Don't Stand So Close to Me

by Eric Walters

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459827875
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	09/22/2020
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	400,363
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.32(d)
Lexile:	590L (what's this?)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Eric Walters is a Member of the Order of Canada and the author of over 115 books that have collectively won more than 100 awards and been translated into 15 different languages. A former teacher, Eric began writing as a way to get his fifth-grade students interested in reading and writing. His background also includes degrees in psychology, social work and education. He is trained as a family therapist and worked for 18 years in a hospital emergency department, including time in a mask, scrubs and gloves during the SARS outbreak. Eric is a tireless presenter, speaking to over 100,000 students per year in schools across the country. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.

Editorial Reviews

Navigates the experience of this unique time period with heart. I couldn't put it down. My students won't be able to either.

Kim Moss

Wow - just wow! I LOVED it! Great story, cute without being overly so, funny, honest and fast- paced.

Kristen Badger

Walters certainly has his pulse on world events and the minds of young people. So true is the narrative of this timely book, that it reads like nonfiction as much as fiction. Walters helps readers to identify, connect and make sense of a powerful turning point in history. Eric Walters, you are a hero!

Larry Swartz

It’s a positive story about a very negative event that will be one for the history books. Don’t Stand So Close to Me takes readers into the pandemic of their experiences and, while teaching them important safety concerns that not all children will have learned about, reassures and provides hope.

Helen Kubiw

Provides clear visual representations that are easily understandable for an elementary audience...Aptly illustrates that the worst of times often brings out the best in people.

Canadian Children's Book News

Brings us to what is truly important – community and trying to bring everyone together…An important read. Highly Recommended.

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

So timely, so perfect for right now…This is the perfect book for these pandemic times. It presents the difficulties families face but gives hope that creativity can find solutions. Middle school students will love it. A quick read.

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