Positively

Courtney Sheinmel

Sept 2009 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this eBook

Since the day Emerson Pressman and her mother were diagnosed as HIV positive, nothing has been the same. When her mother dies of AIDS, Emmy has to go live with the father and stepmother she barely knows, and she feels more alone than ever. Now she has to take pills by herself, and there is no one left who understands what it's like to be afraid every time she has a cold. But when her father decides to send her to Camp Positive, a camp for HIV-positive children, Emmy begins to realize that she's not alone after all, and that sometimes, opening up to other people can make all the difference in the world.

Ratings and reviews

Review Positively, a heart-wrenching and inspiring story by Courtney Sheinmel, depicts the life of a teenage girl who is HIV-positive. Emerson Watson must learn to cope with the loss of her best friend, her mother, and her life altering disease- AIDS. Emmy battles a journey of dealing with pain, anxiety, hatred, and misunderstanding. She often questions her life and wonders “Why me?”. Written like a diary, the story makes you feel as if you are alongside Emmy as she deals with her emotional year. Whether it is the feeling of being alone in the world, dealing with death of a loved one, moving into a new family, wondering if you will be alive the next day, or simply learning to love again, this story encompasses every feeling that an adolescent might face. Emmy constantly struggles with her everyday life and it is not until she attends a camp for HIV-positive adolescents that she learns to laugh, live, and love again. Throughout the story, you often find yourself wanting to cheer Emmy on and encourage her to keep living. This story is truly inspiring. Emmy shows what it feels like to be a teen who is trying to find herself in the world, but deal with something she has no control over -AIDS. This story would touch the heart of those who have diseases and understand what it feels like to be lonely. Every student should read this journey and realize that they can conquer anything they set their mind to.

Even though I have only read the sample, it is very moving. My mom has always told me, just because it is sad doesn't mean it is bad.

Best book ever! It was so moving and instead of putting my book down right when my teacher says come to a stopping point,I could not put it down!!!! I am young but this book moved me and I truly love it!!!!

About the author

Courtney Sheinmel is a chocolate-lover, mac and cheese expert, mom to Archer, and the author of nearly thirty books for kids and teens, including the acclaimed Stella Batts and My Pet Slime series for young readers. Her book She Persisted: Helen Keller was part of Chelsea Clinton’s She Persisted series. Courtney received a National Scholastic Educator Award for her work as a writing instructor at the nonprofit Writopia Lab. Visit her online at CourtneySheinmel.com.