Picture Books — Review

The Gathering Tree

by Larry Loyie with Constance Brissenden
illustrated by Heather D. Holmlund, Theytus Books, 2005
ISBN 1-894778-28-6, $19.95 (hc), 48 pp, ages 8 – 12
www.theytusbooks.ca

The Gathering Tree tells the story of Robert, a young First Nations man, who comes home to his village to help his people understand the truth about HIV. Robert’s young cousins don’t understand why their friends are not allowed to play with them while Robert is visiting, and can hardly believe that Robert is sick when he looks so well. This beautifully illustrated book was created to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS among young people, in the hope that it will help them avoid becoming infected with this preventable disease. Factual information about HIV/AIDS is presented in question and answer format at the end of the story.

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