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.
Doctors, Scientists, and Healthcare Workers as Trusted Figures
Due to the polarized political climate with health literacy during the pandemic, there is an urgent need to build back trust in the medical and scientific community. Establishing doctors, scientists, and healthcare workers as trusted figures and role models is crucial all of the time, but especially during a time of crisis. Trust in healthcare providers is linked to vaccine confidence (National Vaccine Advisory Committee, 2015).
The books in this section are a combination of nonfiction and fiction titles, including biographical material on famous scientists, stories meant to inspire careers in STEM, as well as books that teach children to view the doctor's office as a helpful, not scary, place. The books in this section aim to serve as resources for counselors, educators, caregivers, social workers, and librarians. We are in the process of mapping these titles to the CASEL Framework for applying evidence-based SEL strategies.
June Almeida, Virus Detective! by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
From an early age in Glasgow, Scotland, June Almeida loved learning about science and nature. A good student, she was especially interested in biology and won the top science prize at her school. Creative and observant, June noticed details that others often missed. She dreamed of attending university but economic hardships caused her to leave school at age 16. Still, June was determined to pursue her passion for science. She was hired by a local hospital to work in its lab, using a microscope to magnify and examine cells. Her work helped doctors treat patients. June later worked in labs in London and in Toronto. Her skill in using the electron microscope to examine cells and help identify viruses earned her promotion and respect in the science community. When June was 34 years old, she discovered the first human coronavirus. Her groundbreaking work continues to help researchers today in the fight against illnesses caused by viruses, including COVID-19.
Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Mapping: Self-Awareness
In this empowering picture book with a STEM focus, Charlotte, a budding bunny scientist, ignores the doubters and confidently finds a cure to the mysterious malady affecting the forest. The animals of the forest are all getting sick and no one can figure out why. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and help her friends and family, Charlotte dives into some serious medical science. But when the doctors and other scientists don't take her work seriously, she sets out to find a cure on her own, determined to show that she can make a difference. This empowering story about a smart, confident bunny encourages girls to be persistent and believe in themselves.
Dr. Fauci: How A Boy from Brooklyn Became America's Doctor by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
The definitive picture book biography of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and one of the most crucial figures in the COVID-19 pandemic. Before he was Dr. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Anthony Fauci was a curious boy in Brooklyn, delivering prescriptions from his father's pharmacy on his blue Schwinn bicycle. His father and immigrant grandfather taught Anthony to ask questions, consider all the data, and never give up--and Anthony's ability to stay curious and to communicate with people would serve him his entire life. This engaging narrative, which draws from interviews the author did with Dr. Fauci himself, follows Anthony from his Brooklyn beginnings through medical school and his challenging role working with seven US presidents to tackle some of the biggest public health challenges of the past fifty years, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Polio Pioneer by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
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.
Thank You, Helpers by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Help make our new reality a little less scary for kids with this joyful tribute to all the helpers of today. Perfect for parents, caregivers, and teachers looking to model appreciation and thankfulness. With all the talk of germs, social distancing, and the pandemic, it's easy for kids to be confused or overwhelmed. Help reassure by encouraging them to see all the amazing ways people are keeping each other safe. From healthcare workers to delivery people, grocery workers, teachers, and more, kids can learn about the heroes in our communities taking care of us all. With a joyful rhyme scheme made for reading aloud, this is the perfect book to read together and foster an appreciation of those around us.
And Then Came Hope by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
From Geisel Honor Book author and artist Stephen Savage comes a new vehicle book for the very young, sure to provide comfort and reassurance, based on the true story of the S.S. Hope hospital ship! The boats around the harbor haven't been feeling too well lately. First, Barge got bonked. Then Submarine started shivering. Ferry came down with a fever, little Dory's nose wouldn't stop running, and even mighty Aircraft Carrier had developed a terrible cough! They sent out an S.O.S. for help, and then a ship called Hope came to the rescue. With her team of tugboats at her side, Hope set about tending to the out of sorts boats. With her help, Barge gets a bandage, Submarine is soothed with a blanket, Aircraft Carrier is cured, and little Dory's nose dries up. The boats are feeling fit again, but they know whenever they are feeling sick, Hope will always be there to take care of them.
The Little Elephant with the Big Earache by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
After a busy afternoon of making mud castles with his cousins, little Eddie awakens at night with a terrible earache. His mother takes excellent care of him and Dr. Hippo reassures them both the next day. Will Eddie recover in time for his birthday party?
Doctor Li and the Crown-Wearing Virus by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
May, a seven-year-old girl in the United States, learns the story of Chinese doctor Li Wenliang, the first hero of the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Li's bravery and perseverance inspire May as she navigates many of the challenges millions of kids around the world are facing through this pandemic.
Dr. Adam and the Virus by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
A dedicated doctor's battle to protect his town's people from Coronavirus. Also a child-friendly introduction to the world of hospitals, illnesses, and their different outcomes.
Covid Warriors by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
This book provides young children, age 0-7, with a way to process what COVID-19 and offers a segue for parents to lead discussions about this awful disease. In, addition the book offers young girls a peak at a profession that they may never hear of. Respiratory therapists are at the heart of COVID-19 recovery.
Nurse Rania and Friends by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Nurse Rania and her friends are back for another fight against viruses. This time they are tackling COVID-19 with a few tricks that they have up their sleeves. This virus is big but Nurse Rania's heart is bigger! With a little help from a new friend being added to the series, they are able to save lives and stay safe.
Health Care Workers During COVID-19 by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Doctors, nurses, and hospital cleaners, as well as workers providing home care and long-term care have continued to give us often lifesaving care during COVID-19. This book shows how health care workers have met the enormous challenges of the pandemic, at great risk to their own health.
Peppa Loves Doctors and NursesON ORDER, COMING SOON
It's People Who Help Us day at playgroup so Peppa and her friends get a very special visit from Dr Brown Bear and Nurse Fox. They've come to show the children how to keep fit, eat healthy snacks and, most importantly, always remember to wash their hands!
