Kid Konnection: Patrick's Wish

Patrick's Wish by Karen Mitchell with Rebecca Upjohn (Rated: C)
Second Story Press
ISBN: 978-1897187708
Published March 1, 2010
Paperback, 24 pages

I like reading books to my children that teaches them more about the world around them. It is difficult sometimes to explain about certain diseases, so when it is put to a story, it is easier to grasp. Patrick's Wish is the true story of a hemophiliac boy who contracted the HIV virus through a tainted blood transfusion. It later developed into AIDS. The story is told through the eyes of Lyanne, Patrick's younger sister.

Through family photographs, we get to know Patrick, a talented and courageous boy whom Lyanna adores, and a happy family who copes together. Patrick keeps his illness a secret but once the virus turns to AIDS he decides to tell his extended family and friends. Their mixed reaction was something I discussed at length with my children. It gave me a chance to talk about AIDS, how it is contracted, and the public's fear of it.

Patrick knew this and he wished that everyone should learn about this disease so that they could stop being afraid and learn how to protect themselves. His wish was also that one day we would find a cure. Although ultimately sad, I liked reading this book with its positive message. The family photos made my children see Patrick as a regular kid and later teen who was courageous and brave. I found the telling of the story well done, focusing on Patrick and his wish. Although the topic is heavy, it is well told and appropriate for children. I believe information is powerful and this book can be a powerful tool to inform children about HIV and AIDS.

To remember Patrick's wish: Patrick4Life is a not-for-profit organization founded by Patrick’s family to continue his goal of raising HIV/AIDS awareness in schools. Its mission is to support educational programs and activities designed to equip youth with the skills and knowledge they need to make healthy life style choices. Find out more at www.patrick4life.org.

Disclosure: Thanks to Lauren Connor from Second Story Press for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Every Saturday, Booking Mama hosts a feature called Kid Konnection—a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, visit Booking Mama.

Saturday, December 25, 2010