This guide, written in simple language appropriate for young children, uses a direct, conversational style to explain Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), how safely and comfortably to be with individuals who have AIDS, and how to avoid contracting the disease. The text is in the voice of an 11-year-old girl whose uncle died of AIDS. It emphasizes that people with AIDS are not to be feared and that AIDS is carried in the bloodstream and spread between individuals through direct contact with infected blood. The text deals with many practical issues of every day life related to AIDS prevention: it is not possible to see whether people have AIDS by looking at them; how to be safe with needles (no to "blood brother" rituals based on finger pricking, yes to a doctor's clean, sing-use needle); blood used in hospitals is tested and safe; and what to do when someone is bleeding and needs help. (JB)