A Cape Flats high school boy has written a book about his life during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The 15-year-old’s book, titled The Pandemic and a Grade 9 Learner, was launched on Tuesday at Rocklands Secondary School in Mitchells Plain, which author Tyler Abrahams attends.
The 92-page book is published by All Nations Helping Hands Publishers and the intimate launch ceremony was attended by friends and family and his proud parents Graham and Monique Chadwick.
In his book, Tyler describes how he and his family coped with the pandemic under lockdown and how he managed to stay positive while indoors.
His mom says Tyler lost three uncles to the deadly virus, while she and her husband also became sick after getting infected.
“I really missed the social gatherings with the family,” he says.
Tyler says his book was inspired by a task his teacher gave the class – to keep a diary of life under Covid-19.
“My notes started since my teacher told us to record every day we spend in lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he says.
“I actually thought I would keep these notes for my kids and grandkids to read one day, but it’s perfect because now it's a published book, history made.”
Monique says she was impressed by her son’s commitment to complete the task he started.
“When he told us the first time that he is writing a book, we did not make much of it but as the journey continued, we saw that he is really passionate about it.
“Tyler is someone who likes to take on new challenges, so I know whatever he puts his mind to, he will achieve.
“It was a proud moment being at the launch and seeing Tyler’s book come to realisation, it was an unreal experience.
“The main purpose of the book is to let other teens and parents know that all they went through during the pandemic was also things we went through.”
Dad Graham says anyone will be able to relate as the problems are universal: “In his book, he writes that he is the hero of his own story.”
To order a copy for R150, call Monique on 061 607 0410.