Pandemic inspires book by Churchill student

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This article was published 19/06/2020 (1916 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The pandemic lockdown turned out to be the inspiration for a book written by a Churchill High School student, which is now helping raise money for a children’s charity.

Grade 8 student Isabelle Orellana Sloan wrote a short book called Bleh: A book about kids coping in a pandemic which features four friends talking about their experiences during the pandemic first at school, then via their computers during social isolation.

“It’s about four kids who are being interviewed. Their names are Lizzie and her friends Jackson, Noah and Kieran. The first time is when they’re at school, and how they feel about what’s going to happen when classes have to close,” she said. “When they’re at home, they’re unhappy, and some don’t care that much.”

Her goal behind the story was to sound out her feelings about COVID-19, and to encourage other students to seek out help if they’re feeling anxious, angry or sad.

Orellana Sloan wrote the text and made the art in the span of three weeks, and with the aid of her teacher Dylan Rasmussen, got it printed and bound. He is also spreading the word about the publication.

Rasmussen, who teaches science, said he noticed how passionate his student is about writing and art. He first assigned her a story in science class back in March, and then went on to encourage her to write a longer piece with characters and a plot.

“She put a ton of effort into this,” he said. “I felt she needs a boost, especially since all the students have to stay home right now. This is something she can feel proud about.”

Bleh, printed by the Winnipeg School Division’s print shop, is available at Nerman’s Books and Collectibles at 700 Osborne St. The price is $10 and all proceeds go to Variety, the Children’s Charity of Manitoba.

Orellana Sloan’s mother, Angela Sloan, said they talked about which charity to pick, with a focus on helping kids. “We want to help kids who are struggling mentally,” she said. “Isabelle has a younger brother who has special needs, and we thought about a charity that would help kids like him and ended up with Variety.”

The plan is to keep the book in print until September. Teachers from around the city have been in contact with Rasmussen and Sloan, purchasing copies to stock at their schools. Churchill High will put up a display of the book, as a tribute to the first-time author.

“My favourite part in the book is at the end, when the four friends all get to meet each other again,” Orellana Sloan said, adding she is feeling cramped by being stuck at home all these months. “I’d like to go to the beach at Birds Hill Park. I love swimming.”

To obtain a copy of the book, see www.nermansbooks.com or call 204-475-1050.