John Medina's Brain Rules is a fascinating book that is always interesting and often entertaining. It's probably written for adults, but I know some middle school and older students who have enjoyed it and the YouTube videos spun off from it.
Just in case you want a quick overview taken right from the book, here is a summary of the rules:
Survival - The human brain evolved, too.
Exercise - Exercise boosts brain power.
Sleep - Sleep well, think well.
Stress - Stressed brains don't
learn the same way.
Wiring - Every brain is wired differently.
Attention - We don't pay attention to boring things.
Memory - Repeat to remember.
Sensory integration - Stimulate more of the
senses.
Vision - Vision trumps all other senses.
Music - Study or listen to boost cognition
Gender - Male and female brains are different.
Exploration - We are powerful and natural
explorers.
