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An “inspiring” (Kirkus, starred review), “heartfelt” (The Horn Book, starred review) coming-of-age novel about a girl finding her way to activism in the early years of the AIDS pandemic, from award-winning author Ami Polonsky.

Iris tries to act normal at school, going through the motions and joking around with her friends. But nothing is normal, and sometimes it feels like she’ll never laugh again. How can she, when her dad is dying of a virus that’s off-limits to talk about? When she knows that soon all she’ll have left of her kind, loving dad are memories, photos, and a binder full of the poems they used to exchange?

In a sea of rage and grief, Iris resolves to speak out against the rampant fear, misinformation, and prejudice surrounding AIDS—and find the pieces of Dad that she never knew before. Along the way, Iris might just find new sides to herself.

Critically-acclaimed author Ami Polonsky has crafted a lyrical, tender, earth-shattering novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

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A Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honor
A Kirkus Best Children's Book of the Year
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A CCBC Children's Choice Book
A Chicago Public Library Best Book
A Horn Book Fanfare pick
A Bank Street College Best Book of the Year

* “The book shows a girl focusing her rage and pain into love… Simultaneously sad and life affirming; a poetry-filled, inspiring call to activism.” —Kirkus, starred review
* "Emotionally charged...showing both the cost of inaction and fear around the HIV/AID crisis, and the power of activism to bring change and build community." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
* “This is the best kind of family story, filled with love and, yes, loss, but most importantly with caring. The narrative is lyrical and heartfelt, and young people will be inspired to see Iris transcend her grief, use her voice, and find a way to make a difference.” –The Horn Book, starred review
* “Ami Polonsky has crafted a beautiful story which speaks of courage, family, love, anger, discrimination, ignorance, and hope. …Polonsky has delivered a powerful message to us all that should not be passed up.” —School Library Connection, starred review
* “Beautifully written … with its sensitive portrayal of loss, and its carefully researched depiction of a devastating time in American history, this lyrical novel is highly recommended.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“Impeccably written and emotionally powerful.”
BCCB
“A valuable education in AIDS history and emotional wellness.”
Booklist

On Sale: Aug 6, 2024
Page Count: 304 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN-13: 9780316462143

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Ami Polonsky

About the Author

Ami Polonsky is a middle school teacher, mother, and author, among other things. She is the author of World Made of Glass, Gracefully Grayson, and Threads, and invites you to visit her at http://www.amipolonsky.com

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Ami Polonsky

About the Author