"Impeccably written and emotionally powerful."--BCCB
"A valuable education in AIDS history and emotional wellness."--Booklist
* "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
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