We Are All the Same: A Story of a Boy's Courage and a Mother's Love Book

The author does a great job of painting a picture of Nkosi's humanness, his connection with the past, present, and future of his society and country, and in so doing, makes the reader feel as though they too are connected to something bigger than themselves. Wooten points out that Nkosi, a young boy born HIV-positive, is a part of many families--not just his biological and foster families, but many others as well: The family that all black South Africans are a part of, that of all people who are HIV-positive, and all children orphaned by AIDS. He is a tiny but whole person, who is both ordinary and extraordinary. He is motivated and personable, and also exhausted by the demanding role of being a national spokesperson and advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS at age 11.

I read this book to find out if it would be a good choice for my book club and I intend to give it my highest recommendation! I'll also insist my parents read it before they head to South Africa next year. An excellent read.