A really important, well written, and thoroughly researched middle grade novel about the AIDS crisis and the ACT UP movement. Set in 1987 New York and told from the perspective of Iris, a middle schooler whose father is dying of AIDS, this historical fiction does a great job of detailing the misconceptions that surrounded AIDS at the time and the importance of the protesters’ demands. I loved how it also allowed Iris to fully grieve and feel her anger and resentment, even towards her dad’s boyfriend, while also giving her an outlet for healing and power through activism. I also appreciated the subtle representations of Iris’ Jewish identity and think this story might be useful for exploring pandemics in a historical fiction setting. For a similar story for teen readers, I recommend Like a Love Story.