Another POSITIVELY Review
Today I happened upon this review for POSITIVELY, from VOYA, which really made my day:
Emerson "Emmy" Price struggles with all the usual daily difficulties of being thirteen, like fitting in, grades, and relationships with the opposite sex, but her burden is heavier with the early passing of her mother as a result of AIDS and her own daily concerns of viral loads and T-cell counts as an HIV positive teen. Emmy loses her emotional balance, her routine, her security, and her biggest supporter. "Mommy. . . . It was two words put together, like a compound word: ‘Mom' and ‘me.' As if we were connected, even though there wouldn't ever be a Mom and me again." Even the strong interest in boys by her best friend, Nicole, makes Emmy uncomfortable because she can never forget that she has AIDS and is therefore different. She cannot imagine ever having a boyfriend, husband, or even growing up at times. Her father's decision to send her off to Camp Positive for girls who have HIV angers Emmy, but a whole new world opens for her once there and surrounded by other girls struggling with so many of the same issues and heartaches. This valuable story discusses uncertainty, very human fears, and most important, hope. The reader is drawn to Emmy, who is ultimately a courageous character, and the lessons at Camp Positive are priceless. It is a terrific introduction to a complex and important topic. It might also serve as an eye opening assignment or discussion piece. Reviewer: Ava Ehde
Emerson "Emmy" Price struggles with all the usual daily difficulties of being thirteen, like fitting in, grades, and relationships with the opposite sex, but her burden is heavier with the early passing of her mother as a result of AIDS and her own daily concerns of viral loads and T-cell counts as an HIV positive teen. Emmy loses her emotional balance, her routine, her security, and her biggest supporter. "Mommy. . . . It was two words put together, like a compound word: ‘Mom' and ‘me.' As if we were connected, even though there wouldn't ever be a Mom and me again." Even the strong interest in boys by her best friend, Nicole, makes Emmy uncomfortable because she can never forget that she has AIDS and is therefore different. She cannot imagine ever having a boyfriend, husband, or even growing up at times. Her father's decision to send her off to Camp Positive for girls who have HIV angers Emmy, but a whole new world opens for her once there and surrounded by other girls struggling with so many of the same issues and heartaches. This valuable story discusses uncertainty, very human fears, and most important, hope. The reader is drawn to Emmy, who is ultimately a courageous character, and the lessons at Camp Positive are priceless. It is a terrific introduction to a complex and important topic. It might also serve as an eye opening assignment or discussion piece. Reviewer: Ava Ehde