Like many kids, the pandemic left 7-year-old Mackenzie Smith missing school and her friends.
“It was really heartbreaking for me because I didn’t get to see my friends,” Mackenzie said. “I didn’t get to see my teacher. I didn’t get to see anybody.”
Mackenzie, who lives in Lansing, decided to write a book about her pandemic experience, titled ‘My New Normal,’ where she focuses on following safety rules. Mackenzie mentions social distancing, washing hands and wearing a mask, which she says is important because Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who she calls ‘Big Gretch,” said it will protect others.
Whitmer featured Mackenzie on Facebook this month to kick off March is Reading Month.
Mackenzie’s book is dedicated to her mother, Erkia, who had coronavirus last fall. Her father, Martel, also had coronavirus later that year.
“Just having to isolate from your entire household, you don’t realize how hard it is until you have little people,” Erkia said. “Like we have a 3-year-old and then Mackenzie who’s seven. So, it is hard not being able to be around your children.”
From left, Martel Smith, stands next to his wife, Erkia Smith, and (left) Mariah Smith and Mackenzie Smith while she holds the book she wrote about COVID-19 on Saturday March, 20, 2021 in Lansing. Nicole Hester/Mlive.com
Despite the Smith’s struggles with coronavirus, Mackenzie said she hopes other kids learn to have fun even if there isn’t anywhere to go. Mackenzie enjoys playing with her younger sister, going on walks and playing at the park.
While she may be a young author, Mackenzie had guidance from her grandmother Carmen Thomas, who is an author of several self-help books.
“That’s where (Mackenzie) got the idea to actually write the book,” Erkia said. “… They just spent time talking about being a writer and putting your thoughts on paper.”
Under Thomas’ guidance and her father Martel’s editing, Mackenzie’s book was published through Amazon. According to her father, her book has sold more than 600 copies.
Will Mackenzie write more books? Yes, but she’s keeping the next book’s topic a secret, she said. She is set on writing when she grows up.
Mackenzie doesn’t miss her friends anymore because she goes to school in person now. However, she wants to tell other kids to “make sure you stay safe. Make sure you wear your mask, and everything is going to be OK,” she said.
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