“Haven’t you heard about the virus?”

When her BFF asks this question at the bus stop, there was no way ten 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 honours the story of an everyday girl hero who could be your neighbour, classmate or relative.

Kelly Ann Thorstensen

Glas