A touching book which shows the power an inspirational teacher can have over students. Jason's principal, Mr Carr, has always encouraged Jason's love of the violin. Now Mr Carr has resigned as he is dying of AIDS. As the reality of Mr Carr's death comes nearer Jason reminiscences about the other losses he has survived, that of his pet rabbit, Sniffles, and his grandfather. The strength found in memories, and living a life by the examples given is strong in this novel. Discussions about prejudice and myths about AIDS are integrated into the text.

4Q 3P M J

Zalben, Jane Breslin. Unfinished Dreams. Simon and Schuster, 1996. 160p. $16. 9780689800337

Jason dreams of becoming a violinist, which sets him apart from his classmates. His principal, Mr. Carr, encourages him to pursue his dream of studying at Juilliard, while ignoring the comments of school bullies. Jason is doing well until Mr. Carr begins missing school and rumors begin to spread that he has AIDS. The rumor is later confirmed and Jason learns that Mr. Carr is spending his last days with family. Some of the students and parents begin to make disparaging comments about Mr. Carr, forgetting all the good he did as principal. Jason, feeling disappointed and confused, defends his beloved principal, without considering the consequences that might befall him, even within his own traditional Jewish family.
Zalben’s story is more about the actions of a caring boy dealing with hatred for the first time, than AIDS and death. The tragedy is alluded to, but the most climatic moment involves the destruction of Jason’s violin, rather than a death scene. The first person narrative allows the reader to feel what Jason feels. While issues of homosexuality are raised, they are not gone into in any depth.Despite some parts of the book being predictable, the book is very moving and leaves you with a feeling of hope.