Coming Soon: What Kids Did: Stories of Kindness and Invention in the Time of Covid-19 by Erin Silver

I received a preview copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

 

What Kids Did:  Stories of Kindness and Invention in the Time of Covid-19 by Erin Silver

I love books that have stories about real life things kids are doing, especially when those stories are inspiring and hopeful.  We all could use some feel-good stories right now.  Reading stories about young people doing positive things gives me a positive outlook on the future.  I love talking to kids who come in to the library and tell us about volunteer projects and activities that they are working on.  With a considerable lack of these in-person encounters, books like these have to fit the bill.  This one doesn't disappoint.  These kids are total rock stars!

This book has full-color pictures of children and young adults from all around the world, a beautiful display of humanity that represents a multitude of cultures and backgrounds.  All of them have used their unique gifts and talents to spread joy to those most affected by the global pandemic.  Their creativity is innovative, and it is astounding for me to consider that these ideas came from kids not much older than my daughters.  But seeing my daughters, it is amazing to see just how differently their minds work from my own.  They've grown up with so much more than I ever did, especially when it comes to technology and how people are able to communicate now.  They don't know anything different which makes it easier for kids to use it in so many different ways.

These kids used technology to create 3D printed devices that help minimize touching frequently used surfaces as well as face shields that helped in terms of meeting demand for PPE.  Many of the kids used social media, YouTube, and games such as Minecraft to create hubs where people could share information, as well as things like fitness videos to stay active, a Good News Now broadcast that shared positive stories only, and even a Minecraft graduation ceremony where kids could still interact with each other despite quarantine.  One girl created art kids that could be delivered to kids in need while another developed craft kits.  Two sisters created a cookbook called Lockdown Leftovers that gave kids ideas for how to turn limited food options into new meals.  Proceeds were donated to charity.  In fact all of the funds raised from the various projects were donated to charity.  One of my favorite stories was about a 6 year old boy from British Columbia who set up a drive-by/walk-by joke stand.  He followed a regular schedule, taking time for a quick lunch break each day.

While the publisher has designated this book for grades 1-3, I think it would be great for older kids and even adults who enjoy inspirational stories and want more positivity in their lives.

This book is scheduled to be released on October 27, 2020 and is juvenile nonfiction.