In Wuhan, kids' diaries tell story of virus ordeal

"Even though they are still young children, their words show that every one of them wants to live as a beam of light to warm themselves and illuminate others," she said. "From their diaries, I can see that some of their parents were fighting at the front line as medical workers, volunteers and staff members supporting people's daily lives."

Before April 8, the day the city reopened after a 76-day lockdown, Yu edited and published a diary collection of 400,000 words. The book has been added to the permanent collection of the Hubei Provincial Museum and the China Teacher Museum.

"By recording their time in Wuhan, the children have made themselves stronger and grown up together with the city," she said. "The most difficult days when we warmed each other are my unforgettable memories and a significant event in my educational career."