Hope for Ryan White

February 15, 2023
Ryan White fights for equality. 1n 1984, when Ryan is diagnosed with AIDS caused by hemophilia treatments, misconceptions abound. Even though doctors say AIDS can't be transmitted by playing or sitting with someone, many in his hometown of Kokomo, Indiana, are afraid, and Ryan is barred from attending school. As Ryan educates the public about AIDS via TV interviews, some people change their opinions. But some spread rumors that Ryan is gay and trying to infect others. "The more the lies were repeated," the author observes, "the more they seemed true." After a yearlong court battle, Ryan is permitted to attend school. But though he receives supportive letters from around the world, his classmates still don't accept him...until, in 1987, he moves to Cicero, Indiana, and meets Jill, who brainstorms a plan with school officials to educate students about AIDS. Students, in turn, educate parents, sparking a chain reaction: "The more people knew, the less they feared." In addition to honoring White, the straightforward text effectively demonstrates both the dangers of misinformation and the power of empathy and education. Simple cartoon illustrations convey Ryan's loneliness and joy as well as the public's angry scowls, uneasy glances, and welcoming smiles. Backmatter details Ryan's influence on AIDS legislation and answers frequently asked questions about HIV and AIDS. Ryan, his family, and Jill present White; background characters are racially diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Thought-provoking and uplifting. (Informational picture book. 4-8)

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April 15, 2023
Grades 1-3 When Ryan White was diagnosed with AIDS in 1984 as a young teenager, he became a pariah, the victim of widespread ignorance. People wrongly believed that any contact with him would give them the disease; few understood that he became ill because of the blood transfusions necessitated by his hemophilia. Thanks to this misinformation, his middle school barred him from attending classes. Undaunted, he and his parents sued the school and--after a year in and out of court--won, but people continued to treat him as an outcast until the family moved away. In the meantime, Ryan told his story to the media, and it appeared that there may be hope after all. Though it's a bit didactic and largely sidesteps the sad ending (the author's note mentions Ryan lived until age 18), Moreno's story is clearly written and straightforwardly deals with Ryan and AIDS. Abbo's cartoonlike illustrations are serviceable, though they add little to the text. Back matter will help adults share the story, which is one of the few that addresses AIDS for a younger audience.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.