A Week Past Forever (Children of Courage)

As they walk along the beach, Nita and her favorite uncle, who is dying of AIDS, talk about the importance of taking care of oneself by making careful choices in life and how love continues long after death

Grade 1-4-Both of these well-intentioned books are mediocre in terms of literary value. Their narrations range from pedestrian to sentimental and they seem to approach their subjects from an adult, rather than a child's, perspective. Full-page paintings feature bright colors, but resemble textbook illustrations. In A Week Past Forever, a Hispanic girl's uncle is dying of AIDS. During a visit, he helps Nita come to terms with his approaching death and stresses the need to consider the consequences of actions. Although there are several books available on the subject for children, this one is unique in its emphasis on self-responsibility, rather than on AIDS information. However, for that message to be meaningful, children would first need to understand how AIDS is transmitted. The superficial treatment given to accepting a loved one's death will not comfort young readers. Mavis Jukes's I'll See You In My Dreams (Knopf, 1993) handles a relative's death with greater poignancy, depth, and realism.The Wind Before It Blows tells of a young African-American boy's relationship with his single mother, who talks to him about the value of friendship, avoiding bad influences, and believing in oneself and one's dreams. Turell follows his mother's advice, and after she dies, passes her gifts of wisdom on to his own son. Pass on this one, as there is an abundance of quality books featuring strong, supportive African-American families.
Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.