The Eagle Kite

The Eagle Kite is a book that is about a boy who is about 10 but by the time the book is finished is a teenage. He lives with his mom and dad and is an only child. One day he learns that his dad is diagnosed with Aids. His Mom told him that his dad received the disease from a blood transfusion but Liam knows the real truth. In the book, he flashes back to the time when he witnessed his dad embracing another man, Geoff. Liam goes through years of keeping this a secret from everyone, even his own family. He doesn't want any of his friends to know about his dad. His dad moves away and leaves his mom and Liam to deal with many emotions. His dad's "friend" dies and Liam goes to visit his dad over Thanksgiving break. While he is visiting Liam realizes that his dad has put a lot of effort and research into planning a trip for them to Ireland. Liam knows that his dad is getting weaker and probably will never be able to make the trip. He finally opens up to his dad and tells him he knows the truth about his disease and how he got AIDS. His dad's sister, Mary, has never come to terms with her brother's illness and when the phone call comes that his dad is close to death, she fails to tell them. This book deals with a family relationship that has been pulled apart by secrets, mistrust and anger. You'll need to read the book to see if Liam makes it to the hospital before his dad dies and if his Aunt Mary ever faces up to the fact that her brother is dying from AIDS. I liked this book because it deals with a real life situation. I would probably feel the same way as Liam does about his dad having AIDS and not want my friends to know. I give this book a 4 star rating.

Paula Fox has tackled a sensitive topic in The Eagle Kite and has handled it with much feeling and warmth. It is the story of Liam and his father who had secrets and now has AIDS. It could be their last chance to repair any damage done to their relationship. It is a short little book for teenagers but it packs quite an emotional wallop but in a sweetly subtle and quiet manner. This book will be a nice revelation for any teenager dealing with relationship issues with their parents. It is a look at dealing honestly with one's parents and one's children and building a relationship through that honesty whatever it reveals. It is a sad, touching story.

The only problem with this book is that it is too short.Paula Fox manages to paint a picture of our society within the microcosm of a family that reflects the good and bad attitudes many otherwise good people have regarding gays and AIDS. Don't be put off by any warnings. The people, both young and old, who have trouble with the book reflect more of their own personal problems in dealing with the subject matter. After speaking to several middle school students who found the book at a recent book fair, I discovered that they were able to empathize with Liam, the hero of the story. The only thing they couldn't understand is why Liam's mother and aunt behaved the way they did. They could see in the adults' attempts to protect the boy that they were hurting him more than helping him. This is a book that should be a welcome addition to any classroom library. It would even make an excellant text on which to base a series of lessons on tolerance and acceptance. "The Eagle Kite" soars.

When I first heard of this book I was sincerly interested. But when I read it- it was everything, even more than what I hoped for. It was desciptive, honest, and completly heart wrenching. Liam's father had AIDs. Liam was told it came from bad Blood Tranfusions. Liam didn't agree with this. Liam remembered the day he saw his father on the beach. He was not alone. In fact, he was embracing someone. But yet, not just any someone. Liams father was embracing a man. Liam could not forget about this. It stayed inside him, and in my opinion was eating him alive, just like AIDs was eating his father. Liam found the courage to forgive his father. That really touched me. Because, I know the exact feeling of having to have your family angry and hurt by you, but then to have them except and forgive you. The Eagle Kite was definetly a book all families should read. I also think it would be wonderful inspiration for families who are having poblems that include a gay person in the family. The ending was ironic, but I shouldn't give it away for the people who havent read it. Enjoy!