Who Has The Key To Lockdown?

By Nell Kileen

This book is the result of a National Writing Competition for children and teens aged 4-17 about their pandemic experience. Embark on a journey through poems, short stories, heartfelt speeches and a light-hearted activity book as a result of the perspective children had of the whole experience.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Saci Books
• Release date: Apr 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9780648314639

Book preview

Introduction

We believe that stories have the power to heal oneself a local community and, dare I say it, humanity.

Stories also have the power to destroy and seeing how the mental health struggle was a real thing during the pandemic, we decided to run our first competition. This book is the result of that. In March 2021, we posted in a couple of writing websites, a local library and on our very small social media accounts the call for the children and teenagers aged 4 to 17. Suddenly, we received almost one hundred pieces from all over Australia.

We hope you enjoy and respect these young authors feelings and craft as they have generously opened their heart so that others could heal.

The Team at Saci Books

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COVID-19 SURVIVAL

Zoe Almodiel, age 9

Contents:

How has the pandemic been?

Three facts about COVID-19

The siblings get a surprise

Grandpa gets sick!

Three facts about the virus

Enjoy what is happening right now!

Amara finally gets to hug Grandpa!

Be kind—though this happened!

1. How has the pandemic been?

Hi! How has the pandemic been? Did you find it sad or happy? If you’re sad, the bright side is that we get time to spend with our family! Do you like COVID-19? (haha)

Always look on the bright side. For example, so far we’re safe from COVID-19! Thank doctors and nurses for that. If you’re scared of monsters, you can read this with a grown-up.

Think of COVID-19 as a monster.

Imagine warriors fighting it.

Those warriors are the doctors and nurses (and other people who keep us safe from COVID-19)

So how has the pandemic been? Write it here.

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2. three facts about covid

COVID-19 is like the flu, but way worse!

Dogs can catch COVID-19 too!

COVID-19 is a virus—obviously

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3. The Siblings get a surprise

Why do animals eat animals? asked Billy.

Because they are herbivores and carnivores. Why do you keep on asking?! replied his big sister Jade.

Mom came in and told them about the lockdown.

What? they all screamed. So Jade and Billy had to do online learning, while Amara and the littlest, Sam, got to play all day long. Soon they heard some bad news. GRANDPA HAD COVID-19! They ran around, freaking out. Good thing Grandpa lived in another house.

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4. Grandpa Gets sick

Drip. A tear fell from Jade’s miserable eyes.

Why did this happen? cried Amara.

It just happened. replied Billy.

I have an idea! said Jade in a weird expression. Let’s call Grandma on my iPad. Amara asked, Why Grandma instead of Grandpa?"

Because Grandpa can’t answer the phone because… Billy paused and didn’t answer.

Jade continued. Because Grandpa’s way too sick, she said and wailed. Now let’s just call her. Grandma, said Billy.

Alright, moaned little Amara. The picture shows the call.

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5. three virus facts

The Spanish Influenza Virus killed 50 million people!

The Spanish Influenza Pandemic lasted for two years!

COVID-19 was discovered in December 2019.

Look below, which one does not fit in? Choose the odd one out:

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6. Enjoy what is happening right now

As you see, 2021 in a few places can be easier than in other places. Some have millions infected! But as I know, a lot of people reading this book are 100% safe from COVID-19. So, enjoy right now if you’re safe! Stay positive (happy, not infected) and connected with family and friends. In safer places, you can visit people, but the pandemic is still on—so clean a lot. Stay safe and happy!

Decorate the smiley face and give it a name!

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7. Amara finally gets to hug Grandpa!

Gueeess whaaat? asked Jade happily.

I know! I know! chuckled Billy. Grandpa’s gotten better!

The siblings raced off to the door, laughing while they ran. Ding! rang the doorbell. Grandpa was there!

Hug? Amara smiled.

Okay! Grandpa gently laughed.

What would you say to a special person in your life if this had happened to you? Write below in the bubbles

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8.Be kind although this happened!

I think some of you may be angry and like, don’t wanna play with your friends because of the pandemic. It