Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Food allergies can be very serious. So many people of all ages have food allergies and we must show respect and care for those who have allergies. Why? Because these allergies can cause someone to become seriously ill and perhaps even die if not treated right away. It’s important to show care and to avoid eating foods around a person who is allergic to those foods. These issues are examined in Someone in Our Class Has Food Allergies: A Read-Aloud Explanation and Education for the Classroom (The Food Allergy Safety Kids Series) by Hailee Oman and Gusty Awan. It’s important to know the signs when someone is having an allergic reaction and to act quickly to potentially save that person’s life. This is a big concern in schools and child care centers where children play and eat together and, since everyone wants to fit in, sometimes issues like food allergies are hidden or overlooked for this very reason.

Hailee Oman and Gusty Awan have written and illustrated this children’s book to teach young readers the importance of recognizing food allergies and respecting those who have these sensitivities. Someone in Our Class has Food Allergies is a read-aloud book, excellent for use in the classroom, to help educate all children on food allergy safety. The plot follows a teacher talking to the class about food allergies and going through all the reasons to be careful, respectful, and observe the signs, as well as what to do if someone they know suddenly has an allergic reaction. The book is well laid out and written in simple language so young readers can understand the implications of food allergies. At the end of the book, there are some guidelines for educators and administrators to make sure that the school or child care center is following the regulated guidelines of a safe environment for all children, especially those with food allergies. With bright, colorful illustrations, this is a great way to both educate and entertain young readers.