My brother has AIDS by Deborah Davis. Atheneum, 1994.
Lacy's brother, Jack, comes home in the latter stages of AIDS. Lacy's life is subsequently turned upside down. Her parents do not want her to tell others about Jack's illness as her father has had difficulty accepting Jack's homosexuality. Jack's grief over the loss of his partner is realistically portrayed. Lacy presents a class health report on AIDS, with the support of her swim coach, who has also had a brother die of AIDS. Most of Lacy's friends rally around her and support her. Lacy fights to be part of Jack's last days as that's all she'll have of him.
When heroes die by Penny Raife Durant. Atheneum, 1992.
Gary's hero, his Uncle Rob is dying of AIDS, which Gary refuses to believe. However Rob's condition worsens and Gary has to face the fact that Rob won't be alive for much longer. Gary also has to accept the fact that Rob is gay, and then worry that he, too, is gay. Gary's mother and neighbours are very supportive and open throughout this period, enabling Gary to grieve in his own way. Rob's love for Gary, and Gary's for Rob, is unaffected by the realities of Rob's sexuality. Gary comes to learn that he can still be like Rob, that the best parts of Rob are unrelated to Rob's sexuality.
Two weeks with the Queen by Morris Gleitzman. Pan, 1990.
Colin's little brother, Luke, is diagnosed with cancer. In their grief and shock the boy's parents send Colin to his aunt and uncle in England, while telling him little about the diagnosis. Colin convinces himself that the Queen's doctor will be able to cure Luke and sets about contacting the Queen in order to find the best doctor in the world. Numerous comic interludes occur while Colin pursues his quest. While doing so Colin befriends Ted whose partner, Griff, is dying of AIDS. Colin becomes part of Griff's last days, supporting both Griff and Ted. Through this experience Colin knows he has to be with Luke during his last days. Colin's magical thinking is all too real and he and Ted's grief, while downplayed, is powerful.
Losing Uncle Tim by MaryKate Jordan, illustrated by Judith Friedman. A. Whitman, 1989.
Daniel has always been close to his Uncle Tim. But Uncle Tim is dying of AIDS. In his confusion Daniel asks questions about AIDS and the answers are incorporated into the text. Daniel learns to celebrate Uncle Tim's life and to cherish his memories, even thinking of how he can pass on the lessons taught by Uncle Tim.
Baby Alicia is dying by Lurlene McDaniel. Bantam, 1993.
Desi volunteers at Childcare, a hospice for babies born HIV positive. Desi connects with Alicia, who is eight-months-old. Desi feels unloved by her parents, believing that they, her mother particularly, expend all of their love on the oldest child, Valerie. Desi learns this is because her mother didn't want to feel attached to Desi due to the cot death of Desi's brother who died before Desi was born. Old wounds are healed through Desi's experience with Alicia. Alicia's condition worsens and she eventually dies of pneumonia. Many facts about AIDS and HIV are woven into the novel.
Tiger flowers by Patricia Quinlan, illustrated by Janet Wilson. Dial Books for Young Readers, 1994.
The strength of this book lies in the bond between the young narrator and his Uncle Michael. The book is out of the ordinary in that Michael and his friend, Peter, die from AIDS-related illnesses. Michael's illness means he lives with the narrator's family, which strengthens an already deep bond. Michael's physical deterioration is shown in the soft illustrations. This is a compassionate text, which could be used to introduce a discussion about the AIDS-virus. The comfort found in memories is also shown.
Unfinished dreams by Jane Breskin Zalben. Simon & Schuster, 1996.
A touching book which shows the power an inspirational teacher can have over students. Jason's principal, Mr Carr, has always encouraged Jason's love of the violin. Now Mr Carr has resigned as he is dying of AIDS. As the reality of Mr Carr's death comes nearer Jason reminiscences about the other losses he has survived, that of his pet rabbit, Sniffles, and his grandfather. The strength found in memories, and living a life by the examples given, is strong in this novel. Discussions about prejudice and myths about AIDS are integrated into the text.
