7 Neuropsychology Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Imani Perry, Princeton professor, and other thought leaders recommend these Neuropsychology Books for deep clinical and research insights.

Imani Perry
Updated on June 27, 2025
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What if you could peer directly into the intricate workings of the human brain and understand how its vast complexity influences behavior, cognition, and recovery? Neuropsychology offers that window, unraveling mysteries with clinical precision and scientific rigor. As brain disorders and cognitive challenges rise globally, mastering this field isn't just academic—it's essential for advancing care and research.

Imani Perry, Hughes Rogers Professor of African American Studies at Princeton, bridges disciplines to highlight neuroplasticity's profound implications. She praises Neuroplasticity by Moheb Costandi as "such a fascinating and elegant book," underscoring how neuroscience insights can reshape our understanding of lifelong brain adaptability.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks and clinical expertise, readers seeking content tailored to their specific background, skill level, or focus in neuropsychology might consider creating a personalized Neuropsychology book that builds on these insights and accelerates learning in your unique context.

Best for advanced clinical evaluation
Muriel Deutsch Lezak, Professor Emerita of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Neurosurgery at Oregon Health Sciences University, is widely recognized as a foundational figure in neuropsychology. Often called the 'Grandmother of Neuropsychology,' her extensive career and research have fundamentally shaped how clinical neuropsychological assessments are performed. This book reflects her deep expertise, providing you with authoritative guidance grounded in decades of practice and scholarship.
Neuropsychological Assessment book cover

by Muriel Deutsch Lezak, Diane B. Howieson, Erin D. Bigler, Daniel Tranel··You?

2012·1200 pages·Neuropsychology, Neurology, Brain Imaging, Cognitive Assessment, Clinical Practice

Muriel Deutsch Lezak and her co-authors bring decades of clinical and research expertise to this exhaustive review of adult neuropsychological assessment. You’ll find detailed explorations of brain-behavior relationships, including the latest in functional and structural imaging techniques, along with practical guidance on test selection and interpretation. The book’s blend of neuroscience research and clinical practice offers you insights into disorders like progressive dementias, enriched by vivid color illustrations and comparative tables. This is a demanding read, best suited for clinicians, researchers, and advanced students aiming to deepen their understanding of cognitive function evaluation and brain injury implications.

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Best for exploring brain adaptability
Imani Perry, Hughes Rogers Professor of African American Studies at Princeton, brings a valuable interdisciplinary perspective to neuropsychology. She highlights how this book helped deepen her understanding of the brain's lifelong adaptability. Such a fascinating and elegant book, she notes, capturing the rich insights Moheb Costandi offers on the brain’s capacity to change through experience and learning.
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Recommended by Imani Perry

Professor of African American Studies, Princeton

Such a fascinating and elegant book (from X)

Neuroplasticity (The MIT Press Essential Knowledge series) book cover

by Moheb Costandi··You?

2016·192 pages·Neurology, Human Brain, Neuropsychology, Neuroplasticity, Brain Development

Drawing from years of neuroscience communication, Moheb Costandi unpacks the evolving science of neuroplasticity—how our brains continually adapt well beyond childhood. You’ll explore the brain’s ability to grow new cells, reshape itself after injury, and how sustained activities like learning music or navigating complex environments can truly alter brain structure. The book challenges hype around quick-fix brain games, instead highlighting evidence-backed cognitive tasks that foster real change. Whether you’re curious about brain development, recovery, or aging, this book offers clear insights grounded in recent research without overpromising.

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Best for personal learning pathways
This personalized AI book about neuropsychology is created after you share your expertise level, interests, and specific goals in brain science. The AI crafts a tailored pathway through complex neuropsychological concepts, bridging expert knowledge with your learning needs. It’s designed so you can dive deeper into areas that matter most to you without sifting through unrelated material. This custom approach makes mastering neuropsychology more efficient and focused than traditional books.
2025·50-300 pages·Neuropsychology, Neuropsychology Fundamentals, Cognitive Functions, Brain Disorders, Assessment Techniques

This tailored book explores neuropsychology by weaving together expert knowledge with your unique background and goals. It covers foundational brain science, cognitive functions, and neuropsychological disorders while matching your specific interests in clinical and research aspects. The personalized approach ensures you focus on the areas most relevant to your skill level and objectives, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. Through this tailored guide, you navigate the intricate interplay between brain mechanisms and behavior with clarity and depth, enhancing your understanding beyond general texts. This book offers a personalized pathway through the rich landscape of neuropsychology, making expert-level brain insights approachable and applicable to your needs.

Tailored Guide
Clinical Focused Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for pediatric neuropsychology
Ida Sue Baron, Ph.D., ABPP, is a distinguished clinical neuropsychologist and professor with extensive experience in pediatric neuropsychology. Her leadership roles and accolades, including the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology Distinguished Neuropsychologist of the Year award, underscore her authority. This book reflects her commitment to advancing pediatric neuropsychological assessment through detailed normative data and real-world case examples, making it a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers seeking to deepen their understanding of child brain-behavior relationships.
2018·1064 pages·Neuropsychology, Child Development, Assessment Methods, Executive Function, Language Processing

Ida Sue Baron, a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist specializing in pediatric cases, brings decades of expertise to this detailed examination of child neuropsychological evaluation. The book meticulously covers assessment methods, normative data, and case studies that illustrate brain-behavior relationships from early childhood through adolescence. You’ll gain insights into various neuropsychological domains such as executive function, language, and memory, with chapters devoted to both theory and practical testing approaches. This volume is particularly useful if you work with children facing developmental, medical, or psychological challenges, providing nuanced frameworks for diagnosis and clinical decision-making.

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Best for practical case training
Kirk J. Stucky, PsyD, ABPP, director and chair at Hurley Medical Center, brings deep clinical expertise to this training resource. Alongside Shane S. Bush, PhD, ABPP, a board-certified neuropsychologist and prolific author, they designed this casebook to meet the training demands of neuropsychology residents. Their combined experience ensures this book addresses the practical challenges clinicians face in case conceptualization and exam preparation, making it a valuable guide for advancing your clinical skills.
The Neuropsychology Fact-Finding Casebook: A Training Resource book cover

by Kirk J. Stucky PsyD ABPP, Shane S. Bush PhD ABPP··You?

2017·328 pages·Neuropsychology, Clinical Psychology, Rehabilitation Psychology, Case Analysis, Diagnostic Skills

Drawing from their extensive clinical backgrounds, Kirk J. Stucky and Shane S. Bush crafted this book to address the crucial need for a structured approach in neuropsychological case analysis. You get 24 detailed case studies, each unfolding in stages—from referral questions to test findings—guiding you to sharpen skills in differential diagnosis and treatment planning. The book’s stepwise format, including outcome reflections and teaching points, helps you critically evaluate your clinical decisions. If you're training in neuropsychology or preparing for board exams, this resource offers concrete practice in navigating complex cases with clarity and confidence.

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Best for evidence-based reporting
Jacobus Donders, PhD, ABPP (CN, RP), brings authoritative expertise as Chief Psychologist at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital with board certifications spanning Clinical and Pediatric Neuropsychology plus Rehabilitation Psychology. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications and editorial roles in leading neuropsychological journals, Dr. Donders offers a deep well of knowledge. His focus on test validity and outcome prediction after brain injury uniquely positions him to guide professionals through the complexities of neuropsychological report writing. This book reflects his clinical experience and scholarly rigor, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance report precision and clarity.
Neuropsychological Report Writing (Evidence-Based Practice in Neuropsychology Series) book cover

by Jacobus Donders··You?

2016·265 pages·Neuropsychology, Clinical Assessment, Report Writing, Evidence-Based Practice, Brain Injury

Drawing from decades of clinical and research experience, Jacobus Donders offers a detailed manual on crafting evidence-based neuropsychological reports tailored to diverse patient populations. You’ll explore how to present findings for different audiences—whether medical professionals, educators, or legal entities—while learning to distinguish clear, effective documentation from weaker examples showcased in the text. The book details report components for cases ranging from older adults to children, emphasizing practical strategies for communicating complex neuropsychological data. If your work involves neuropsychological assessment or interdisciplinary collaboration, this guide sharpens your ability to produce precise, context-sensitive reports.

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Best for rapid skill-building
This AI-created book on neuropsychology learning is crafted based on your background and specific goals. You share your current skill level and which topics you want to focus on, and the book is written to meet your needs precisely. It makes sense to have a tailored guide in neuropsychology because the field is complex and broad, and everyone’s interests and prior knowledge differ. This personalized book helps you navigate the subject efficiently, focusing on what matters most to you for faster, deeper understanding.
2025·50-300 pages·Neuropsychology, Neuropsychology Basics, Brain Function, Cognitive Processes, Clinical Applications

This tailored book explores accelerated learning in neuropsychology by focusing on your specific interests, background, and goals. It covers essential concepts such as brain function, cognitive processes, and clinical applications, guiding you through complex material with clarity and precision. By tailoring content to your skill level, it reveals pathways that maximize understanding and retention, making the intricate study of neuropsychology accessible and engaging. Designed to match your personal learning objectives, this book examines key neuropsychological topics and offers a focused, stepwise approach that bridges expert knowledge with your unique context. It fosters rapid comprehension that supports practical application and deeper insight into brain-behavior relationships.

Tailored Content
Accelerated Learning
1,000+ Happy Readers
Dr. George P. Prigatano is Emeritus Chairman of Clinical Neuropsychology at the Barrow Neurological Institute and a leading expert in neuropsychological rehabilitation and anosognosia. His extensive background informs this book’s thorough approach to the psychological care of people with brain disorders, blending neuropsychological assessment with psychotherapy. Drawing on decades of clinical work, he offers readers an authoritative perspective on brain development and decline, making the book a key resource for professionals engaged in this complex field.
2019·536 pages·Neuropsychology, Psychology, Clinical Care, Brain Disorders, Psychotherapy

Dr. George P. Prigatano’s decades of experience as Emeritus Chairman of Clinical Neuropsychology at the Barrow Neurological Institute shape this detailed exploration of brain disorders and psychological care. You’ll gain insights into how brain development and decline intersect with human psychology across the lifespan, supported by discussions that integrate clinical neuropsychology with psychotherapy and rehabilitation principles. The book carefully examines the psychological challenges faced by individuals at various developmental stages, offering nuanced understanding rather than simplified solutions. If your work or study involves neuropsychological rehabilitation or psychological approaches to brain injury, this book provides a valuable framework rooted in both clinical expertise and humanistic perspective.

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Best for comprehensive clinical insight
Joel E. Morgan, Ph.D., ABPP, brings decades of clinical neuropsychology experience to this textbook, drawing from his leadership roles at VA New Jersey Healthcare System and Rutgers Medical School. His credentials include board certification in clinical and pediatric neuropsychology, along with extensive editorial and examiner roles. This background informs a text designed to guide you through both the science and application of neuropsychology, reflecting a commitment to advancing practice and research for practitioners at all levels.
Textbook of Clinical Neuropsychology book cover

by Joel E. Morgan, Joseph H. Ricker··You?

2017·1146 pages·Neuropsychology, Psychology, Brain Function, Cognitive Assessment, Pediatric Neuropsychology

Joel E. Morgan’s extensive career in clinical and forensic neuropsychology anchors this textbook’s deep dive into brain-behavior relationships. You’ll explore foundational science alongside evolving research methodologies, gaining insights from nearly 100 chapters that cover everything from historical perspectives to cutting-edge interventions. This book challenges you to think critically about the limitations of current practice while highlighting innovation in patient care. Whether you’re training or seasoned in neuroscience, it offers nuanced commentary on adapting neuropsychological knowledge to clinical realities, with detailed discussions on topics like pediatric neuropsychology and forensic applications.

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Conclusion

Together, these seven books form a mosaic of neuropsychological knowledge—from the granular details of assessment to the broader strokes of psychological care and brain adaptability. They highlight the field’s balancing act of rigorous science and human complexity.

If you're navigating clinical neuropsychology or rehabilitation, start with Neuropsychological Assessment and Clinical Neuropsychology and the Psychological Care of Persons with Brain Disorders. For hands-on skill-building, combine The Neuropsychology Fact-Finding Casebook with Neuropsychological Report Writing to hone diagnostic and communication abilities.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Neuropsychology book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and deepen your expertise in this vital scientific domain.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with Neuropsychological Assessment for a solid foundation in brain-behavior evaluation. It’s detailed but invaluable for understanding clinical principles clearly.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Neuropsychology?

Some books, like Neuroplasticity, offer accessible insights suitable for newcomers. Others, such as Textbook of Clinical Neuropsychology, are more advanced but rewarding as you grow.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational texts like Neuropsychological Assessment and Neuroplasticity. Then explore specialized books like The Neuropsychology Fact-Finding Casebook and Report Writing to apply knowledge.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can focus on books aligned with your goals—clinical practice, pediatric focus, or brain adaptability. Each offers unique value tailored to your interests.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Neuroplasticity leans into theory, exploring brain adaptability. The Neuropsychology Fact-Finding Casebook and Report Writing emphasize practical clinical skills and case analysis.

How can I get neuropsychology content tailored to my specific learning goals?

While these books provide expert knowledge, personalized content can help apply concepts to your unique needs. Consider creating a tailored Neuropsychology book that bridges expert insights with your personal context for focused learning.

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