World Made of Glass

World Made of Glass
Ami Polonsky
Little Brown, 2023
276 pages
Grades 5-7
Historical Fiction

Iris's life is crumbling. Her parents divorced two years ago when her father realized that he was gay. Dad moved into an apartment with JR in Iris's New York City building in order for them to remain close. Iris hates JR for both taking her Dad away from the family and, now, for infecting him with HIV. It is 1987 and help for those infected by the virus is years away. When the teachers in Iris's school are informed of Dad's illness, some treat her differently, one even thinking that she will infect him when she gets a cut on her finger. Dad's story ends sadly and Iris is devastated. Through her mourning she finds herself growing closer to JR as they both navigate the choppy waters of grief. Some of Iris's friends react strangely once they learn the truth behind Dad's illness, but a new student is sympathetic and everything gets that much more complicated when Iris gets her first crush on this new friend. Iris finds some solace in getting involved with an AIDS awareness group and participating in demonstrations. Getting involved can't bring Dad back, but Iris can fight for rights of those still battling the disease and help to spread the correct information. Everyone thinks Iris is strong, but she knows otherwise. Can she figure out a way to move forward to to make some sense of her broken heart in this broken world?

This story ran very close to my heart. I lived through the AIDS crisis and traveled on the journey with an infected close friend. I love that there is an approachable novel for young people that shares that experience with this current generation. The time is ripe. Today's kids have just lived through a pandemic and will have a new appreciation for those that loomed before. Iris is a likable yet flawed protagonist to whom kids will relate. Her anger at her Dad's partner is realistic and the author shows Iris's gradual acceptance of JR in a believable way. The discrimination faced by Iris and her family for both their lifestyle and exposure to the disease also has relevance today. I love that Iris and her father (and eventually JR) exchange poems, encouraging readers to break out a few of their own to help process feelings. There is a crush, but the situation remains innocent and age appropriate. The story does not end fully on a happy note, though Iris has found some peace and a better sense of who she is. Yes, my heart broke while reading this novel, but there are young readers who love a sad tale and this will more than fill the bill.