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By Kevin Davies

Copyright: c.2026, Publisher: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, SRP: $29.95, Page Count: 338 pages

Four weeks of testing, and you’re exhausted.

Two gallons of blood, maybe three, have been removed. No lie. You’ve laid on tables, slid through machines, been scanned so much you lost count and finally, your doctors have a diagnosis. As in the new book “Curved Air” by Kevin Davies, you have hope there’s a what next?

Though the disease was known in parts of Africa and likely existed here in the United States for hundreds of years, sickle cell disease (SCD) is a relative newcomer in disease research.

Says Davies, “Sickle cell was first identified more than 120 years ago” and it was considered as a “Black disease.” Because of that, discrimination followed “sickle cell warriors” and research was scant, though white people can and do get SCD.

With “agonizing” pain as a major symptom, “SCD is one of roughly seven thousand genetic diseases” currently known to science. When someone has SCD, a genetic mutation causes their red blood cells to curve and get stuck in blood vessels, rather than flowing freely as they should. This diminishes the oxygen supply “to various parts of the body… which causes inflammation and pain,” jaundice, stroke, and damaged organs. Anemia, Davies says, can leave a patient fatigued and short of breath. Anticipating pain crises causes anxiety and PTSD.

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Says Davies, “More than forty million people carry” one copy of the genetic mutation that causes SCD, and “five hundred thousand affected” babies are born with the disease per year, worldwide.

Over decades, research was done haphazardly. Papers were written; treatments were tried, used, or discarded. Doctors discovered that genetic testing could prevent new cases, a heartbreak for would-be parents. Researchers discovered that “a perfect storm” of confluence spread SCD: malaria, human population, and mosquitoes.

There was always hope that someday, sickle cell disease might be cured.

Then, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) gene-editing therapy was approved by the FDA, and a brave volunteer named Victoria Gray stepped forward…

So, you want to – need to – learn more about sickle cell disease? Is it imperative for you? Then, this is your book. But there are things you’ll want to know before you dive into “Curved Air.”

Because author Kevin Davies is the editor of The CRISPR Journal, you can expect up-to-date, cutting-edge information; but that’s a two-sided coin: the information is heavy-duty, not always easy to grasp, and it’s burdened by acronyms that can be overwhelming. Yes, that’ll inform you, but it may also send you elsewhere for further understanding, which really should’ve come from this book.

And yet, if you or someone you love has SCD, this is your book. It explains where the disease came from, why it hasn’t been completely cured yet, and what kind of hope you can hold. It’s a good start on a path to comprehension.

Also, be aware that the narrative here is sometimes padded with journalistic fluff that might annoy you if you’re eager to get to the science. Indeed, “Curved Air” will teach you. Then again, it also might test you.

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By Carla Thomas

For educator, childcare provider and children’s author Tarsha Jordan, Bonita the Bumble Bee is much more than a colorful storybook character. The cheerful bee has become a teaching tool, a comforting friend and a creative way for children to explore their emotions, navigate life changes and discover the world around them.

Jordan’s inspiration for Bonita grew from her lifelong commitment to children and education. With more than 30 years of experience as an educator and administrator, she operates Kindergarten Readiness Academy, a licensed family childcare program in Oakland’s Longfellow neighborhood. The academy prepares young children socially, emotionally and academically for school.

Her firsthand experience has given Jordan a deep understanding of how children communicate, what captures their attention, and how stories can open conversations young readers may not otherwise know how to begin.

Jordan describes her mission as developing lifelong learners who love reading while introducing children to relatable characters. Bonita fulfills that mission by addressing real-life experiences in language children can understand.

In “Bonita The Bumble Bee and the Quarantine,” Jordan helped young readers process the uncertainty and isolation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. In a later book about returning to school, Bonita guided children through changing routines, expectations and emotions. Designed to promote social-emotional development and mental health awareness, editions were made available in English, Spanish and Mandarin.

Bonita’s impact becomes even more immediate when children meet the character in person. Jordan recently hosted a Mommy and Me children’s tea party at Bay Street Emeryville, where Bonita buzzed around the event, greeted young guests and brought the literary character to life.

“The children can interact with the character, experience the excitement of seeing a familiar literary friend come to life and develop an even stronger connection with reading,” Jordan said.

For children of color, that connection carries another important dimension: representation. Children benefit from seeing themselves reflected in books, educational environments, imaginative characters and the people creating those stories.

Jordan also believes Bonita expands children’s imaginations and encourages them to envision new possibilities.

“When children of color see authors that look like them creating books, building educational programs and bringing original characters into their communities, they are exposed to the possibilities beyond the story itself,” Jordan said. “They can begin to imagine themselves as writers, educators, entrepreneurs, artists and creators.”

Founded to introduce STEAM, (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) to children in transitional kindergarten through third grade, Bonita The Bumble Bee also addresses neurodivergent behaviors.

Known to young learners as “Teacher Tarsha,” Jordan combines Bonita’s whimsical personality with hands-on experiments and activities for children ages 3 to 8. The experiences promote early literacy, strengthen problem-solving skills and give children tools for managing their emotional health.

Jordan holds master’s degrees in education and public administration and is pursuing a doctorate in education. Her academic preparation and extensive classroom experience help her create programs that are both engaging and developmentally meaningful.

“We’re hoping to take Bonita to the next level and welcome new partnerships,” Jordan said.

Visit BonitaTheBumbleBee.com

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