Baby Alicia Is Dying

Title: Baby Alicia Is Dying

Author: Lurlene McDaniel

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Level: Young Adults

Characters: Desi, Alicia, Valerie, Aunt Clare, Carrine, Brian, Sherrie, Matthew, Gayle, Eva, Sadie, Tamara

Plot: Desi was an ordinary teenage girl until one day her heart was touched by a baby named Alicia. Her Aunt Clare had taken her to Childcare, a home where abandoned HIV positive babies are cared for. Desi works alongside Sadie, Gayle, Tamara , and her Aunt Clare. Here she cares for Baby Alicia by giving her baths, loving her, and playing with her. At school, Desi is made fun of because of her association with HIV babies who will probably develop AIDS. Brian, her lab partner, comforts her and encourages her throughout all of the trials and tribulations. Even Desi's own mother is concerned about her daughter working with the babies. Over time, Desi becomes more and more attached to Alicia. Then, Alicia becomes sick one day and ends up in the hospital. Within a matter of time, Alicia passes away. Desi is heart broken. After Alicia's death, Desi is confronted by Alicia's mother. She explains to the young girl that she really cared about Alicia, but it was impossible to care for her as she was on drugs. The story closes with Desi returning to Childcare. A new baby has arrived at the center and the teenage girl once again becomes attached to another child.

Precautions: Lurlene McDaniel is a wonderful Christian writer. Throughout the entirety of the book, there are significant Bible verses and Christian ideas that go along with the story. This book teaches readers the importance of accepting others (in this case, those who have HIV). Also, it has an underlying message that states that even when those around you discourage you from doing something, it is always important to do what is right. When reading this, be sure to think of how it can be applied to your personal life. As a teenager or adult who is reading this book, you are tempted to do things everyday. This book is a great tool to show cause and effects of certain behaviors and practices. The only major precautions are for those who are younger. Due to the nature of HIV and AIDS, I would not recommend this novel for younger readers.

Ratings: Overall, this is a book that I would recommend. It is a great tool for showing people, especially teenagers, the causes and effects of doing drugs and other negative behaviors. Like I stated earlier, the author is a wonderful Christian fiction writer. Hopefully, this book will be enjoyed and many things will be learned from it.