THROUGH THE EYES
OF A CHILD
Authors: Nia Rush, Jacob Rush II, Zion
Rush and Noah Rush
Co-Authors: Latrenda and Jacob Rush Sr.
DEDICATION
We would like to dedicate this book to all our loved ones
who we miss spending time with, especially our
grandparents. This pandemic has taught us all to cherish your
time with your loved ones. To our grandparents: we cannot wait
to see both sets of grandparents again! We miss the big hugs,
the funny stories from back in the day, going fishing and let us
not forget the delicious meals together.
Love Always, Nia, Jacob II, Zion & Noah
This book is dedicated to the brother of Jacob Andrea Rush
Sr., Jerald Albern Rush. Your memory will last forever. J.A.R
for life.
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Contents
Chapter 1:The Longest Spring Break Ever!............................1
Chapter 2: The Invisible Virus .................................................7
Chapter 3: Quarantine Birthday .............................................11
Chapter 4: What Is Unity?...................................................... 15
Chapter 5: We Are The People United! ............................... 24
Chapter 6: The Unthinkable................................................... 30
Chapter 7: Inauguration Day.................................................. 35
Definitions: ................................................................................. 36
About the authors: ................................................................. 38
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Chapter 1
THE LONGEST SPRING BREAK
EVER!
Hello. My name is Bailey. I am five-and-a-half years old, I
live with my mom and dad, and I have a ten-year-old
brother named Jerald. This spring break seems so long. One day
my school closed, and I was no longer able to see my friends or
teachers. Hmm, I thought, it would be cool to have a longer spring
break. But…things began to get strange.
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I noticed things were changing when my family took a trip to
the local grocery store, and the shelves were empty. My brother,
Jerald, and I were staring at all the people who were wearing
gloves and masks. The lines were long, and everyone’s grocery
cart was full of toilet paper, paper towels, water, cleaning
supplies and food. After a long wait in line, it was finally our turn.
We quickly loaded our groceries and returned home.
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The people in our neighborhood are so friendly. Everyone
knows everyone else, waving and smiling when we would see each
other. But, since all this, no one would come out of their homes.
It all seemed so strange. The neighborhood park was now empty,
no more chalk on the sidewalk and no more bicycles rolling around.
My brother and I started to see even more people with
masks. If we had to go anywhere, my mom and dad made all of us
wear masks everywhere. We began to stay home all day and were
not allowed to spend time with our neighborhood friends. I knew
then things were getting even weirder!
We could not go to the park to play anymore or eat at our
favorite restaurant. I wondered what was going on. So, one day
I asked my parents, “Why are we wearing masks all the time?
Why can’t we go back to school? Why do Jerald and I have to
see our teachers on the computer instead of in school? Why can’t
we hang out with our friends? Why can’t we see our
grandparents? What is HAPPENING?”
Finally, my parents told us about this invisible virus called
COVID-19. They explained the world is now in a pandemic. I felt
so lost! My parents explained that the whole world is facing a bad
virus and people all around are getting sick. That made me very
sad.
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Chapter 2
THE INVISIBLE VIRUS
I asked, “Why do we have to wear a mask when we leave the
house?” My parents explained the reason for the mask was to
protect others and ourselves from getting germs. If there was a
sneeze or cough, the mask would protect us. They also told us to
wash our hands more often. So now I remember to sing the
“Happy Birthday” song every time I wash my hands.
“Why can’t we go back to school?”
My parents and my teacher explained that we now must
practice social distancing. I was lost, so I asked, “What is social
distancing?” They explained that the only way for us to stay safe
is to remain at home until the invisible virus disappears. But no
one knows how long that will be.
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Our parents even work differently now. Our mom is a college
professor. She works from home. Our dad must wear a mask and
gloves just to go to work. My mom seems very worried for our
dad. Mommy explained that Dad is helping sick people.
“A doctor must be really brave,” my brother said. When he
comes home, we are not allowed to be around him for many days.
My dad sleeps in our family camper to quarantine himself from
the family. He tells us that he loves us very much.
Our parents also explained what an essential worker is, and
it made me feel good to know they help people. I am grateful to
all those who not only work at the grocery stores but are working
everywhere. Mommy said that essential workers help serve our
community even through the COVID-19 pandemic. Our parents
expressed that we need them to help us stay safe and help us
when we are in need.
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Chapter 3
QUARANTINE BIRTHDAY
I had asked so many questions, but I forgot to ask what
quarantine means. My birthday was near, and I began to get
excited, but sad at the same time. I realized that I would not be
able to invite my friends and my grandparents to my party. I
shared with my parents how I felt, and they said, “We will have
a special birthday this year just for you! We are going to call it
A Quarantine Birthday. I was like finally. The answer to the
question that I have been wondering about for the longest.
I asked, “What do you mean?”
Mommy said, “Quarantine is when you are alone and away
from everyone. Just like Daddy has to be when he comes home
from working at the hospital.”
I said, “I don’t want to be alone and away from everyone.”
But she reminded me of the invisible virus and promised me
a special treat.
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I began to get very worried thinking to myself what the
special Quarantine Birthday treat would be. The very next day
was my birthday. It was finally here! I woke up to the sound of
honking horns and singing. I looked out my window, ran downstairs
and to my surprise all my friends, my teacher and both of my
grandparents were outside in their cars. They were in a line just
like a parade. I saw like hundreds of balloons and signs with my
name printed on them, wishing me a happy birthday. They were
waving and singing happy birthday to me!
I was showered with lots of gifts on my doorstep, with more
balloons and a pink cupcake with sprinkles from my favorite
bakery, Bab’e Cakes. They have the best sweets ever! I thought,
Wow! what a cool Quarantine Birthday.
Later that day I thanked my parents for everything, and I
told them that I could not wait for this invisible virus to
disappear and never come back again.
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Chapter 4
WHAT IS UNITY?
As we rode with my family to the store, Jerald and I saw
people shouting, crying, and holding signs. We were so
confused. We did not know what was happening. Now that I am
six years old, I am just learning how to read. My brother read all
the signs out loud. We could see the fear on our parents’ faces
as they turned the car around and took us back home.
It was quiet in the car as we rode towards home. Once we
got there, we turned the TV on and there it was—the same sight
we saw earlier. People shouting, crying, and signs and fires were
everywhere. I looked at my mommy and she was crying. My dad
held her, and they explained what was going on.
I asked, “What do all those signs say?”
Jerald yelled out, “They said BLM!”
I said, “What?”
“Black Lives Matter!” my brother said loudly.
I then asked, “What is happening?”
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My father explained the reason we were seeing the fires and
breaking of things was because there was an African-American
man who died at the hands of the police in front of the whole
world. It made so many people sad and angry.
I then said, “I thought all police are good and don’t do bad
things and hurt people.”
“Bailey, not all policemen are bad and hurt people. Not all of
them make bad decisions,” my parents said.
“Why is everyone so sad?” Jerald asked. “Is it because of
what happened?”
My parents said, “Yes, this is why they are protesting.”
I asked, “What is protesting?”
“Well, Bailey, protesting sometimes happens to bring
attention to justice that is needed,” my father said.
“So, what did the sign say again?” I asked.
My brother shouted, “BLM!”
Afraid, I then asked, “What does BLM mean?”
My father explained that BLM stands for Black Lives Matter.
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I thought for a moment and said, “Well they do matter. But
God loves all of us, right?”
“Yes, He does, Bailey,” my mother said.
“We are all one human race,” my father said. “Bailey and
Jerald, remember we have to show love and unity!”
My brother and I were confused. “What is unity?”
“Unity is coming together in peace and getting along with
others, no matter what,” Mom said. “Some people hate others
just because of what they look like. When some people allow hate
to enter their hearts, it is awfully hard for them to value other
people’s lives. Therefore, you see so many signs that read BLM.”
“So, are you saying that Black lives are the only important
lives?” my brother asked.
My father said, “No, son. What we are saying is events such
as what happened with the young man being killed make the value
of all Black lives seem less important.”
“The human race must respect each other, value each other
and accept each other,” Mom said.
I said, “Just’” like my friend next door. She does not look like
me and we respect and value each other. We accept each other
just the way we are.”
My brother said, “So I get it now. Not all policemen are bad,
but those who are should not be allowed to be policemen at all! I
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see that job as a very honorable job, and it should not be taken
for granted.”
“Exactly, son, but there should always be fairness towards
everyone. Policemen should simply arrest those who break the
law and not be the judge and jury all at the same time,” my father
said.
I asked, “What is a judge and jury?”
My father explained that a judge is someone who makes all
the decisions, and a jury is a group of 12 people who are chosen
to decide whether or not someone is guilty.
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My mother said, “Taking other people’s lives because of what
they look like is hate!” My parents reassured me and my brother
that everything would be okay and told us to always remember
Black Lives Matter too!
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Chapter 5
WE ARE THE PEOPLE UNITED!
One day after dinner my family sat down in the living room
to watch TV. As I watched there were so many
commercials saying, “Go Vote!” I turned to my parents and asked,
“What does vote mean?” My dad explained voting is a way to use
your voice to express what you believe and what you would like
to see done differently.
Jerald said, “I still don’t understand. Why is voting so
important?”
My mom said, “If I gave you a choice of broccoli or carrots,
you would decide based on what you know about each choice. You
love broccoli because it tastes good, and I make it with lots of
cheese on top. Then you have an opportunity to vote on which
vegetable you would like to eat.”
Jerald and I said, “Oooohhhh!”
I said, “So voting is really choosing the person who believes
some of the same things you believe in.”
Mom and Dad said, “Right!”
My mom said, “Guess what?”
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“What?” we asked.
“Tomorrow Dad and I will be voting for America’s next
president, and we are going to take you both with us. I think it
will be fun for you to see how voting works.”
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The next day my parents took Jerald and me with them to
vote. The lines were super long.We finally were able to get to the
front of the line, and my parents were able to vote and we even
got stickers! I asked my parents how long it would take to find
out who wins. Mom said, “Not too long.”
I asked, “Could a girl be president?”
My mom said, “There has never been a girl president or vice
president, but yes, it is possible to have a girl for either job.”
The wait seemed so long even my parents began to wonder
how many more days it would take for us to find out who would
be our leader. Finally, one day as I was watching TV, I saw a lot
of people dancing in the streets, and I called my parents into the
living room and told them to look.
To our surprise, the United States of America announced a
new leader. America chose a boy and a girl! My brother and I
started dancing just like the people we saw on the TV. My parents
reminded us of how important it is for everyone to vote because
every voice should be heard.
I then asked, “What are their names?”
My dad said, “President-elect Joseph Biden Jr. and Vice
President-elect Kamala Harris.”
On January 20, 2021 they will be the United States new
leaders. I was so happy to see a girl vice-president and thought
to myself, Wow, she looks just like me.
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Chapter 6
THE UNTHINKABLE
A new year is here, and I cannot help but to think of how
cool it will be that the United States has chosen new
leaders. One day my family was driving to get a bite to eat when
there was an interruption on the radio station. The announcer
said that there was a riot happening at the Capitol.
My father said out loud, “an insurrection!” My brother and I
looked at each other and were so confused. We did not
understand what was going on. As Dad continued to drive, my mom
looked on her phone, and to her surprise the unthinkable was
happening. A violent riot was going on at the Capitol. My parents
were quiet going back home. We finally got home and turned the
TV on and saw the saddest thing ever! People were breaking into
the Capitol of the United States. There were crowds of people
yelling and climbing tall walls. There were fights, arguments, and
people even lost their lives.
Jerald asked my dad what was a riot. “Can you tell us, please,
what does that funny word IN-SURR-REC-TION MEAN?”
“The ‘insurrection,’ means a violent uprising against the
government,” Dad said.
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“See, every four years the United States holds an election,
and we the people are given the opportunity to vote on who we
would like to be our president. The candidate who gets the most
votes wins. In this case, some people were not very happy about
the election and this is the result,” my dad said.
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As we continued to watch the news, we saw an officer by the
name of Eugene Goodman. He redirected a mob of rioters the
opposite way to save lawmakers who were in session at the time.
This was the only good thing that came out of the day the
unthinkable happened
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Chapter 7
INAUGURATION DAY
The special day was finally here and there was so much
excitement in the air. It was the day we finally got to meet
our new elected president Joseph Biden and vice president
Kamala Harris.
My mother turned on the TV and said, “Come here and let us
watch the inauguration.” My brother and I came into the living
room to join my parents, and I asked what was an inauguration?
My mother explained that it was a ceremony where the new
president and vice president are sworn in and a transfer of power
takes place.
January 20, 2021, President Joe Biden and Vice President
Kamala Harris were sworn in as our new leaders of the United
States.
The End!
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DEFINITIONS
Black Lives Matter (BLM) - an advocating group that stands
for racial equality and human rights of minorities
throughout the country
COVID-19 or Coronavirus - a mild to severe respiratory illness
Essential workers - workers who serve the public even during the
pandemic
Human race - all people
Inauguration - a ceremony beginning a presidential four-year
term
Insurrection - a violent uprising against the government
Judge - someone who makes the final decision in a court of law
Jury - a group of 12 people who are chosen to help the judge
decide whether someone is guilty
Pandemic - an outbreak of a deadly disease
Protest - a crowd of people who give voice to the unheard
Quarantine - a long period of time that people are placed away
alone to avoid being exposed or exposing others
Social distancing - keeping a physical distance from people
Unity - coming together for peace
Virus - infection of all living things
Vote - a freedom to choose a candidate of your choice
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Noah Rush is an eighth grader who aspires to one day
become a doctor. He is the co-owner of In His Image
photography/illustration. His favorite subjects in school are
math and reading. He plays golf, loves photography, and enjoys
playing video games. Noah’s favorite Bible verse is taken from
Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me.”
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Zion Rush is a ninth grader. Her favorite subjects are
reading and writing. Zion is the owner of Glossy Bossy
Cosmetics. She hopes that this book will help children
understand what is going on in the world today and to love and
treat everyone the same. Zion’s favorite Bible verse is Psalm
71:7-8. “I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong
refuge. Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy
honour all day.”
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Jacob A. Rush II is a 16-year-old illustrator, he is the Co-owner
of In His Image photography and illustration. Jacob loves art
and inspirers to one day become an anesthesiologist. His favorite
quote is a Bible verse that comes from Ecclesiastes 1:9. “The
thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is
done: is that which shall be: and there is no new thing under the
sun.”
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Nia Rush is 19 and a sophomore in college studying to become
a nurse one day. Nia is a young entrepreneur, and she is
the owner of Bab’e Cakes bakery. Her favorite scripture is taken
from Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the thoughts that I think
toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to
give you an expected end.”
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Co-Authors:
Jacob Rush Sr. is a minister, public notary, and owner of Rush
Senior Solutions Insurance firm. Jacob loves writing poems,
football, basketball, lifting weights and teaching God’s Word.
Jacob also has his own cleaning service. Jacob’s favorite bible
verse is Proverbs 16:3. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy
thoughts shall be established.
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Latrenda Rush is a former educator of 20 years and the
owner of Art of Learner an educational consulting firm. She
currently homeschools her children. Latrenda has written
several other books. She loves to travel, write, sing, play the
piano, cook, garden, and spend time with her family. Latrenda
believes that God is Good all the time and her favorite Bible
scripture is Psalm 91.
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