Know about AIDS

The authors of the recent teen volume AIDS: What Does It Mean to You? now bring the message to a younger group. Meant to answer children's questions and help teachers in that task, the book explains how AIDS might have begun, what a virus is and how this particular virus seems to work, the primary risk groups, who might need a test, the search for a cure. Occasional stories of individuals strengthen the work and will help children empathize (e.g., foster care of an AIDS child, a child whose bisexual father is afflicted). Another strength is in crediting the gay community for its role in creating awareness. Even adults familiar with the facts may come upon new information, such as the notion that the disease has a different character in different geographic locations. It would be difficult to convey information about the ravages of the disease in a reassuring manner, but this book manages, thanks to its clear, steady tone, not to terrify most of the time. Ages 8-12. (December)