by Rob Sanders
Illustrated by Jamey Christoph
4 stars
A beautiful book that depicts the remarkable story of the AIDS Memorial Quilt through lyrical text and wonderful illustrations. In this narrative nonfiction picture book, Sanders tells some of the major events in Cleve Jones’ life alongside the development of AIDS in America.
Interspersed throughout the narration, Sanders includes his poem, “Stitch by Stitch”, about Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt. This adds a wonderfully lyricism to the text and flows well with the story.
Nice illustrations that show hardship, joy, strength, community, and remembrance. I really enjoyed the art style.
At the back of the book is a discussion guide, glossary, short biographies of Cleve Jones and Gert McMullin, further resources, a timeline of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, a timeline of AIDS in American, and the entirety of Sanders’ poem.
Wonderfully written. A great book for discussing and learning about LGBTQ+ history, activism, and AIDS in America.