The Gathering Tree

by Larry Loyie, Constance Brissenden, Heather D. Holmlund (Illustrator)

The Gathering Tree is a beautifully illustrated children's book about HIV/AIDS. Written by award-winning First Nations author Larry Loyie and co-author Constance Brissenden, it is a gentle, positive story of a First Nations family facing HIV. After eleven-year-old Tyler and his younger sister Shay-Lyn learn their favourite cousin Robert has HIV, they discover that knowledge brings understanding and self-awareness. Aspects of physical, spiritual, mental and emotional health are addressed.

Genres: Picture Books

48 pages, Hardcover

First published September 23, 2005

Reviews

[Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is about a boy with AIDS which is a disease that makes you sick. He is inspired by two men who also had the disease but did not survive. I liked the book but one problems I had was that it was hard to keep up with the characters. I would read this book again if I had the chance in the future.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-written book bringing awareness of HIV in a gentle and positive manner. It also describes life among the First Nations. This is a fine book.