Don't Stand So Close to Me by Eric Walters

Walters came up with the idea on April 22, which went from conception to publication in less than seven weeks. He explains, “there was a need to educate and inspire, to lead with optimism, while trying to make sense of the chaos swirling around us.” Walters had hundreds of emails from teachers and parents asking if he was going to write about these unprecedented times.

It offers lessons about understanding the pandemic and concepts such as “exponential growth” and “flattening the curve.” It also instills hope and optimism about the ways our communities have come together to support one another, from a safe distance. Don’t Stand So Close to Me, a middle-grade novel by multi-award-winning author Eric Walters about a group of preteens forced into isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be released June 3, 2020, from Orca Book Publishers.ĭon’t Stand So Close to Me reflects the current life experience of many young people around the world who, due to COVID-19, are unable to attend school in person or see their friends. Written, published and released during a pandemic: Eric Walters defies traditional publishing norms to create a book for young people living through the COVID-19 era. 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.The first book about the pandemic is already here! Below you can find more information about the brand new release, Don’t Stand So Close To Me by Eric Walters (published by Orca Books).

“It’s a positive story about a very negative event that will be one for the history books.

“Brings us to what is truly important – community and trying to bring everyone together…An important read. Kristen Badger, Media Specialist, Switzerland Point Middle School, Jacksonville, Florida “Wow - just wow ! I LOVED it! Great story, cute without being overly so, funny, honest and fast- paced.” It presents the difficulties families face but gives hope that creativity can find solutions. “So timely, so perfect for right now…This is the perfect book for these pandemic times. Larry Swartz, author of Teaching Tough Topics

Walters helps readers to identify, connect and make sense of a powerful turning point in history. So true is the narrative of this timely book, that it reads like nonfiction as much as fiction. “Walters certainly has his pulse on world events and the minds of young people. “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.” Kim Moss, Teacher-Librarian, Creekside Middle School, Bentonville, AR “Navigates the experience of this unique time period with heart.

Don't Stand So Close to Me by Eric Walters