ALA Booklist (Tue Jan 03 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Drawing from memories of a brother-in-law's 10 years of post-diagnosis life, an author who chooses to remain anonymous offers a general overview of HIV's effects on the body, how it is and is not transmitted, common misconceptions about the disease, and most importantly, how to accept and provide emotional support for an afflicted friend or family member. Though the effort to keep things simple and positive sometimes results in moot or contradictory claims (HIV/AIDS is 100 percent preventable; Can you get HIV from urine or feces? No. But the next sentence ends . . . unless it contains visible blood), reluctant readers in particular will be drawn by both the easy, nontechnical narrative and the overall mix of short chapters and Q&A sections. A generous annotated list of relevant Web sites gives this sensitive, therapeutic offering added value for assignment use.

Horn Book (Tue Jan 03 00:00:00 CST 2023)

An anonymous author whose brother-in-law, Jay, was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS describes the family's response, Jay's fight against the illness, and his legacy. At the end of each chapter, a question-and-answer section addresses concerns both biological ("How do people get HIV?") and philosophical ("Why are some people afraid of people with HIV/AIDS?"). The combination of personal anecdote and facts is effective. Websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Kirkus Reviews (Tue Jan 03 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Ten years ago, there was a dearth of recent books on HIV/AIDS for young people. Now, as if the disease has vanished from America, it is rare to find a book with contemporary information. This slim book fills this void with up-to-date medical information and a personal perspective offering insight into what it is like to watch someone battle with HIV/AIDS. That the author felt the need to publish anonymously is telling of the extent to which the social stigma of the disease persists. She chronicles the journey of Jay, her brother-in-law, from his diagnosis to his death, describing the emotional toll his illness and death took on family and friends and sharing practical advice on how one can remain a good friend to someone diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Interspersed throughout is current information about the virus, including origins, communicability, precautions, symptoms and treatments, with a great deal of attention to addressing the myths about how the virus is transmitted. An accessible, informative, insider's view, this book reminds readers that there is still a long way to go. (further information, glossary, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 10-16)

School Library Journal (Tue Jan 03 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Gr 7 Up-Respecting her family's wishes, the author chooses anonymity to recall the time 10 years earlier when her brother-in-law was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, and she intersperses her account with questions and answers about the disease. For example, the chapter titled "False Fears" deals with her visit with Jay soon after his diagnosis. His mother had replaced the terrycloth towels in the bathroom for paper ones so that he would not have to share with anyone else. The questions that follow this particular memory deal with the many ways the virus is not spread (e.g., one cannot get HIV from saliva, tears, mosquitoes, or swimming pools). Though the book is heavier on information than personal story, the author's aim is continued awareness about the disease so that one day the stigma placed upon it will be gone. She is as adept at defining medical terms and emphasizing the need to support patients as she is at describing the emotional impact of Jay's illness on his whole family. Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Voice of Youth Advocates (Tue Jan 03 00:00:00 CST 2023)

The anonymous author explains her motivation for writing this book by telling readers that ten years ago, when HIV/AIDS was still considered a taboo subject, her brother-in-law was diagnosed with the disease. She writes in a truthful, open manner, addressing common questions about HIV/AIDS and providing easy-to-understand and honest advice. Chapters follow JayÆs diagnosis and treatment, and the author answers common questions that relate to each chapter. Perhaps most helpful to the young reader is that the book is not written by a doctor but by someone who has been personally affected by AIDS. The authorÆs personal insight is what makes this book an important addition. Topics address everything from the history of HIV/ AIDS to how to protect oneself from the disease. She also provides suggestions on how to cope with hearing that a family or friend has HIV/AIDS. Perhaps the best advice is given in the chapter called Lifelines: Still Be a Friend. The author states, ôIf you find out that someone you know has HIV/AIDS, the first and most important thing of all is to still be a friend.ö The bookÆs glossary, index, and list of Web sites for more information are extensive. The authorÆs focus on how the disease affects all people, whether they have contracted HIV/ AIDS or not, makes this book a must-have for all teen collections.ùSarah Sogigian.