Don't Stand So Close to Me

by Eric Walters

[Julie @ Struck by Stories]

Before I begin this review, I would like to address that this book (if you haven’t already picked up on it!) is about the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore may be triggering to some readers.

What I Liked:

• When I requested this book on Netgalley, I was so, so worried that it would be depressing, since, really, what about COVID-19 hasn’t been depressing? However, at least to me, that couldn’t have been farther from the truth. At its core was a touching (he, he, see what I did there!) message to children and teens who might be struggling that we are all going through this together, and that while we may have to stand apart for now, we can still stand together as a community.

• It’s a rather quick and easy read at about 128 pages, and provides the reader with loads of context into the early stages of the pandemic from the viewpoint of middle schoolers.

• I loved Eric’s decision to make Quinn’s father an ER doctor, because not only did he help to provide Quinn with answers she sought about COVID-19, it also displayed just how purely courageous and inspiring first-line responders have been throughout this challenging time.

• According to the author description at the back of the eARC, the author, Eric, “worked for 18 years in a hospital emergency department, including time in a mask, gown and gloves during the SARS outbreak” and I definitely believe that this added an additional layer of depth to this already intricately crafted novel.

• And lastly, for those that didn’t notice, the title of this book (Don’t Stand So Close to Me) is actually a little mini Easter egg!! (spoiler – it’s the title of a song from an old band called The Police) I actually didn’t get that one at first (my mom actually originally caught it!) but you can listen to the song below