Sketchbook Brain provides a narrative example of childhood trauma and age-appropriate brain development science to demonstrate the inner conflict that nine-year-old M.J. goes through to heal from his complex childhood trauma. With a magical twist, M.J. uses his magical sketchbook to explore and heal from his past trauma.

Although his time in foster care and adoption is mentioned, they are not the plot of the story. The central storyline revolves around his ability to revisit his past self and provide nurturing commentary during a traumatic event.

The traumatic event portrayed is a true narrative M.J. processed through narrative exposure therapy. This book highlights the challenges children face who have traumatic childhood experiences and introduces the subject. There's an author's note that describes therapies and diagnoses more in-depth.