With well-paced, robust prose and well-cadenced dialogue, the novel provides valuable insights into the role religion, superstition, culture and customs play in the daily lives of Bonangians. A great choice for learning about other cultures and about the AIDS crisis., By focusing on Chanda's personal struggle with what Stephen Lewis, UN special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, calls a "sinister, invisible poison," the novel demonstrates that love, loyalty, family, and friendship can flourish in an open and truthful atmosphere once the destructive influence of secrecy has been conquered. there is not a maudlin moment in the novel, just genuine grief and understanding as the epidemic assumes some of its many human faces., Chanda is a likeable and well-written character. The message about overcoming ignorance and shame and confronting the facts is ever-present, but the tense story and the realistic characters - caring, mean, funny, angry, kind and cruel - will keep kids reading and break the silence about the tragedy., A searing book on an important subject. strength of human character when faced with adversity., neither sentimental nor graphics close the personal struggle.
Strong language and frank description are appropriate to the subject matter., Brings the despair, overwhelming poverty and the impact of AIDS/HIV to life.
The details of sub-Saharan African life are convincing and smoothly woven into this moving story of poverty and courage, but the real insight for readers will be the appalling treatment of the AIDS victims. American Library Association Book Pick for 2005: Selected As One of the Best Books for Young Adults., Smart and determined, Chanda is a character whom readers come to care for and believe in, in spite of her almost impossible situation.
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