Toledo author Julie K. Rubini is very curious about human behavior. When presented with the opportunity by Nomad Press to write a book for teens, Psychology: Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing, she jumped at it. 

“Human behavior is a fascinating topic,” she says. “It’s even more fascinating when one examines why teenagers do what they do. And even better yet when one gets to research and write about why teens do what they do – for teens.” 

Her inspiration

Julie K. Rubini is the founder of Claire’s Day. What began as a one-day, free family book festival in 2002 has grown into a variety of literary experiences impacting over 15,000 children annually.  

The tragedy that led her to found Claire’s Day also impacted her decision to write this book. Rubini researched and wrote it as part of her investigation into what drives human behavior and choices because of her own experience.

“From what I feel is the ultimate tragedy of losing a child, I have done a lot of study and research as to why it is that we might have responded the way that we did – creating a tribute to Claire,” she says. 

Science is advancing

“I found it very fascinating how the science is advancing to help us continually understand what our brains are doing and therefore, why we are behaving the way that we do, which is really what the title is all about,” says Rubini.  

Rubini found the studies of the part of the brain called the amygdala to be especially fascinating, as it is at the core of how we respond to fearful situations. In her research, she found the studies of professional rock climber, Alex Honnold, to be encouraging because it provides hope that fears can be overcome with practice and training. 

Neuroscientists did studies of the amygdala of Honnold, who is known for death defying free climbing — no ropes! What scientists found by studying his brain with MRI technology is that Honnold’s amygdala is healthy and responsive, yet when presented with fear inducing photos, his amygdala doesn’t produce a fear response as it does in others who were studied. Honnold has put in thousands of hours of practice scaling smaller heights and visualizing his climbs; he has trained his brain not to respond with fear even when scaling the highest mountains in the world with no ropes. 

New research and stories like Honnold’s, along with graphics, links and trivia make it easy and fun for teens to learn about the basics of psychology. The book was vetted by several professionals in the industry, including neuroscientists, a neurosurgeon, and a professional licensed counselor who works specifically with troubled teens.

A new approach

“I feel most comfortable writing biographies,” says Rubini. “I just love sharing stories, and I keep discovering stories of fascinating, inspiring women… In moving forward, I’m working toward having other biographies published, but Psychology: Why We Strive, Smile and Sing is just this little gem on its own.”

Rubini has written three biographies for young readers aged 7 – 12 about inspiring women.  Her book about Virginia Hamilton has received numerous awards including being a finalist in the Ohioan Book Award, Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book Outstanding Merit Selection, and Kirkus Starred Review.