Living with Hiv

This powerful and eye opening picture book uses the first-person testimony of Melissa, a child living with HIV. Melissa explains what HIV is, how she was diagnosed, the medication she takes and the physical effect of the virus. We read about her fear of telling people and the stigma that made her feel early on that her condition must be kept secret.

Melissa explores everyday relatable circumstances; school, family and talks in depth about her friendships. The open and clear text encourages students to empathise with other children’s differences and recognises the similarities between their own lives and hers.