What Is Coronavirus?

"An easy-to-follow illustrated guide to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Persad, the author the Garbology Kids book series about waste management, provides a comprehensive discussion of the novel coronavirus, addressing how it spreads throughout a community, the development of vaccines to fight it, and how the pandemic has affected people's mental health, among other issues. Persad's logically organized work simplifies the subject of Covid-19 research, beginning with a basic examination of viruses in general, including their size and structure, and how they replicate within the body. Other fundamental topics include a discussion of how mutations can lead to the creation of new viral strains that can spread from humans to animals. Persad offers an examination of other prevalent global viruses, as well as historical pandemics, but, as one might expect, much of the book is dedicated to an analysis of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern, including the Delta variant, which is dominant as of this writing. The author outlines exactly what makes this virus particularly deadly for some people, and it also assists readers with distinguishing the symptoms of Covid-19 from other common ailments, which will help many readers to understand when to seek medical help. This work will be particularly useful for younger readers, due to the inclusion of Persad's lively illustrations, colorful charts, and text boxes, but there's valuable information here for people of all ages, presented in a simple, straightforward style. In a time of medical and economic uncertainty, discussions of the pandemic can be emotionally challenging, but Persad consistently provides interesting side stories to keep readers engaged, such as how an understanding of cowpox led to the creation of a smallpox vaccine. The early material effectively lays the groundwork for a deeper understanding of pandemics in general, and offers clues to our own future.
A succinct and compelling Covid-19 analysis, packed with valuable information for readers young and old."— Kirkus Reviews

"Reading this book is a genuine pleasure. The graphics-intensive format makes complex topics approachable. This book is accessible to anyone who can read at a high school level but can easily be shared with younger readers by an adult who can help answer questions. The author, Sabbithry Persad, does a lovely job of explaining what a virus is and how it replicates in a host cell...I have to add that I am very pleased to see the diversity of humans conveyed in the images. Ethnic and gender diverse people are represented, ensuring every reader can find someone they relate to in the graphics. This is incredibly important. This pandemic affects everyone and the efforts to understand this virus, treat patients, and develop vaccines have been undertaken by people all over the world. It is refreshing to see diversity in the scientific community presented as the default rather than an exception... If I were still teaching college, I would be happy to use this resource in my introductory biology, microbiology, and my writing in science courses. I hope to see this book in public libraries, medical waiting rooms, and high schools." — Dr. Jacalyn Newman (Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology), Medical Writer & Scientist

"I enjoyed reading this book! ... The book is accessible for teens and adults with or without a science background. ... If you are curious about coronavirus and would like to learn more about it, I highly recommend this book." — Dr. Noelle Ochotny (Cell Biology and Biochemistry), M.Sc. (Pharmacology), Medical Writer and Editor

"This book is exceptionally well written and is a must-read during this time of confusion." — Readers Favorite (5 Star Review)

"A nicely done workbook for highschool students, their parents and anyone else who would like a good foundation in what to do to stay safe during the current world wide pandemic." — Joshua Lane, Radio Talkshow Host (Here's To Your Health)

“Easy to understand for non-medical readers, non-scientists. Definitely learned a few things!” — Colleen Murphy, REALTOR®

“It was great, very informative and I really learned a lot from it.” — Fallon Dior, Wife and Mother of Two

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