Fade to Black by Alex Flinn

Although not as perfect an example of the unreliable narrator as Inexcusable, Fade to Black nevertheless raises lots of questions. With an HIV positive main character, this book forces readers to think about their perception of people living with the disease. For example, Alex's family is insistent on making it clear that he got it from a blood transfusion, because that somehow makes it seem less his fault than if he got it another way. I think this is a very good choice for a lot of our students here in Vermont who often aren't exposed to people unlike themselves. Plus, Flinn's writing is always enjoyable, and while the content might be challenging, she knows how to draw in the reluctant readers.