Contact: aeh5mg@virginia.edu
Ashley is the Project Lead and University of Virginia’s Education & Social Science Research Librarian. Ashley specializes in children’s literature and is currently researching the COVID-19 pandemic and social emotional learning represented in picture books.
Mary served as the project's Social Emotional Learning Cataloger and Digital Support. She graduated from UVA in May 2021. She is currently an MPH Candidate at the Yale School of Public Health, with a focus on Digital Health, Psychosocial Epidemiology & Public Health Modeling.
Vaccine Confidence
The books in this section aim to educate about the history and science behind vaccines, herd-immunity, and infectious disease to build vaccine confidence. These titles also cover children overcoming fear of needles and/or going to the doctor's office. They are mapped to the CASEL Framework for applying evidence-based SEL strategies. Vaccines are one of the most effective solutions to preventing severe illness and death from preventable infectious diseases. With a long history of success, vaccines have greatly reduced (and in some cases have almost entirely eliminated) diseases like measles, polio, hepatitis, pertussis (whooping cough), hib, and diphtheria (CDC, 2020). Public confidence in vaccines, and healthcare providers, is crucial. In particular, parental confidence in vaccines is key to ensuring our children are protected against disease (National Vaccine Advisory Committee, 2015). There is a lot of misinformation floating around online. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Vaccine Education Center is a great site dedicated to fighting that misinformation and providing parents, educators, and healthcare professionals with reliable and evidence-based information on vaccines.
Judah Maccabee Goes to the Doctor by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Responsible Decision-Making ; Grade Level: PreK-3
As Hanukkah approaches, a caring older brother discovers that it is not an outward show of strength that wins the trust of his little sister, but inner strength, as he bravely agrees to have the vaccination that will protect them both from threatening illnesses.
Kelly Gets a Vaccine by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Responsible Decision-Making ; Grade Level: 2-5
Kelly is excited it is finally time for her COVID-19 vaccine. Her little brother Joey is not so sure he wants a shot. Their mom, a doctor explains the science behind vaccine development, biology and history. Kelly and Joey learn how the COVID-19 vaccine works, what to expect and how the vaccine will help us return to normal life. Author Lauren Block, MD MPH is a physician and medical school professor and her husband Adam E. Block is a health economist and public health professor. The parents of three elementary school aged children, they explain complex science and epidemiology through beautiful illustrations and simple concepts that help teachers and parents teach how the COVID-19 vaccine works and how getting it will make everyone safer.
The Polio Pioneer by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Responsible Decision-Making ; Grade Level: PreK-3
Discover the fascinating life of world-renowned scientist Jonas Salk, whose pioneering discoveries changed the world forever. Dr. Jonas Salk is one of the most celebrated doctors and medical researchers of the 20th century. The child of immigrants who never learned to speak English, Jonas was struck by the devastation he saw when the soldiers returned from battle after WWII. Determined to help, he worked to become a doctor and eventually joined the team that created the influenza vaccine. But Jonas wanted to do more. As polio ravaged the United States--even the president was not immune!--Jonas decided to lead the fight against this terrible disease. In 1952, Dr. Jonas Salk invented the polio vaccine, which nearly eliminated polio from this country. For the rest of his life, Dr. Salk continued to do groundbreaking medical research at the Salk Institute, leaving behind a legacy that continues to make the world a better place every day. This compelling picture book biography sheds light on Dr. Salk's groundbreaking journey and the importance of vaccination.
Ava Antibody Explains Your Body and Vaccines by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Responsible Decision-Making ; Grade Level: 2-5
Meet Ava the Antibody! She's here to give you an inside look at your amazing body. Have you ever had the flu? Maybe you've heard of chickenpox, the measles, or the mumps? All of these are viruses that can make you sick. But vaccines can help keep us safe and healthy, and Ava is here to show you how!
The Little Ouch by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management , Responsible Decision-Making ; Grade Level: K-3
When it comes to getting her flu shot, Penelope is NOT amused. It makes her SCARED and NERVOUS and QUEASY and SICK and SWEATY! Will she be able to overcome her fear of The Little Ouch?
Dylan's Big Surprise at the Doctor by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management , Responsible Decision-Making ; Grade Level: PreK-2
Dylan's Big Surprise at the Doctor chronicles the thought process of a precocious little boy named Dylan who was terribly afraid of going to the doctor to get shots. This book highlights the fear that most little boys and girls have about the experience of having to go to the doctor to get shots. It also helps to emphasize the importance of nurses in healthcare and the pivotal role that they play in the lives of those they provide care for.
Sofia and the Shot by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management , Responsible Decision-Making ; Grade Level: PreK-3
The night before her doctor's appointment, five year old Sofia worries about the shot she knows she'll have to get. As she drifts off to sleep, Sofia finds herself on an adventure with a talking cat, who is eager to teach her the history and purpose of vaccines! Together, the pair sail across the ocean learning important lessons about vaccines at each stop they make. First, they meet a talking turtle named Mr. Shell, who was born before vaccines existed! Mr. Shell teaches Sofia the history of vaccines and what life was like without them. Then, they meet a group of talking sheep who protect each other by staying together in a herd. When Mr. Whiskers explains that the purpose of vaccines is not only to protect yourself, but to protect those around you, Sofia starts to understand why shots are so important. After thinking about her grandparents, who get sick so easily, and her baby sister, who is too young to get vaccines, Sofia resolves to get her shot in order to be brave and to protect others.
Please Explain Vaccines to Me by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Shots, injections, needles, and vaccines-whatever their purpose, they all hurt. More than half of children in the 6-17 year-old range report a strong fear of needles. Nearly 25% of adults do as well. This book is for those families who cringe at the thought of getting one. For some children, getting a shot is a major ordeal. Ramped-up anxiety can lead to tantrums, meltdowns, outbursts and even fainting. That 30-second experience can be a nightmare for parents and nursing staff alike. This resource will help to improve that dreaded scenario. The book opens with an engaging story for children where rhyme, colorful illustrations and characters of diversity capture a child's interest as they identify with a girl who has similar fears. The children's section is followed by a comprehensive guide for parents and caregivers, based on empirical research as well as Dr. Zelinger's decades of experience as a child psychologist, where she offers information and explicit solutions to help deal with the anxiety surrounding this common medical procedure.
A Kid's Guide to Understanding Vaccines by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
COVID-19 has increased our awareness of the spread of illnesses and how to prevent them. However, we still live in a time when so many falsehoods about vaccines are spread, and young readers need a health guide like this one to truly understand the importance of vaccines to individual as well as global health. The manageable text introduces readers to the concept of vaccines, how they are made, and how they help us stay well. Colorful illustrations and graphic organizers help readers come to a greater understanding of vaccines and how to be virus warriors.
Finding a COVID-19 Vaccine by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Vaccines protect people from getting sick, but scientists must do a lot of research to create them. Companies rushed to make a vaccine that would stop the global spread of COVID-19. Finding a COVID-19 Vaccine examines the process of creating and distributing a COVID-19 vaccine.
The Secret Life of Viruses by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
The Secret Life of Viruses offers an engaging introduction to the science behind viruses, how they spread, and how our bodies fight them. Young readers will learn about what viruses are, how they reproduce and spread, how our bodies fight them, the history of viruses in the world and more. By teaching readers about the science behind this timely topic and offering context for practices like social distancing and mask-wearing, this book will help ease fears kids may have about the subject and empower them to take steps to keep themselves and others healthy!
Helping Our World Get Well by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Kids can do their part to help heal the world and stop the pandemic by getting a COVID vaccine. After months of wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing, kids have another way to help during the COVID-19 pandemic: they need to get a vaccine. With one little prick, kids can get protection from the virus and, in turn, help protect their family, their friends, and their community. In straightforward language, this book explains to kids how vaccines will help us rid the world of COVID-19 and how they have a role to play in that mission.
Bob Explains How the Covid-19 Vaccine Works by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
In the seventh book in the Bob the Bot book series, Bob explains how the Covid-19 vaccine works, including what the immune system is, how the immune system fights viruses, what a vaccine does to our immune system, and how vaccines help prevent people from getting Covid-19.- Mobi vs. The Shield: Community Immunity Saves the Day byAccess at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
The book follows Mobi, a pesky measles virus, who has a goal of infecting everyone in Townsville. However, a superhero vaccine named Victor quickly throws a wrench in Mobi's plans. The reader is taken on an exciting adventure with Mobi and Victor as they explore several different situations about community immunity together - Lily the Llama Helps Her Herd byAccess at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Lily is worried when she learns that she needs to get a shot at her yearly checkup. Dr. Leslie teaches Lily and Mama about the importance of receiving the vaccine, not only to protect Lily but also to help their entire herd! This beautifully illustrated rhyming book teaches children about herd immunity, explaining the importance of vaccination for their own health and for protecting their loved ones and communities. 
Ethan, Mia, and the Amazing Vaccine by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
The children need to get vaccinated, but Mia is afraid. How will her dad, her brother, and their power of imagination help overcome her fears? This book will teach your children positive thinking, how to use their imagination in everyday life, and how to be happy and confident. It will help them stay positive, creative, responsible, and be good siblings.- Miss Violet Vaccine byAccess at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
For children, "why" questions help them make sense of the world around them. We hope this book helps them understand why it is important to get vaccinated. Readers follow the main character, Zoey, who is anxious about getting a vaccination. Like most children, she does not like the idea of getting a shot. The goal of this story is to shed light on the benefit of getting vaccinations in a child-friendly manner. The story starts with Zoey waking up and finding herself in the company of an imaginary character, Violet. Zoey gains comfort, support, and courage from Violet to face her fear of getting a shot. This engaging story was created through the eyes of a child to help alleviate the fear and anxiety associated with receiving vaccinations, whether it is for Corona (COVID-19), Influenza, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, etc. 
The Germ Patrol by This book explains to kids how shots work and attempts to boost their courage when going to the doctor. The tale stars Super Nurse, the Germ Patrol, Grandma and the little girl, Trudy. The book includes tips to parents from the former director of the National Immunization Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Walter A. Orenstein.
Vicky Gets a Vaccine by Needles! Not everybody likes them, especially Vicky who thinks that they are icky! On the day she would be getting her vaccine, she was terrified beyond belief! With comforting words from her parents and determination in her spirit, she was brave enough to face her fear, and help another child in need. Courage is what Vicky possessed and she was willing to pay that courage forward.- Maxine Gets Her Vaccine byIt was not long ago, in the year 2020, there was a sickness that traveled far and wide called a pandemic. It took time for scientists to find a cure, so many people were afraid of getting sick and many people were afraid of the cure. This is a story of one little girl in America named Maxine who went through it all
