Chanda's mother is not herself, her younger sister is acting out, and her best friend needs help. A powerful story set amid the African HIV/AIDS pandemic. In this sensitive, swiftly paced story, readers will find echoes of To Kill a Mockingbird as Chanda, a 16-year-old, astonishingly perceptive girl living in the small city of Bonang in Africa, must confront the undercurrents of shame and stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Through his artful style and dramatic storytelling, Allan Stratton captures the enduring strength of loyalty, the profound impact of loss, and a fearlessness that is powered by the heart. Above all, it is a story about living with truth. Proceeds from the sale of this book will be used to support organizations working to better the lives of Africans living with HIV/AIDS.

 

This book is the winner of numerous awards. It was recognised in the Fiction category by the Independent Publisher Book Award. It was recognised by the Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award. It also was recognised in the YA category by the Evergreen Young Adult Book Award. It was recognised in the High School category by the Black-Eyed Susan Award. Also it was recognised in the YA category by the Young Adult Canadian Book Award.

There are 200 pages in this book. This book was published 2004 by Annick Press Ltd .

Karen Klassen is an illustrator and painter who has worked with a variety of editorial and advertising clients. She lives in Calgary, Alberta. Katy Lemay is a collage artist whose work has appeared in many newspapers and magazines. She lives in Quebec. Allan Stratton is an award-winning and internationally published and produced novelist and playwright. His novel, "Chanda's Secrets," is a Michael L. Printz Honor Book. He lives in Toronto.