What do you think?
Don't Stand So Close to Me
Thirteen-year-old Quinn and her friends can't believe their luck when spring break is extended an extra two weeks--even if it's because of some virus.
But when the impact of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic becomes apparent, everyone, not just the students, has to learn to adjust to their new reality. Quinn's father is an ER doctor and has to self-isolate to protect his family from the virus. Isaac's mother is the chief of police and now has to enforce new physical-distancing bylaws. Reese can't visit her grandmother in her care home anymore. And their entire school has moved to online classes. Sacrifices have to be made to keep everyone safe, but there's more to life than rules and scary news reports. In an effort to find some good in all this uncertainty, Quinn comes up with an idea that she hopes will bring the entire community together.
But when the impact of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic becomes apparent, everyone, not just the students, has to learn to adjust to their new reality. Quinn's father is an ER doctor and has to self-isolate to protect his family from the virus. Isaac's mother is the chief of police and now has to enforce new physical-distancing bylaws. Reese can't visit her grandmother in her care home anymore. And their entire school has moved to online classes. Sacrifices have to be made to keep everyone safe, but there's more to life than rules and scary news reports. In an effort to find some good in all this uncertainty, Quinn comes up with an idea that she hopes will bring the entire community together.
128 pages, Paperback
First published September 22, 2020
About the author
Eric Walters
168 books926 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
July 3, 2020
This is a middle grade. This is a middle grade short book about covid-19. I think this is a great book to help kids understand what covid-19 is, and I also thinks it helps parents/adults understand how kids feels about covid-19. This book is a great book for this time, and I really love it. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher or author (Eric Walters) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review , and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
July 5, 2020
An engaging story for middle grade readers about the early days of COVID-19. Captures the pandemic from the POV of teens at first ecstatic to have Spring Break extended, then bored when school goes online and they can’t hang out with friends.
The ER doc dad of main character Quinn confirms the many virus deaths at his hospital. But the full COVID tragedy unfolds unseen, making this less scary for kids living the real deal.
The story ends with hope, as Quinn pulls off a joyful safe-distancing dance for her community. Much like the triumph of the author, who went from book idea to publication in just seven weeks. Wow!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 22 Sep 2020
Thanks to Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#DontStandSoClosetoMe #NetGalley
The ER doc dad of main character Quinn confirms the many virus deaths at his hospital. But the full COVID tragedy unfolds unseen, making this less scary for kids living the real deal.
The story ends with hope, as Quinn pulls off a joyful safe-distancing dance for her community. Much like the triumph of the author, who went from book idea to publication in just seven weeks. Wow!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 22 Sep 2020
Thanks to Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#DontStandSoClosetoMe #NetGalley
Want to Read
July 8, 2020how can you NOT read a book like this in this particular day and age??
November 28, 2021
This brought back memories of the start of the pandemic.I had forgotten a lot of it or maybe blocked it out.
July 11, 2020
4.5 ⭐️
This book is a much needed little gem.
Things have been hard for everyone since the beginning of this pandemic. Some people lost their jobs, others learned to work from home, and others have been working more and more hours as the virus progresses. And kids and teens learned school 2.0.
This book isn't polished. It's a bit too academic at times, and it comes off as dry every now and then when the characters lose themselves in the explanations about "flattening the curve" and "exponential transmission". There are many details that could have been explored further in a longer book, like the experience of Quinny's dad and how he deals with all of it. But I think these kinds of books will come after, when we're out of the woods and it doesn't hurt as much to read about the long-term care residences being hit or people protesting the virus because they think it's fake.
For a middle-grade book quickly written during the pandemic to help kids deal with the situation, it was well done. It's a quick, cute read about the resilience of children and finding hope when everything seems bleak. And the author managed to verbalize some dense concepts in a way that's easy for the ready, no matter their age, to understand (I especially liked the drowning Spider-Man experiment).
This book is a much needed little gem.
Things have been hard for everyone since the beginning of this pandemic. Some people lost their jobs, others learned to work from home, and others have been working more and more hours as the virus progresses. And kids and teens learned school 2.0.
This book isn't polished. It's a bit too academic at times, and it comes off as dry every now and then when the characters lose themselves in the explanations about "flattening the curve" and "exponential transmission". There are many details that could have been explored further in a longer book, like the experience of Quinny's dad and how he deals with all of it. But I think these kinds of books will come after, when we're out of the woods and it doesn't hurt as much to read about the long-term care residences being hit or people protesting the virus because they think it's fake.
For a middle-grade book quickly written during the pandemic to help kids deal with the situation, it was well done. It's a quick, cute read about the resilience of children and finding hope when everything seems bleak. And the author managed to verbalize some dense concepts in a way that's easy for the ready, no matter their age, to understand (I especially liked the drowning Spider-Man experiment).
June 18, 2021
This explains the pandemic well to kids, through the lens of a class of Canadian middle school students. It will be useful once the pandemic is over as well, I think.
July 24, 2020
This short MG book was written during the pandemic ABOUT the pandemic. The main character is an 8th grader, Quinny, whose dad is an ER doctor. Her and her friends ride the Coronacoaster of emotions while they go through Spring Break being extended (yay!) to virtual school (ew, zooms) to non essential businesses closing and protests. This book is very easy to connect to- we're all living it.
I think this book could be a great way to process how they're feeling during this unprecedented time.
Thanks to Orca Book Publishers and #NetGalley for a chance to read the arc.
I think this book could be a great way to process how they're feeling during this unprecedented time.
Thanks to Orca Book Publishers and #NetGalley for a chance to read the arc.
July 18, 2020
Maybe it’s the timing of this for me, but this MG book is hitting me hard, especially with all of the uncertainty and fear of going back to school.
I appreciated the father’s role in this story, and the musical choices were so good. But I wanted more character development, more emotion, to care about these characters behind my own emotional response to COVID. I wish my own students followed the socially distancing and mask rules like these students.
I appreciated the father’s role in this story, and the musical choices were so good. But I wanted more character development, more emotion, to care about these characters behind my own emotional response to COVID. I wish my own students followed the socially distancing and mask rules like these students.
July 17, 2020
This is the best book for middle grade kids to come to grips with what is happening in the world right now. I appreciate how quickly this has been written. I hope this book brings comfort to kids going through this unprecedented time!
July 8, 2020
I have an incredibly long and amazing history with the books of Eric Walters. I have quite literally grown up alongside his books, and he is without question, my all-time favourite author. "Don't Stand So Close to Me" is his latest release, and I was both ecstatic and absolutely honoured to receive an e-ARC copy from Orca Book Publishers via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
The story of "Don't Stand So Close to Me" is told from the perspective of the character Quinn, a girl in Grade 8 whose world is suddenly turned completely upside down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Together with her family, and her best friends, Reese and Isaac, she must navigate this new reality.
This is a timely, important read that deals with a real-world issue in a sensitive and respectful way, without sugarcoating the harsh realities of the situation. Eric Walters has achieved a balance between being informative and educational, while still crafting a story that is engaging and full of heart. It's quite honestly the PERFECT quarantine read, and I absolutely LOVED it! It's also an incredibly short read (128 pages), and I was able to read it in one sitting!
Eric Walters truly is a Canadian treasure, and with "Don't Stand So Close to Me," he continues to craft compelling, compulsively readable stories for middle-grade and YA readers. I've been reading his books for nearly 17 years, and he has NEVER let me down! This is definitely another great addition to his illustrious, prolific body of work.
"Don't Stand So Close to Me" is scheduled for paperback release on September 22, 2020, but is currently available for purchase as an e-book. Many thanks to Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this novella!
The story of "Don't Stand So Close to Me" is told from the perspective of the character Quinn, a girl in Grade 8 whose world is suddenly turned completely upside down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Together with her family, and her best friends, Reese and Isaac, she must navigate this new reality.
This is a timely, important read that deals with a real-world issue in a sensitive and respectful way, without sugarcoating the harsh realities of the situation. Eric Walters has achieved a balance between being informative and educational, while still crafting a story that is engaging and full of heart. It's quite honestly the PERFECT quarantine read, and I absolutely LOVED it! It's also an incredibly short read (128 pages), and I was able to read it in one sitting!
Eric Walters truly is a Canadian treasure, and with "Don't Stand So Close to Me," he continues to craft compelling, compulsively readable stories for middle-grade and YA readers. I've been reading his books for nearly 17 years, and he has NEVER let me down! This is definitely another great addition to his illustrious, prolific body of work.
"Don't Stand So Close to Me" is scheduled for paperback release on September 22, 2020, but is currently available for purchase as an e-book. Many thanks to Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this novella!
June 6, 2020
Walters is one of my go-to authors. So excited to share this with my students.
July 29, 2022
This is a great book. I can’t wait to read it with my students. I feel like this was a good representation of the fears and the little blessings that came from the early days of the Covid 19 pandemic. It touched on the emotions of various people and their experiences in an authentic way. Great little read.
February 22, 2021
Read this book with my class of 10 middle graders who are all currently taking class over Zoom. They know full well the effects of COVID 19 on their lives, so reading about it in a book gave them a sense of connection and a way to discuss how they are feeling.
This novel is a nice quick read that, while short, is big on discussion topics. Would recommend as a class read.
This novel is a nice quick read that, while short, is big on discussion topics. Would recommend as a class read.
June 4, 2020
Can't wait to share it with my class!
August 22, 2020
Eric Walters’ new e-book Don’t Stand So Close to Me is about a group of grade 8 friends dealing with the uncertainty of COVID-19 as it transforms their social lives, their sense of safety, and their education. The main character Quinn shows great initiative and assertiveness as she looks for ways to inspire her classmates and community during the pandemic.
In spite of its subject matter, the plot loiters in the safe lane: things never get too heavy or go too deep. While this might weaken the longevity and gravitas of the novel, it creates a safe space for 2020 readers (still living, as of this writing, in a pandemic) to reflect on the history of where we’ve been (remember toilet paper shortages, and when school was going to be closed for two weeks?) and the resilience each of us has discovered. My main complaint about this book is the title; the plot employs The Police song at a pivotal moment in the story, and anyone who understands the lyrics for this song might be a bit creeped out by its inclusion in a story about middle schoolers.
In spite of its milquetoast plot and thoughtless title choice, I actually think the book can be a great way for a reading group or class to process their trauma and understand that even though you might “Think We’re Alone Now,” “We’re All in This Together,” even if everyone might feel like they are sequestered in a “Safety Dance.” (And yes, those are subtle song/title suggestions for the second edition.)
February 20, 2026
Thirteen-year-old Quinn and her friends can't believe their luck when spring break is extended an extra two weeks—even if it's because of some virus. It starts out to be fun, but when social distancing is put into effect and school is now online, it's not fun anymore. Quinn’s father is an ER doctor and has to self-isolate to protect his family from the virus. Isaac’s mother is the chief of police and now has to enforce new physical-distancing bylaws. Reese is upset that she can no longer visit her grandmother in the care home anymore. There are a lot of sacrifices to be made, but the kids and their families make the most of the situation. Quinn comes up with a class project making masks for the care home and they even have an end of the year dance, with social distancing included. This was a good story to explain to young kids about what happened during the pandemic. Quinn was a great character, a leader within her friends group and her class. I liked that they shared how the parents reacted and helped their children understand what they were going through. Living through this time as an adult was difficult enough, but children had a tough time and many lost important events like graduations and proms. Even though the pandemic was 6 years ago, it doesn't hurt to remember it, as you never know what might happen in the future.
November 20, 2020
Don't Stand So Close To Me is a short middle-grade fictional story that accurately records events at the beginning of the Covid-19 Outbreak as it affected a 13-year-old girl. The story begins right before March Break when the kids find out that March Break has been extended. The story helpfully explains Covid-19 & flattening the curve to help the reader understand in the simplest terms. It gives a look at what life was like during that time and will help future generations understand what we went through. A copy of this book will be included in our family pandemic Time Capsule. My only difficulties with this book were that it could have been a bit longer with more examples of what was going on early in the Pandemic ie. Stores rationing high demand products such as Toilet Paper, Kraft Dinner & Pasta, restaurants selling DIY kits, and doing home deliveries. Also, one or two of Quinn's friend's parents could have been laid off from their job, instead of having them all being professionals that continued to go to work or work from home.
October 12, 2020
"After dinner lots of people went out for a stroll - little family groups - or sat on their porches or in their driveways, talking to the people passing by. Everyone seemed extra friendly. Isaac and I met every night on our driveways at seven fifteen. We sat out for as long as we felt like. Sometimes it was until after dark."
"Don't underestimate what you did. It was much more than a dance. I don't know how you pulled it off, but for a few hours, during these very strange times, you gave a bunch of people some happiness. You gave them joy. You helped them to forget for a little while. And not just your classmates, but all the people on our street. You gave them hope. You gave me hope."
_____
Such a cute, sweet, heart-warming story of our current COVID-19 time!
"Don't underestimate what you did. It was much more than a dance. I don't know how you pulled it off, but for a few hours, during these very strange times, you gave a bunch of people some happiness. You gave them joy. You helped them to forget for a little while. And not just your classmates, but all the people on our street. You gave them hope. You gave me hope."
_____
Such a cute, sweet, heart-warming story of our current COVID-19 time!
July 23, 2020
Eighth Grader Quinn and her friends are surprised when their school principal holds an emergency assembly two days before spring break, announcing that their vacation is extended due to COVID-19. Although she has heard her dad, an emergency room doctor, talk about the virus, she didn’t think it would actually disrupt school. At first Quinn and her friends, Isaac and Reese, look forward to watching Netflix and playing video games all day, but the free time and social distancing gets old quickly, school is closed indefinitely, and the virus gets closer to home. Isaac’s police officer mother is working all day leaving him home alone for hours, Reese’s grandmother is in isolation at the local nursing home, and Quinn’s Dad is living in the basement when not working endless hours treating record amounts of patients. Quinn, Isaac, and Reese realize that although the virus has changed everything about their lives, from the way they go to school to how they hang out with friends, they can still feel connected by supporting themselves and their community.
THOUGHTS: A timely story that many readers will relate to, although it does not depict how the pandemic affected low-income families and those with difficult family conditions. Perhaps a companion novel or sequel can show how the pandemic has affected those in different socioeconomic situations and what life will be like after a vaccine is created.
THOUGHTS: A timely story that many readers will relate to, although it does not depict how the pandemic affected low-income families and those with difficult family conditions. Perhaps a companion novel or sequel can show how the pandemic has affected those in different socioeconomic situations and what life will be like after a vaccine is created.
July 12, 2020
Not sure I have ever read a book more current than this one. A very realistic portrayal of how a group of middle schoolers handled the anxiety and frustration of the early days of the covid-19 pandemic from the early dismissal of school for Spring Break to the realization that the rest of the school year is lost.
Quinn (female) seems to be a typical (sub?) urban middle schooler. Like all kids she deals with the loss full access to her friends, although there is a boy named Isaac that lives next door that she sees daily and she sees her best friend at times as well. She also has to deal with the stress and boredom of Zoom (as a teacher a little part of me was mad that this teacher got all her kids to Zoom- I never did), her mother being really busy and stressed out, and worst of all her father, a doctor, working at the hospital. Like many first responders, he changes his living arrangements, works with some level of fear and works longer hours. Quinn's best friend Reese has to deal with not seeing her grandmother, who is in a rest home, and Isaac's Mom works in law enforcement and is almost never home. This was a good look at the stresses felt by children and adults during this time.
All of these issue are fresh for us now, as we are living them, or seeing them in the news reports daily. In several years, middle school aged readers will be able to read about this and see what older siblings and parents went through, they may have vague memories of their own. I think it will be a valuable read at that time. As for now, some may really enjoy relating to characters in a book in a way that they may not normally be able to. They may also find hope in the way that Quinn and her friends are able to contribute to making things better in their neighbourhood through an idea she has and how they salvage a year end event to bring closure to their school year and a joyful social occasion to their neighbourhood. This is something I wish my students were able to pull off, and if there able to see that coming together is better than the solitary apathy that many have endured during this time, that is a great thing to learn. 4.5 stars for this one for me, I wish it was a little longer to see more of the things kids struggled with, although they are mentioned they pop up quickly and these kids are able to overcome them quickly. That is the trade off for such a readable, relatable story of this accessible length though.
Quinn (female) seems to be a typical (sub?) urban middle schooler. Like all kids she deals with the loss full access to her friends, although there is a boy named Isaac that lives next door that she sees daily and she sees her best friend at times as well. She also has to deal with the stress and boredom of Zoom (as a teacher a little part of me was mad that this teacher got all her kids to Zoom- I never did), her mother being really busy and stressed out, and worst of all her father, a doctor, working at the hospital. Like many first responders, he changes his living arrangements, works with some level of fear and works longer hours. Quinn's best friend Reese has to deal with not seeing her grandmother, who is in a rest home, and Isaac's Mom works in law enforcement and is almost never home. This was a good look at the stresses felt by children and adults during this time.
All of these issue are fresh for us now, as we are living them, or seeing them in the news reports daily. In several years, middle school aged readers will be able to read about this and see what older siblings and parents went through, they may have vague memories of their own. I think it will be a valuable read at that time. As for now, some may really enjoy relating to characters in a book in a way that they may not normally be able to. They may also find hope in the way that Quinn and her friends are able to contribute to making things better in their neighbourhood through an idea she has and how they salvage a year end event to bring closure to their school year and a joyful social occasion to their neighbourhood. This is something I wish my students were able to pull off, and if there able to see that coming together is better than the solitary apathy that many have endured during this time, that is a great thing to learn. 4.5 stars for this one for me, I wish it was a little longer to see more of the things kids struggled with, although they are mentioned they pop up quickly and these kids are able to overcome them quickly. That is the trade off for such a readable, relatable story of this accessible length though.
July 17, 2020
Quinn, Reese and Isaac are planning their school’s dance when there’s an emergency assembly announced. The principal of their middle school tells the students that they will have a longer spring break than usual in order to flatten the curve of COVID-19. Excited to have a longer break, the students and teachers could never predict what will happen next. School will be online, Quinn’s father (who is a doctor) must self-isolate to protect his family, Isaac’s police officer mother has to be away from home more than usual, and Reese cannot visit her grandmother in a nursing home. All these changes are difficult to adjust to, but Quinn has an idea to bring her community together.
It is incredible that Eric Walters was able to come up with the idea for this book, write the book, and have it ready for publication in less than seven weeks!
One of the things about Don’t Stand So Close to Me that struck me is just how relatable it will be to everyone who reads this book. In the past few months, everyone’s lives have been changed because of the pandemic. The changes have appeared rapidly, and for children who are still in school, it must have been difficult to comprehend and adapt to all these changes.
Although this book is a novella and tells a story rather than present facts about COVID-19, the book does a great job at explaining a lot of terminology that might be difficult for young readers to understand. For instance, what exactly is “flattening the curve?” What does having an “exponential number of cases” mean? And more. These concepts are even tricky for some adults to visualize.
I would greatly recommend for this book to be used in classrooms this fall for middle school students (and even some elementary and high school students too). I believe that students will see themselves in Quinn, Reese and Isaac’s experiences.
*I received an advanced copy of Don’t Stand So Close to Me by Eric Walters from NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers in exchange for an honest review*
It is incredible that Eric Walters was able to come up with the idea for this book, write the book, and have it ready for publication in less than seven weeks!
One of the things about Don’t Stand So Close to Me that struck me is just how relatable it will be to everyone who reads this book. In the past few months, everyone’s lives have been changed because of the pandemic. The changes have appeared rapidly, and for children who are still in school, it must have been difficult to comprehend and adapt to all these changes.
Although this book is a novella and tells a story rather than present facts about COVID-19, the book does a great job at explaining a lot of terminology that might be difficult for young readers to understand. For instance, what exactly is “flattening the curve?” What does having an “exponential number of cases” mean? And more. These concepts are even tricky for some adults to visualize.
I would greatly recommend for this book to be used in classrooms this fall for middle school students (and even some elementary and high school students too). I believe that students will see themselves in Quinn, Reese and Isaac’s experiences.
*I received an advanced copy of Don’t Stand So Close to Me by Eric Walters from NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers in exchange for an honest review*
April 15, 2021
Great read for middle readers to help understand or remember the pandemic. I'm happy to see people starting to document this experience and represent it in different ways.
May 31, 2021
Another of Walter's great stories for kids about the pandemic.
This is part of another book challenge - local author
This is part of another book challenge - local author
July 9, 2020
First sentence: “Isaac, could you please pay at least a little attention?” Jenna asked. Isaac looked up from his phone. “Believe me, I’m paying as little attention as I can,” he said.
Premise/plot: Quinn and her friends struggle with the changes that COVID 19 brings to their lives. Quinn is the daughter of a doctor. The book captures her observations in her home and in her life overall. It opens the day before their scheduled last day of school before spring break. It closes with a bit of hope--a social-distance-observing block party.
My thoughts: This book was published super-super-super fast in reaction to the times. The book is like a time capsule of what March through May was like. A time capsule is a good way to think of it. To middle schoolers who have lived through these months, I can't see them NEEDING to read about it. They've been there, done that. They know about the drastic, seemingly overnight changes. But future generations will. For those that were born circa 2015 to 2020 by the time they're old enough to read this it will be a good read. There will be something universal about it, something that brings generations together. It might also help to read with some hindsight knowing how it ended. Right now we don't know how it will end, when it will end, how many lives will be lost, how many families forever impacted because of a loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of a home, etc. The book ends as well as it can for being stuck in what may or may not be the middle of a pandemic.
Premise/plot: Quinn and her friends struggle with the changes that COVID 19 brings to their lives. Quinn is the daughter of a doctor. The book captures her observations in her home and in her life overall. It opens the day before their scheduled last day of school before spring break. It closes with a bit of hope--a social-distance-observing block party.
My thoughts: This book was published super-super-super fast in reaction to the times. The book is like a time capsule of what March through May was like. A time capsule is a good way to think of it. To middle schoolers who have lived through these months, I can't see them NEEDING to read about it. They've been there, done that. They know about the drastic, seemingly overnight changes. But future generations will. For those that were born circa 2015 to 2020 by the time they're old enough to read this it will be a good read. There will be something universal about it, something that brings generations together. It might also help to read with some hindsight knowing how it ended. Right now we don't know how it will end, when it will end, how many lives will be lost, how many families forever impacted because of a loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of a home, etc. The book ends as well as it can for being stuck in what may or may not be the middle of a pandemic.
July 14, 2020
This was a pretty quick read that kept my attention from the beginning. It is so relatable! I’m not a student but I remember when it was announced spring break would be extended, then business would shut down etc. It covers the ups and downs of living through Covid-19 in such a positive way.
I enjoyed the main character Quinn and her friends Reese and Isaac. While it’s told from Quinns perspective, you also get to see how her friends are handling the situation and it also shows how the adults in their lives are trying to handle things while also not cause panic among their children/students.
I LOVED the way Quinn and her friends organized the socially distant dance in the street. I don’t know if this is based on a real event somewhere or if the author just made it up but I absolutely love the idea!
This is a great book for middle grade kids to read and help them understand a little more about what’s happening in the world.
Thank you to Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for an e-copy of this book!
I enjoyed the main character Quinn and her friends Reese and Isaac. While it’s told from Quinns perspective, you also get to see how her friends are handling the situation and it also shows how the adults in their lives are trying to handle things while also not cause panic among their children/students.
I LOVED the way Quinn and her friends organized the socially distant dance in the street. I don’t know if this is based on a real event somewhere or if the author just made it up but I absolutely love the idea!
This is a great book for middle grade kids to read and help them understand a little more about what’s happening in the world.
Thank you to Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for an e-copy of this book!
November 3, 2020
Such a good book with a good underlying message. Creative plot. I loved it
June 20, 2020
A good read for kids to help them realize they are not the only ones coping with suddenly changes in their daily lives and how Covid-19 effects everyone.
July 15, 2020
As we are still enmeshed in the COVID-19 pandemic this book hits very close to home. The scenes where kids and adults talk about their "new normal" ring very true. The explanations of exponential spread and flattening the curve are appropriate and will likely help young readers understand the importance of social distancing. I especially liked the them of "we are apart but not alone" as evidenced by the kids making masks and having a street party.
This review is based on an ARC provided to me by the publisher
This review is based on an ARC provided to me by the publisher
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July 13, 2020I was given an early copy of this book to read and give feedback to the author.
A fast read which kept me enthralled the whole book. Minimal dwelling on the details of Co-Vid but addressed in a real but positive manner. I loved how the social distancing and mask wearing were mentioned and handled. Not to give away the big event done by Quinn and her friends, but I must say a very caring and positive happening during this pandemic time. A light-hearted book touching just enough on this thrust into the Co-Vid pandemic with positive tones throughout from the children in the story. I would so recommend this for all to read. Publishing on Sept. 20, 2020.
A fast read which kept me enthralled the whole book. Minimal dwelling on the details of Co-Vid but addressed in a real but positive manner. I loved how the social distancing and mask wearing were mentioned and handled. Not to give away the big event done by Quinn and her friends, but I must say a very caring and positive happening during this pandemic time. A light-hearted book touching just enough on this thrust into the Co-Vid pandemic with positive tones throughout from the children in the story. I would so recommend this for all to read. Publishing on Sept. 20, 2020.
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