Understanding and Preventing AIDS: A Guide for Young People

Colman does not mince words in this hard-hitting presentation. AIDS is a killer disease, and children and teens are losing their lives. To get this message across, Colman profiles several young people with AIDS or their family members, including Ryan White, the Indiana teenager who contracted the virus from a blood transfusion and was barred from his school. The text strives to be nonjudgmental, but there is a strong message for readers to avoid the drug scene and either to hold off on their sexual contacts or practice ""safer sex.'' In straighforward language Colman details how research conquered diseases such as cholera and the bubonic plague and what the chances are for an AIDS vaccine. A quick reference guide is provided, as well as a list of federal and state resources for information. There should have been more attention given to the selection and use of photographs. Included are excellent microphotographs of the AIDS virus but many other pictures (an unrolled condom and scientists at work) are uncaptioned. Other photos strain credibility: AIDS researchers are shown working gloveless, as are a medical technician, shown drawing blood from an AIDS patient. Ages 11-up. (March)