This frank, well organized book brings a wealth of information on AIDS to an audience that sorely needs it. Questions and answers about AIDS are presented within the framework of readers' own experiences and vernacular, which makes the facts and advice especially accessible. Ford zeroes in on issues of particular interest to this age group, among them "How many young people have HIV?"--a question that has a sobering answer: because so many minors who may well be infected either believe they can't get HIV or do not have access to medical facilities, they have not even been tested. The author offers concise, very candid explanations of the symptoms and progression of AIDS, modes of transmitting the HIV virus and testing for and treating the disease. Affecting, eye-opening interviews with four young people infected with HIV underscore the need for this forthright book. Ford also provides a thorough resource guide of hotlines and organizations from which readers can get information--and, if necessary, help. Ages 11-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up-- This honest, nontechnical book discusses all aspects of the disease. Lengthy answers to common questions cover stages of infection, methods of transmission, myths, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, which is emphasized. According to the demands of the topic, the text contains explicit details; the tone is matter-of-fact and nonjudgmental. Diagrams are included, e.g., step-by-step instructions on how to put on a condom or clean a syringe. Each chapter is followed by vivid, heartwrenching interviews with HIV-positive individuals and AIDS patients, who point out ignorance as the avoidable cause of their tragic plight. These interviews, the highly readable question-and-answer format, and an extensive list of support groups (including a hotline directory for every state) make this work a desirable purchase for all libraries serving YAs. While Ford suggests reading through the answers to all the questions for a thorough understanding of the topic, it is possible to gain a great deal of information by just browsing. In fact, reading a couple of pages could save a life. --Sue A. Norkeliunas, Arlington Senior High School, LaGrangeville, NY
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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