By Justin B Terry-Smith, $12.30; Creative House, International Press
A small voice of awareness can open up a world of acceptance. In the case of I Have a Secret, it does more than aware kids about the importance of HIV acceptance. It brings the life of someone with HIV into an open medium that anyone, in any grade, can enjoy.
The story fallows a sixth-grader named Jay who's just starting school. For protection from discrimination, his father has insisted that Jay keep his HIV a secret to everyone, even his friends. When Jay's medication falls out of his bag one day, his friendship is put to the test; then, he must either tell his secret or keep it and risk the consequences. Realizing that he must be a voice of awareness he plans a presentation to the entire school about HIV and his life.
This children's book does a wonderful job of weaving adult conflicts and scenarios into a vastly accessible and fun binding. Smith has a knack for allowing people into a different life and this prose details the journey in a gripping style that will soon have readers flipping pages. Readers of all ages won't forget Jay's journey of discovery and acceptance.
Told in a freshly chic style the elegantly woven messages will have readers' quickly understanding Jay and his mission. The story unfolds in a nice even pace that grips your attention long after the last page is closed.
With a clean writing style Justin brings a children's book that tells a story that everyone can pick up and learn from. The book does an excellent job of blending education and entertainment that will ring with resonance. The simply powerful prose is the foundation of a valuable educational tool that's enhanced by likable characters and a deeply relatable storyline. I have a secret said that it's okay to keep secrets but huge rewards will blossom and bloom with awareness. Packed with rich meaning this accessible children's book is the perfect advocacy tool to spread the importance and acceptance of differences everywhere. This is an epically sound journey that you won't want to miss.