you didn’t like about it? Although the illustrations are fun and whimsical, I would have liked some photographs of equipment or laboratories involved in the science.

To whom would you recommend this book? It’s a nice non fiction source for readers who want a topical science book, for ages 10-14.

Who should buy this book? Elementary and middle school and public libraries

Where would you shelve it ? 613

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Near the top

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA

Date of review: October 19, 2021