SARS-CoV-2, or the “novel coronavirus,” caused a global pandemic. In early 2020, the virus reached nearly every corner of the globe and infected millions. Every country took steps to contain it, resulting in a global economic shutdown. This “Big Pause” even impacted pollution levels around the world. In this series, readers will take a look at the COVID-19 crisis. This high/low series helps students understand the virus, its impacts, and how the world has reacted and offers a hopeful look at what a post-COVID-19 future might look like.