An Unexpected Journey: A COVID-19 Tale

De: Naomi Barton

Narrado por: Naomi Barton, Emilia Lower, Lindsay Hawkes, Kelly Ann Thorstensen

“Haven’t you heard about the virus?”

When her BFF asks this question at the bus stop, there was no way 10-year-old Emilia could know that the global pandemic of COVID-19 was about to turn her life upside down.

Based on true events, this story follows the journey of Emilia, who lives in South Korea with her teacher mother, where they both enjoy their international school community.

Life is wonderful until the rapidly spreading global pandemic of COVID-19 prompts her mother to take Emilia from her home in Korea to her home in New Zealand. Emilia’s life changes without warning, and the range of heart-wrenching feelings she experiences is overwhelming.

The transformational story of Emilia honestly expresses the pain and confusion of sudden transition from a child’s point of view and celebrates the comfort that family and community can provide. It honors the story of an everyday girl hero who could be your neighbor, classmate, or relative.

©2021 Naomi Barton (P)2021 Naomi Barton

I personally know this is a true story

I am privileged to know 3 of the 4 people in this story and can confirm it is an absolutely true story. Emilia certainly won the lottery getting Mrs Thomas as her teacher on her return to New Zealand. She has so much empathy for her students. Emilia's parents are also outstanding educators and it will be exciting to follow Naomi's new career path. I hope the Lower family are able to travel again in the future.