I want to share with you a children's book that I have blessed to write and which was recently published. It is entitled "Me and My Grandma - A story for children about AIDS". It is geared for children from 10 years old and up. It has been a 15 year journey getting this book published, and I am so honored and thankful for this book - to support all the children and families throughout the world who in their lives (especially their childhood) lost their mothers and fathers and loved ones to drugs or AIDS and who had to struggle with the shame, embarrassment, low self-worth, pain or hurt in silence. It is for all of us who have been touched by drugs and/or AIDS that I have been blessed me to write this book. This book is a tool to validate these experiences and to let people know that they are not alone in their experiences. It is so we can all hold up heads in classrooms, schools, offices, jobs and even street corners and know that inspire of the trials and tribulations of our loved ones with drugs and/or AIDS ...that we (the living) are blessed to carry on in their absence. And because we are still here, we still have positive work to do!
Me and My Grandma - A story for children about AIDS is an intergenerational story about the effects of drugs and AIDS on one African-American family. The story is told through the eyes of a nine year old girl named Ayesha; and it focuses on the close-knit relationship between Ayesha and her loving Grandma, who is raising her. In the story Ayesha's biological mother shares (in simplistic terms) how her own self-esteem issues, and need to belong led her to make poor choices that resulted in drug addiction and the eventual contraction of AIDS. This is an important story because today's children live in a world vastly different from prior generations, and countless are daily confronted at home or in the streets with many painful and even life-threatening issues. These children need a place where they can begin to understand and make sense of their daily realities, to enable them to cope and survive. However, all children have some exposure to these social issues and problems via the media. Children need to be able to share and express their thoughts and fears. Stories provide a way for children to understand these issues and come to terms with the past, and to transform the present and construct the future within the world around them.
There is a tremendous need for children to see themselves and their families in the stories they hear or read. It is essential for children to hear stories that accurately reflect and portray their lives. Children need to hear stories that speak to their reality, because there is an inherent power in story. All children need to have their personal life experiences validated, despite whether those experiences are positive or negative. By providing children with stories that reflect their own personal experiences, and their perception of the world, they can begin to find comfort and security in their daily experiences and personal existence. Within every child lie stories that need to be shared, acknowledged, and understood. There are so many voices of children that have not been heard. It is time for adults, to give those precious children the power to use story to help understand, shape and better their lives.
Me and My Grandma... explores the issues families face when dealing with a family member who is addicted to drugs and then subsequently contracts AIDS. For far too many children this book speaks to their personal lives and thus provides them with validation of their own experiences, and lets them know that they are not alone. As for children who have no direct experience with the issues and concerns in this book, it can foster understanding and compassion for those whose lives are affected by the devastating effects of drugs and AIDS. This book also helps children understand some of the circumstances that cause so many people to turn to drugs and the daily battle people face in dealing with drug addiction. This story can also develop feelings of caring and compassion towards those who are living and struggling with HIV and AIDS. It is my hope that this story will draw attention to the many complex issues that arise as a result of drugs and AIDS. Hopefully, as a community of people we will begin to work together and combine resources to help address and eliminate these problems.
In the words of Nina Jaffe Professor at Bank Street College Graduate School of Education in NYC:
"Through culturally rich, fluid storytelling Helen Tinsley evokes the warmth and continuity of family relationships while confronting the loss of a parent to AIDS. In telling detail, the reader is drawn into the worldview of a nine year old girl who learns of the reality of drug use, illness and death by caring adults whose life-affirming values young Ayesha comes to hold as her own. With illustrations that capture the everyday life and personal interactions in vibrant lines and color, Me and my grandma: A story for children about AIDS is a significant contribution to children’s literature for upper grade readers, their families, teachers and friends."
Nina Jaffe (The golden flower; The way meat loves salt)
Graduate faculty; Bank Street College of Education
I sincerely hope that you will also recognize the value and importance in getting this book in the hands of children who can feel validated in reading their story in print and possibly promote this book or provide an opportunity for me to discuss this book on your show. Copies are available at: www.htinsley.com/publications.html
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