Stefan, Jennifer. Pandemic Report Card: Successes and Failures. Reference Point Press, 2023. 978-1-6782-0346-7 $35.95 64 p. Grades 7-12.

This title covers the early days–from March 2020 to February 2022–of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., and the disorganized responses by the U.S. government.  Drawing from media reports, data, and surveys, the book has largely negative facts to share about the unpreparedness of response, the unequal distribution of aid, and the politicalization of the efforts of masking, unemployment aid, and more. The swiftness of the creation of an effective vaccine is an indisputable accomplishment, but positive aspects of any side of the societal changes due to medical or employment issues are overwhelmed by the negatives.  This decidedly gloomy tone is both realistic but off-putting, considering the ongoing nature of the pandemic and its related challenges and the increased concern with mental health. Various massive governmental aid packages are described as both necessary and insufficient. The effects of remote schooling and remote employment, as well as supply shortages, stay-at-home mandates, mobilization of supplies and vaccines, and vaccine resisters are topics covered in chapters divided into “public health,” “economic,” and “vaccine” successes and failures. The final chapter “Preparing for the Next Pandemic” is helpfully divided into six lessons learned from COVID-19, regarding public trust, need for ongoing research, and the damage of politics and misinformation.

THOUGHTS: An early, negative look at the U.S. response to COVID-19 holds evidence that could bolster our national pride and trust in future public health efforts, but this reporting maligns nearly every outcome save the creation of the vaccine. A useful overview.

614.5 Public Health