Lora’s book is a well-written fictional interpretation of one family’s effort to deal with the local and global impact of Covid-19. The detailed and diverse cover illustration is a powerful reminder that this virus IS global, even though the story is firmly anchored in an American urban setting.
The struggles of the Thomas family are presented as specific to their own situation but also common to a vast community. Despite the wider impact of a pandemic, young Maya and her brother Bryan experience typical sibling stresses and reactions with lively scenes and dialogue. That familiarity allows informative and supportive parental roles to play out naturally, including meltdowns, virtual school sessions, reminders, and applied advice about safe practices and routines. Within this simple story the focus is on responsible and creative ways to adjust, for small events and large (including a birthday!), to a new way of life within a familiar, loving, and secure setting. Daily roller-coaster emotions are credible and helpful for readers young and old.
The public health benefit of a short, direct story like this is immeasurable, and will prove welcome to families and educators. Having this book on hand in present circumstances and into the future provides an important resource as we navigate this strange (and brave, imaginative, creative) new world.
– Sandy Brehl, Author
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Ilustrators – Wisconsin Member, Retired Elementary Educator
