A Small, Good Thing: Stories of Children with HIV and Those Who Care for Them

by Anne Hunsaker Hawkins

Deeply moving and inspiring stories of children living with HIV and the truly remarkable people who care for them. It was only when Dolores was on her deathbed that she told her husband, Cesar, that she had AIDS, as did their two small children and Cesar. Despite overwhelming obstacles, Cesar is fiercely devoted to caring for his children, one of whom is blind from the disease. Loretta and Mike Riley are on welfare with physical ailments of their own (diabetes, cancer, heart disease); nonetheless their love for a boy severely disabled from AIDS has brought about an astonishing transformation in him. Angelina, because of emotional problems in addition to HIV complications, has been in six different foster homes in two years, but is now in a home where she is thriving. Far from despairing, A Small, Good Thing presents intimate and life-affirming portraits of children born with HIV and the medical personnel, biological families, and foster families who care for them. Through these stories we see the effects of the disease on children and the efficacy of current treatments as well as the ins and outs of the medical systems and social agencies meant to help these children. Children with HIV are an often overlooked group. This immensely powerful and important book provides much needed attention and hope.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2000

Reviews

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

A humble reminder of how much the "have nots" suffer,particularly when they are unlucky enough to get a terrible illness. Written in 1999,the book chronicles the lives of stricken children and their families, from the standpoint of a "visitor' to a Peds HIV clinic.Much has changed in the treatment of HIV over the years, at least here is the good old USA,but this progress stands on the bodies of those who went before. I am proud to say this memoir is based upon the exploits of real-life heres, one of whom I know well.Shine on,Good Souls, wherever you are.

[Jessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The children's stories were very interesting and taught me a great deal. I didn't really value the connection to literature or the author's interjections and eventually skipped those parts.