Stratton, Allan. Chanda's secrets

STRATTON, Allan. Chanda's secrets. Firefly. 193p. c2004. 1-55037-834-1. $8.95. JS

In an author's note, Stratton, the author of Leslie's Journal--his first YA novel--explains the fictional nature of Chanda's Secret as "it is not intended to represent the unique complexities of any existing country, nor to encompass the wide range of differences, histories, and experiences to be found within the sub-Saharan region." Above the author's note is an AIDS awareness ribbon and the words, "For those who are passed and those who survive." The dedication encompasses the essence of what this novel is about. It is about death and dying and survivors--those who are left to cope with the vast loss of losing loved ones. On the first page of the novel, the reader is introduced to 16-year-old Chanda, who is making funeral arrangements for her little sister Sara. From there, the chain of illness, death and shame begins, engulfing Chanda, her family and her friends. The most difficult part of it all is that Chanda must harbor several secrets, including her fear of being infected with HIV/AIDS by the man who raped her and her understanding of the connection AIDS has to her mother's declining health. In the end, Chanda learns that everyone she knows has a secret, and nearly all the secrets are linked to HIV/AIDS. When she finds that her grandmother and aunt have left her mother to die alone in an isolated area, she refuses to keep secrets or be silent any longer.

Though Chanda seems wise and responsible beyond her years, she becomes a hero for those who, for whatever reason, feel ashamed of who they are or their circumstances. Through all of the adversity, Chanda never lacks hope, and she never stops dreaming. KaaVonia Hinton, Michigan State Univ., MI

COPYRIGHT 2004 Kliatt
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group