Who Are the COVID-19 Helpers?

November 1, 2020

Gr 2-5-Upper elementary students may have many questions about COVID-19. From a discussion of pandemics in general to a reflection on how the virus has changed our world, this series addresses many of those questions. Large images with captions help to support the text, along with additional "COVID-19 Fact" boxes. Vocabulary terms appear in boldface and are defined in the glossary. "Think About It" offers ways for readers to apply what they have learned. A "Good News" section highlights positive happenings, such as the increase in pet adoptions and the daily celebrations for health care workers at shift change. Further reading suggestions are included, and the publisher's website offers safe links. VERDICT A good source for research or class discussions.

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2020
Grades 1-4 Leading with Mr. Rogers' advice to look for the helpers when things feel scary, this book in the Pandemics and COVID-19 series (6 titles) adopts a friendly, comforting tone as it introduces essential workers striving to keep everyone safe and healthy during the current pandemic. Among them are bus drivers, train conductors, garbage-truck crews, and firefighters. With crisp photos and short paragraphs surrounded by ample white space, the text describes why these jobs are important and how wearing masks, gloves, and other protective clothing helps stop the spread of germs. The following chapters present helpers in the food industry, including grocery and farm workers, delivery persons, and healthcare professionals. COVID-19 facts boxes appear throughout and concluding suggestions offer safety precautions readers can take to help stop the spread of COVID-19 themselves.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)