Hope for Ryan White

by Dano Moreno, Hannah Abbo (Illustrator)

Even after he was diagnosed with AIDS, Ryan White never lost hope.

When Ryan White was diagnosed with AIDS as a teenager in 1984, doctors gave him just six months to live. With the time he had left, all he wanted was to lead a normal life, go to school, and spend time with friends. Instead, he faced discrimination from people who didn't understand his illness--but he didn't let that stop him. Ryan kicked off a heroic battle to educate the world about a disease that was spreading rapidly and killing more and more people each year. By sharing his story, he helped change the conversation and raise awareness of an epidemic that still affects us today.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published June 22, 2023

About the author

Dano Moreno started writing for kids when he became a father. When not writing, Dano enjoys time with his family and works as a public health advocate. He lives in Oregon with his husband and son and is represented by Charlotte Wenger.

Reviews

[Ashley Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan White was not born with great health. He was born with hemophilia, and his treatment involves blood transfusions. Unfortunately, he contracted AIDS. In 1984, people had a lot to learn about AIDS. Misinformation was everywhere; a lot of people were afraid they could get sick from touching things Ryan touched. Some people didn't want Ryan to go to public school with the other kids.

Other people stood up for Ryan's right to go to school. Thanks to Ryan White, laws have changed and schools are a more inclusive space. Thanks to education, we have learned facts about AIDS and can spread facts instead of fear.

[Molly Cranch · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOPE FOR RYAN WHITE tells the story of a young teen diagnosed with AIDS in the early years of the disease. The story deals with challenging topics in a way that is sensitive and accessible to young children. Topics include: medical facts/diagnosis; the emotional impact of HIV on Ryan, his family and community; discrimination; and Ryan's legal battle. I think this is an important book to read and presents a wonderful example of a young person standing up for what is right. I love the illustrations, too!

[Amy Nielander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This true story is informative, heartwarming and hopeful. Readers will not only learn about Ryan White and the effects of misinformation, they’ll also discover how courage, true friendships and compassion can impact a community.

In 1987, Ryan White and his family moved from one town to another because his HIV diagnosis had frightened classmates, families and school staff. One of my favorite parts in the story was when Ryan met his new neighbor, Jill (also the student body president) that summer. They quickly became friends and when the school year kicked off, Jill worked with staff to help Ryan feel welcomed in the high school. They teamed up and invited experts to visit, so students could properly learn about AIDS “based on facts” and ask questions. Eventually, “students became teachers in their homes.” HOPE FOR RYAN WHITE is an inspiring book, written with exceptional clarity and paired with poignant illustrations. It will help readers understand how impactful communities can be when they work together and support others, unconditionally. Perfect for classrooms, student clubs, educators and families.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan White's bravery and clear thinking in the face of discrimination shines through in this nonfiction picture book. Dano Moreno tells Ryan's story with compassion and care. Ryan, a child with hemophilia who was infected through blood transfusions with the virus which causes AIDS, was discriminated against because of misinformation and fear about the deadly virus. Prevented from going to school because of that fear, he not only fought a legal battle (and won!), but shared his story and facts about the virus through TV appearances and interviews. Still, Moreno points out, Ryan longed for friends and freedom from discrimination. One especially tender part of this story is the friendship and advocacy of a classmate, Jill Stewart, who helped ease Ryan's transition into a new school.

An unforgettable, thought-provoking, and important tale that will evoke empathy and understanding. Note: I received an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Judith Valdés B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope for Ryan White is a touching true story written in a clear and compelling voice. While it is a story about how misinformation can cause tremendous pain in a young child’s life, it is also a story of the compassion and care we find in others. When Ryan moves to a new town, a neighbour and schoolmate helps him navigate the anxiety of starting in a new school, resulting in a supportive group of friends and teachers who bring acceptance, joy, and peace to his life.

Ryan White's biography is an important story highly recommended for libraries, classrooms, and homes!

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This powerful book tells the true story of Ryan White, who learned in 1984 that he had contracted AIDS through blood products because of his hemophilia. After learning that he was sick, Ryan and his family tried to share facts with his classmates, their families, and the school officials, including the fact that there was no need to be afraid that Ryan would infect other students, but people in his community continued to be afraid of Ryan. And Ryan continued to be lonely. Will Ryan be able to help others understand that there's nothing to be afraid of?

Spoiler alert: Yes, with the help of friends who bring in experts to share facts, not fear, Ryan is able to successfully attend school and make friends. Ryan's biography is an important story about the power of information as well as the power (both for good or bad) of our own actions. Back matter is included and gives more information about Ryan as well as HIV and AIDS. This book is highly recommended for libraries, classrooms, hospitals, counselors' offices, and homes!

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read about Ryan White and how his HIV diagnosis scared people in his town to the point they wouldn't let him go to school. In 1984 the general public was spooked about AIDS as intensely as we were about COVID at first. Many people feared you could get it with close contact, which turned out to be inaccurate. The book tells me a lot more than I read in the newspapers at the time. Ryan White, only 13 years old when he was diagnosed, wanted to go to school and see his friends. I discovered from this book that he worked hard to educated people on how it is transmitted. I discovered he had to move to a new town, a town whose children and parents accepted him. I also found out that he died at 18, something I missed in the newspapers at the time. It was so heartbreaking that someone so young had to die, but because of him, much more work was done on HIV research, which helped AIDS become less of a threat. A biography worth reading.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dano Moreno writes a book that encourages young readers to have compassion for people living with an illness. It tells the true story of Ryan White (b. 1971), a boy who had a diagnosis at age 13 (1984) of AIDS. It should not matter how he got it because all HIV positive people and all people living with AIDS deserve compassion, respect, and community. So statements such as "he wasn't even gay," can be problematic because that implies that gay people deserve to have a serious disease.

Back to the book.

The illustrations and text depict Ryan at home, in the hospital, at school, and at court where he was fighting to attend school. The story details how people at school and in his town were bigoted against him and how they bullied him. He was determined to fight this discrimination in court. AND HE PREVAILED!

His family ended up moving from Kokomo, Indiana to Cicero, Indiana--where the people there were pro-active in welcoming him and pro-active in inviting medical experts to come teach about HIV / AIDS.

We learn that Ryan lived to the age of 18, but clearly his legacy lives on.

At the end of the book there are two additional sections: "How Ryan White Changed the World," which summarizes the effect of his activism and describes the CARE (Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency) Act passed by the US Congress shortly after Ryan's death. The section "Answering Questions about HIV and AIDS" is one page with answers to four basic questions, such as "What are some things that don't spread AIDS?"

Even though Ryan passed several decades ago, the lessons about giving people respect and dignity and the lessons about fighting bigotry with information still ring true.

[Amy Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start. I know Ryan's sister. She is an amazing teacher I was lucky to teach alongside and my children were lucky to have her as a teacher. I didn't know about Ryan until I met her. But once I heard his, and the family's story, I was shocked, saddened, but also inspired. This kid did so much in the face of not only being ostracized from his community, but in the face of a terminal illness. He stood up as a self-advocate for those with AIDS to raise awareness about the facts and to dispel the harmful misinformation. Legislation was passed in his honor to find treatments for AIDS and to educate the community. When I asked my ten-year-old son what he'd say to Ryan if he was still here, he said "Ryan, thank you for being brave." In our current climate relating to budget cuts, health misinformation, and othering ideology, this is a must-read for everyone. Ryan's activism should serve as a blueprint for us all in how to evoke change and move the needle toward a more loving, inclusive, and educated community. Dano, you really brought Ryan's story back into the spotlight where it needs to be. Thank you!

[Lynn B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using a clear and compelling voice, HOPE FOR RYAN WHITE tells how one young activist changed the world for the better. Born with hemophilia, Ryan White needed blood transfusions to stay alive. In 1984, when he was still in middle school, he contracted AIDS from one of those transfusions. At that time, “there was no cure and no good medicine to treat it.” When Ryan felt well enough, he wanted to go back to school, and even though doctors were sure it was safe, “misinformation echoed through the town.” But Ryan began speaking out about how he was being kept out of school, and reporters made sure the world heard about it. Ryan fought long and hard for his rights, and to educate the public about AIDS. He made a difference. HOPE FOR RYAN WHITE is an informative and uplifting picture book with brightly colored illustrations that puts the story of this young activist into context for readers. It’s a story everyone should read!

[Stephanie Gibeault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope for Ryan White is an important biography that outlines the life of AIDS advocate Ryan White who was diagnosed with AIDS as a teenager. He faced lies and discrimination but fought hard for his right to attend school. He educated people about the disease and its transmission and helped raise awareness and funds for research. The book’s message about trusting facts over rumour and the power of one young person to create change is incredibly timely. I also loved the back matter about how a person can and cannot get HIV/AIDS. It’s factual yet age appropriate. This is an inspiring story and well worth a read!

[Molly Ruttan]

HOPE FOR RYAN WHITE tells the true story of Ryan White, a boy who contracted AIDS when he was a young teenager in the 1980’s. The engaging text and expressive, colorful illustrations outline his journey of becoming an advocate for the truth about the transmission of AIDS & HIV by fighting the misinformation spreading around his town and indeed the world at that time. The book is an empowering story, an important homage to Ryan White, and is sure to inspire kids to realize that they have the power to raise their voices and become spokespeople for issues they care about. The back matter is also extremely informative about the disease. A must-read!

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope for Ryan White is just that—a book filled with hope. While it tells Ryan’s story and his fight to be in school with his friends, even though he has AIDS, it sends a powerful message to readers. It is about fighting for what you believe in, about not giving up or giving in. Ryan fought to educate people, to stop misinformation and discrimination based on illness. And while his family did end up moving, Ryan continued to educate not only the people around him, but the entire world. Dano Moreno has written a book to inspire readers to follow his lead with perseverance and determination. Well done!

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This powerful picture book is inspired by a true story about a boy who educated the world about AIDS and fought back against misinformation and discrimination. Dano Moreno and Hannah Abbo do an excellent job telling Ryan White’s story. The text is simple enough for young readers to understand and the art is incredibly welcoming. I’m so glad a new generation of kids will have the opportunity to learn about this important story. HOPE FOR RYAN WHITE will inspire readers to become changemakers and stand up for what it right!

[Julie Abery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope for Ryan White is the true story of Ryan White's battle to attend school and be accepted in the community after being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS as a teenager. He contracted the disease in the 1980s by receiving an infected blood transfusion. His courage to promote fact over misinformation is a main theme of the book and an important lesson for all. A strong narrative, and bright illustrations highlights Ryan's inspirational journey. A section on answering questions about HIV/AIDS ends the book.

[Jill S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an inspiring story!  I’ve never read a children’s book about Ryan White.  HOPE FOR RYAN WHITE is a beautiful book that shares his brave journey fighting discrimination, after his AIDS diagnosis in the 1980s.  The powerful themes and messages still resonate strongly today.  Kudos to author Dano Moreno, illustrator Hannah Abbo, and the publisher Albert Whitman & Co. for bringing this important book into the world.

[Fiona Halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moreno's "Hope for Ryan White" is an uplifting and powerful account of schoolboy Ryan White, who contracted AIDS through blood transfusions for haemophilia in 1984, and went on to become an activist until his untimely death at 18.

Moreno handles a complex and tragic subject with delicacy and feeling, writing Ryan's story simply and directly. “The more the lies were repeated,the more they seemed true,” is a line that resonates deeply.

Inspiring and moving in equal measures, the story underscores the immense power of education, youth and determination in bringing about change even in the face of what seem like overwhelming odds. "Hope for Ryan White" is an indispensable story, especially for classrooms and school libraries.

[Vivian Kirkfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a win-win on every level. Beautifully written text and engaging illustrations keep us turning the pages and wanting more. And the topic is one that we need to share with young children - and keep sharing. When Ryan White bravely stood up to demand his right to an education, he made his voice heard for every one of us. Thank you to Dano Moreno for telling this story and helping us remember that one person can make a difference.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember Ryan White - remember hearing the jokes, the hurtful comments, the speculation about his sexuality - but most of all I remember the fear. Looking back it seems like it could not really happen; a little boy who just wanted to be around his friends, told that he could not go to school. There are lessons here - lessons I wish I could say were learned - but I can't say that. A powerful book about a very brave little boy - and the example he set for all of us.

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOPE FOR RYAN WHITE features real-life, 1980s activist Ryan White. He was a hemophiliac who acquired AIDS from a blood transfusion when he was a teenager. Because of the newness of the disease, he faced an enormous amount of ignorance and discrimination. He had to fight the school system in order to continue his education peaceably. He became an ardent spokesperson for himself and everyone else who suffered from this medical condition. Before his death in 1990, he experienced meaningful friendships and created alliances. The author, illustrator, and publisher did a wonderful job presenting this historical figure to the world.

[Songju Daemicke · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOPE FOR RYAN WHITE is a powerful book. It tells the true story of Ryan White, a boy who contracted AIDS when he was 13 years old in the 1980s. The book will inspire kids to realize that their voices matter and can make a difference in issues they care about. There is information about the disease in the back matter at the end. Highly recommended.

[Aolund · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an accessibly written book about Ryan White's experience having AIDS and experiencing intense discrimination in his hometown even as he became a national spokesperson and activist advocating on behalf of people with AIDS. A good book for discussing AIDS, disease, discrimination, and misinformation.

Themes: Disease/illness, AIDS, misinformation, activism
Age range: Elementary

[Gina Soldano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow I'd gotten to adulthood without ever hearing about Ryan White. Now, I will never forget him. This story following the life of one young boy with AIDs is so kind, thoughtful, and informative. I learned a lot from the story itself before I even got to the back matter! I highly recommend readers of all ages read this story.

[Heather Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important story to share that really helps children understand the HIV/AIDs epidemic, but also the emotional effect it has on lives through the eyes of the young Ryan White. It also points out how much power children can have by learning and sharing instead of spreading misinformation.

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Truncated story of Ryan White and his fight for inclusion after contracting HIV from tainted blood. While the essential details of his battle were highlighted it would have been really good to have some of the scientific / medical facts included as well.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good example of the harmful impact of misinformation! The tone in the end was an empowering message to children that they can use their voice to educate adults.

[CKE387 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two inspirational quotes:
"The more people knew, the less they feared."
"We can all honor Ryan by sharing his story, listening to experts, and spreading facts instead of fear."

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The more people knew, the less they feared."

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring story about a boy diagnosed with AIDS who educated others about the disease in order for him to get his fundamental right to an education. A great example for readers wanting to see kids making positive changes in the world.

[Laura Roettiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan White never set out to be a spokesperson for people to treat those infected with AIDS with respect and kindness or to combat the spread of misinformation. All he wanted to do was be a normal kid and go to school and be with his friends. I remember him well and his story touched me deeply at the time. Now, reading Dano Moreno’s book and seeing the fantastic illustrations by Hannah Abbo, I have the chills knowing generations of children who might not otherwise know about Ryan White’s story will be inspired.
I love books about standing up for what is right and this seems especially important in a world where social media has allowed anonymous hate speech and lies to spread unchecked. A beautiful example of being the change you want to see in the world.