Assistant principal pens book about student navigating pandemic

BATTLE GROUND — Daybreak Primary School Assistant Principal Solina Journey was emotional when schools closed their doors in March due to the pandemic. She channeled those feelings into writing a book. “I know how difficult it has been for kids — especially younger children — to make sense of everything that has been happening since spring,” Journey said. “Not being able to see close friends and family, not being able to participate in favorite activities, and hearing bad news every day about the pandemic and social unrest is a lot for little ones and young adults to comprehend.” The book, called “When the City Went Quiet,” follows a second-grader called Estelle, her single mother who is trying to balance parenting and working from home, and their feelings amid the pandemic. “I had been talking to a lot of families who were struggling to make ends meet,” Journey said. “Lots of parents lost their jobs. Many others were trying to balance working from home while also caring for their children. And it’s even more difficult for single parents who are the sole providers for their families.” “When the City Went Quiet,” is illustrated by Julie Dee, a former preschool teacher and paraeducator. Copies of the book can be ordered at solina-adelson-journey.com.