Medikidz Explain Autism Medikidz Explain Depression Medikidz Explain HIV Medikidz Explain Swine Flu

Gr 3—6—A team of superheroes rides around on a medi-jet and whisks ill children, or their siblings, off to Mediland, a giant replica of the human body, to teach them about their particular health problem. The superheroes, who are somewhat generic, are responsible for explaining how different body parts function. For example, plump, ever-hungry Gastro is in charge of, "your bum, your tum and all the tubes in between" while curvaceous, blond Skinderella's expertise is skin and bones. The comic panels are visually exciting with eye-popping colors. Inside Mediland, the science behind various conditions is expertly simplified and explained with a sometimes tongue-in-cheek repartee among the characters as well as with very basic analogies reminiscent of video games (invading viruses versus the defending T-cell commanders, for example). This approach makes the health issues accessible and much less scary for readers wanting to learn more for personal or academic reasons. Autism and HIV are particularly effective.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY