Blueprint: How our childhood makes us who we are Paperback – 10 Sept. 2020

Came across this on the recommendation of a friend. I’ve always had a casual interest in Psychology after studying it at Uni but don’t have much time to further my knowledge of the area. This is a great book. It’s intelligently written but Maddox has a lovely inclusive writing style that makes complex topics seem simple while still thought-provoking. It’s also surprisingly funny. I’d recommend this for anyone looking to get a good overview of latest child development research from curious parents to academics.

I bought this book as a children's mental health professional wanting a bitesize review of the child development literature. This book wonderfully delivered this and surprisingly more. The writing style is easy and accessible, and what's more, I've taken away many useful tips for parenting my children.

Highly readable account of the psychology behind our development, from pre-birth through to adults. Loved the structure of the book, with each chapter as a standalone essay but also with a natural flow through the book too. Touches of gentle, warm humour underpins research and Lucy offers many interesting points which are thought provoking about our development, from our parents through to society. Very accessible information and clear explanations. Highly recommend.

Great read. Not an in-depth developmental book but it covers the basics and it's peppered with some interesting facts and snippets of research.

Beautifully explained, without judgment, on the importance of childhood environment for development.

Buying Blueprint is really like buying several books in one neat, fascinating, entertaining and well-written package. Each chapter covers a different area of development, introducing and explaining the juiciest research lay people may never have heard of. And Lucy writes it in an approachable, engaging and kind way - showing us that, while our childhoods shape who we are, who we are is not rigid, static or predetermined, and understanding our past is key to our futures. I love this book, found it helpful and enjoyable to read, and can highly recommend it!

This is a really great introduction to how childhood affects adulthood. I bought and read it as a new mum - it's very readable, with chapters you can dip into, but doesn't dumb down the science. And I was relieved to read that birth order doesn't make a massive difference in life after all...Excellent choice for anyone interested in how children develop.

I greatly enjoyed this book and learnt a lot. It covers developmental milestones from birth to adulthood, examining how we came to be the way we are. What I particular loved though was the relaxed, conversational tone of the author, which was maintained even when guiding the reader through the latest research. It is so readable!