6 Feet Apart

About the Book

It is March 2020 and the world is shutting down. As COVID-19 begins to spread, eighth graders, Nina, and her twin brother, Andrew, are trying to adjust to quarantines, virtual learning, and feeling isolated from their friends. While their parents make their own adjustments to the restrictions, Nina and Andrew struggle to do their schoolwork online, due to numerous technical glitches. As weeks turn into months and the Fourth of July quickly approaches, they are finally allowed to gather outside in small groups, as long as they stay six feet apart. But there is only one problem. Their neighbor, Mr. Landers, does not believe the virus is real, spews racist comments, and refuses to follow the rules. Will Nina find a way to teach Mr. Landers that compassion and love will always overcome hate? Six Feet Apart is the inspiring story of a determined eighth grader as she attempts to bring light and hope into her neighborhood during a global pandemic.

About the Author

Linda M. Penn holds a master’s degree and rank I degree in elementary education from the University of Louisville. She taught kindergarten through third grade in public schools for twenty-one years. Since retirement, Linda has written children’s books and two adult books. She and her cousin, Frank Feger, wrote the Clayton River Adventure series, a collection of six chapter books targeted for children between the ages of seven and eleven. She also wrote six picture books for children between the ages of three and six. Linda and Sara Morgan Lose wrote two books together—one with the theme of looking at older age in a light and comedic way and the other about cooking and the history of pound cake. Linda’s latest book, Six Feet Apart, was written as a result of trying to offer hope, light, and encouragement to others by showing compassion, not hate.