STARRED Book Review: Immune Heroes

Reviewed by Jaylynn Korrell

An entertaining, useful book to help kids learn about cuts, scrapes, and the healing process

It’s only right that I cut my finger on the day that I started reading Immune Heroes, a children’s story about how the body works to heal itself when cuts and scrapes occur. 

While navigating my own discomfort, I had the most pleasant experience reading about how little Mayu handles his own pain and how the immune heroes inside his body save the day. Namita Gandhi uses her expertise as an immunologist and some major creativity to create this enticing book that both parents and adults will enjoy. 

In Immune Heroes,siblings Mayu and Nimi are out riding bikes and enjoying the day when Mayu suddenly hits a rock and tumbles to the ground. His sister runs to comfort him while reminding him that the pain he’s currently feeling is a good thing, as it signifies the beginning of the healing process. And the beginning of the healing process couldn’t be cooler than the way that Gandhi tells it. 

As the immune hero characters start the process of repairing Mayu’s leg, they’re met with a few intruders that wish to infect the wound with bacteria. With each introduction of new bacteria, a different immune hero is called in to perform their specific duties and stop the bacteria from spreading or causing more harm. A group effort is needed as they work toward a common goal while providing readers with valuable information about the amazing ways our bodies protect us from harm. 

With this kids’ book, even I (a constantly reading adult) learned a lot about the intricacies of how our bodies repair cuts and keep out bacteria. With a throbbing finger, I was able to put names to the entire process of healing. 

Luckily this learning experience is paired with the cutest illustrations of round and expressive characters like Captain T cell, the neut navy, and tiny little grape looking bacteria to keep the mood light. Kids will love how friendly looking each character is and how Gandhi makes the world they’re living in seem so big and inviting when we know just how small they must be in our bodies. 

This book packs in a lot of action in its 30 or so pages, as the process of healing isn’t always completed on the first try. Bacteria find their way in despite the tacky platelets creating a protective seal. Macrophages are called in to devour said bacteria as new intruders find other ways to wreak havoc. Gandhi’s story transforms healing into an epic battle that is sure to entertain. 

Parents who want to introduce big concepts like immunology to their kids in a way that they’ll understand will love this book. Gandhi writes about the experience in such a fun way that kids may not even realize they’re being taught a valuable, relatable science lesson. She explains things in an accessible way and pairs the prose with beautiful graphics that will keep little eyes glued to the page. I loved watching each new group of characters rush to the scene whether it be to attack or defend Mayu’s wound. 

Readers will leave this experience with a much better understanding of how our bodies heal injuries without our intervention and will likely think back on the book each time they injure themselves in the future. I know I will. 

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