Like so many kids, Maxine’s life is turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. She has to adjust to virtual schooling, wearing face masks, and socially distancing—even around her close friends. Thus, when a vaccine becomes available, Maxine’s family welcomes the hope that comes along with it, the hope that life can begin returning to normal. Maxine, however, hears some disheartening information about the vaccine’s side effects from one of her friends and initially refuses to consider getting it. After realizing that side-effects are generally temporary and that the vaccine can play an important role in protecting her health, Maxine reconsiders and decides to get her coronavirus vaccine.
Spunky and passionate, Maxine is a true-to-life representation of a 21st century child. And her love for her pet dog Jakey is something that makes her a very relatable character. As Maxine’s family, Jakey included, convince the self-assured girl to accept the vaccine, young readers will be able to develop their own decision-making skills. Elena Lesser Bruun has taken an important message and condensed it so that kids can easily understand it. I really appreciate the simplicity of comparing getting a coronavirus vaccine to getting a pet vaccinated, something little ones might be familiar with. Due to the sensitive nature of this particular topic, some readers may question the author’s choice to oversimplify the vaccine as being a “cure” for coronavirus. However, Bruun’s audience will surely agree with the overall message that vaccines are a valuable contribution to the health of our society and can stem the spread of this pandemic virus. The expressive artwork by Zoe Matthiessen offers a classic feel to the modern storyline, and certainly adds to the engaging story. Many children are afraid of getting a shot, and Maxine Gets Her Vaccine is an excellent choice for parents and caretakers that are looking to encourage their children to maintain their health or that are seeking to adjust a young one’s view of the coronavirus vaccine.
